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4.4 out of 5 (554 experiences)


About Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a tree from Central and West Africa. The species name, lyrata, refers to the leaves’ shape of a lyre, a small string instrument played in Ancient Greece. The plant has a uniquely and mutually beneficial relationship with specific kinds of wasps. In fact, every plant in the Ficus genus has a unique wasp species which will lay its eggs in the fruits of only its favorite species! 🐝
Taxonomy
Ficus lyrata
Ficus
Moraceae
Rosales
Also known as
Ficus

How to care for Fiddle Leaf Fig

How often to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig

every 9
Fiddle Leaf Fig needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Fiddle Leaf Fig in your home

a window
Fiddle Leaf Fig love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Fiddle Leaf Fig does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Fiddle Leaf Fig in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Fiddle Leaf Fig

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Fiddle Leaf Fig requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Fiddle Leaf Fig is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Fiddle Leaf Fig doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Fiddle Leaf Fig does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Fiddle Leaf Fig should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
It’s common for Fiddle Leaf Fig to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Fiddle Leaf Fig is native to worldwide Tropics.
Flowers
Fiddle Leaf Fig produces flowers in the wild, but does not flower when kept as houseplants.
Growth Pattern
Fiddle Leaf Fig will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Fiddle Leaf Fig can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12a. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Fiddle Leaf Fig can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Fiddle Leaf Fig, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












I purchased my Fiddleleaf fig because I read that it cleans the air adds oxygen Also can remove some bad chemicals from its environment and very beautiful. I would recommend that anybody that purchase one feed it organic fiddle leaf plant food according to the directions, made all the difference in growth and leaf quality.








I’ve heard so many horror stories about these but mine has, despite my better efforts, continued to thrive. I mean, it got *forgotten* in the back yard all summer while I was overwhelmed with moving & some renovating. Happy as a clam. Yes, it’s dropped some leaves over the years. Yes, it was once MUCH more lush and is still recovering from near-death a year and a half ago. But it’s still here!

