Grow Light
Any thoughts on a grow light for a fiddle leaf fig? I have Mozart on a north facing window. Though I have moved him closer to the window, I feel that it's not enough. Would a grow light help? If so, how do you use one? Do you keep it on all day? Do you set a timer? #HappyPlants #GrowLights #FiddleLeafFig #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict
3ft to light, indirect
14” pot with drainage
Last watered 2 weeks ago
18
Best Answer
@ActiveIrishmoss thank you, that's actually very helpful! 😀
So the problem is likely a combo of overly wet soil (and potentially root rot) and not enough light. Two questions before we address the light issue:
1. Is the north facing window covered by a curtain?
2. How many hours of direct sunlight does your FLF get in that window?
Back to the overwatering/wet soil issue, which I'm pretty sure is the main culprit being compounded by the insufficient light. A few things to consider...FLFs like their soil to almost completely dry out between waterings. They also like a well draining soil (the soil in your pics looks quite dark; a good recipe is regular potting soil with some orchid bark and perlite mixed in, or even succulent soil is good). Also, soil doesn't dry out as quickly in a non-porous pot like plastic, so that's something else to take into consideration with regards to watering.
So the problem is likely a combo of overly wet soil (and potentially root rot) and not enough light. Two questions before we address the light issue:
1. Is the north facing window covered by a curtain?
2. How many hours of direct sunlight does your FLF get in that window?
Back to the overwatering/wet soil issue, which I'm pretty sure is the main culprit being compounded by the insufficient light. A few things to consider...FLFs like their soil to almost completely dry out between waterings. They also like a well draining soil (the soil in your pics looks quite dark; a good recipe is regular potting soil with some orchid bark and perlite mixed in, or even succulent soil is good). Also, soil doesn't dry out as quickly in a non-porous pot like plastic, so that's something else to take into consideration with regards to watering.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light and their leaves can burn from too much direct sun, so close to a north facing window actually sounds ideal. What makes you think its current spot isn't providing enough light? From the photo it certainly looks healthy and full 🥰
@stephonicle the picture is from the day I got him. Ever since it's started to get brown spots and Im concerned it's not getting enough light. I had to move him closer to a window but it's not the Ideal spot where we would want it to be. So I was considering a grow light so I can put him back in the far cornet of the room. For him to be close to the window I would have to place him in the middle of the room.
@ActiveIrishmoss brown spots from insufficient light is possible, but more common symptoms would be dropping leaves, yellowing leaves, and/or new leaves coming in small. overwatering is a more common reason for brown spots. Do you have any current pics showing the issue?
Next steps...I'd definitely repot it into fresh, well draining soil. While you're doing that, you'll want to take a look at the roots to see if there's rot. If you do encounter root rot, cut away any affected roots and then spray the root ball with a mixture of two parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Once repotted, hold off on watering for a few days to a week. You can also remove any brown/damaged leaves. Moving forward, it might help to get a moisture meter, that way you can check if the soil is still wet further down in the pot. And depending on the amount of light coming in through that north facing window, you might need to supplement with grow lights. But only if it's not getting at least a few hours of direct sun sitting right in front of that window 😊
@stephonicle so, this is were it is right now. It's currently in its nursery plastic planter. I was thinking of getting a new one to make more holes on the bottom and to inspect the root system. After I repot Ill put it inside the cute concrete planter next to it. I was advised to use the soil from the pictures.
@ActiveIrishmoss perfect! That's an ideal spot...the sun isn't as strong in north facing windows, so you won't have to worry about burnt leaves. And cactus/succulent soil is great for FLFs!
@stephonicle thanks for all your advice! I will definitely do all this and see if that improves my tree!
@stephonicle Hi! So I re potted and the root system looked normal, wasn't root bound at all and nothing soggy looking. I found the roots to be on the smaller side. I aded a layer of stones at the bottom for added drainage protection and a first layer of the cactus soil mixed with some orchid bark. Then I added the tree and refilled the rest with some fiddle leaf soil I found at my local lowes with some more of the orchid bark. Took out the worse looking leaves. I left two that had minor dots but should I remove them as well? Im so confused
@ActiveIrishmosss sounds like you have all the right ingredients! But your set up could use a few tweaks 😉
• Putting a layer of stones in the bottom actually inhibits proper drainage and increases the chance of root rot. When water reaches the layer of stones, it pivots and goes sideways instead of flowing down through them. This trapped water creates a layer of soggy soil, which gradually works its way up to tihe roots.
• When you have multiple different soils and substrates, it's best to mix them all together first, rather than adding them in layers. Just like with the stones, when water reaches each layer it will start moving sideways, then you're looking at multiple soggy layers throughout the pot.
• As for whether to remove the leaves with minor blemishes, that's entirely up to you! ☺️ If you feel they detract from the tree's overall aesthetic, go ahead and remove them. A few tips:
1. Use sharp pruners/scissors sterilized with isopropyl alcohol (to prevent the spread of disease) and cut as close to the leaf's base as possible.
2. Wear gloves to protect your hands from FLF sap, which is not only toxic if ingested but can also cause skin irritation.
3. I'm sure you've noticed that milky white sap oozes out after cutting. You can apply cinnamon powder directly to the wounds to slow dripping sap, promote healing, and protect your plant from diseases.
Phew!! Ok, I think that's all for now 😜 Feel free to ask if you need me to clarify anything or have more questions!
• Putting a layer of stones in the bottom actually inhibits proper drainage and increases the chance of root rot. When water reaches the layer of stones, it pivots and goes sideways instead of flowing down through them. This trapped water creates a layer of soggy soil, which gradually works its way up to tihe roots.
• When you have multiple different soils and substrates, it's best to mix them all together first, rather than adding them in layers. Just like with the stones, when water reaches each layer it will start moving sideways, then you're looking at multiple soggy layers throughout the pot.
• As for whether to remove the leaves with minor blemishes, that's entirely up to you! ☺️ If you feel they detract from the tree's overall aesthetic, go ahead and remove them. A few tips:
1. Use sharp pruners/scissors sterilized with isopropyl alcohol (to prevent the spread of disease) and cut as close to the leaf's base as possible.
2. Wear gloves to protect your hands from FLF sap, which is not only toxic if ingested but can also cause skin irritation.
3. I'm sure you've noticed that milky white sap oozes out after cutting. You can apply cinnamon powder directly to the wounds to slow dripping sap, promote healing, and protect your plant from diseases.
Phew!! Ok, I think that's all for now 😜 Feel free to ask if you need me to clarify anything or have more questions!
@stephonicle Oh my!!! Thank you for all this info! You're the best! I was told to always add stones so that the drainage doesn't clog. 😔 so literally all my plants have stones on the bottom. I did mix as best I could. Do you think I should remove it again and mix mix mix and add it all back?
@ActiveIrishmoss I used to do the exact same thing! Until I joined Greg and found out the whole pebbles at the bottom thing is a myth. Misinformation has a way of spreading like wildfire 😛
Nah, you don't have to remove it and start all over, you can wait until it's time to repot again. Just pay extra close attention to watering. If you don't already have a moisture meter, you might consider getting one. That way you can check to make sure the soil has dried out further down in the pot (where the soggy layer is just above the stones) to prevent overwatering 😉
Nah, you don't have to remove it and start all over, you can wait until it's time to repot again. Just pay extra close attention to watering. If you don't already have a moisture meter, you might consider getting one. That way you can check to make sure the soil has dried out further down in the pot (where the soggy layer is just above the stones) to prevent overwatering 😉
@stephonicle I love reading your recommendations, I learn so much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom @stephonicle .
@Arid_oasis aww, thank you! That's so kind 🫶