The Fiddle Leaf Fig has a reputation for being a little difficult but its large violin shaped leaves and stunning, aesthetic presence have caught the interest of interior designers as well as gardeners. It is a beautiful ornamental addition to any modern house, making it worth the effort. It’s a common houseplant since it’s used to filtered light, indoor temperatures, and less than ideal conditions. It might be a bit fussy in the beginning, but once it grows, it’s easily one of the most resilient plants out there. Read on for tips on how to grow this gorgeous, large-leafed plant and give your house that additional aesthetic touch.

Perks of having a Fiddle Leaf Fig 

Before I move on to give you tips on growing and caring for this plant, I want to make sure you’re completely on board. There are multiple perks of having a Fiddle Leaf Fig in your house:

• Mental Health Booster

It’s been scientifically proven that being around house plants significantly improves your mood and even helps with symptoms of dementia. Caring for your plant can also reduce the chances of anxiety and depression. In fact, a lot of corporations are now introducing Fiddle Leaf Fig into the work environment to aid employees’ moods. 

• Allergy Friendly
  Are you someone who suffers from hayfever just like I do but still want houseplants? Fiddle Leaf Fig should be your go-to plant. As they do not grow flowers, they make for wonderful houseplants without putting you through an allergic reaction. 

• Water Saving
  

If you discover that house plants don’t normally fit into your daily schedule and that you frequently forget about watering, then you don't need to worry about the Ficus Lyrata. The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a drought-tolerant houseplant that can endure going without water for some time. You may leave the soil to run entirely dry between waterings and still have a lovely and well-growing plant. It’s also an excellent choice for container gardening, making it perfect for urban spaces with limited room for large planters

• Helps with Sleep
  

During photosynthesis, the huge leaves of the Ficus Lyrata release a considerable quantity of oxygen. The amount of oxygen generated by this plant is sufficient to push the brain into a relaxed condition that helps you settle into a deep, restorative slumber. Improved sleep is associated with better mental health and productivity.

• Versatile Style

Whether you’re going for a modernistic vibe or something more Bohemian-chic, Fiddle Leaf Figs fit into any and all aesthetics, making them a versatile ornamental plant. 

Tips for Growing and Caring for your Fiddle Leaf Fig

All you need is a window that receives adequate sunlight, and you have all you need in order to grow a big, beautiful Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant. Just follow the tips below and you’ll have yourself a decorative addition you can boast about. 

• Sunlight Requirements

The ideal spot would be a window that doesn’t face direct hot afternoon sun which can burn the leaves but receives indirect sunlight for about 6 hours a day. If you don’t have a spot that receives a lot of light, you might have to adjust your watering schedule since inadequate light can lead to drainage issues. 

• Potting Soil Requirements

Any good indoor plant potting soil mix would work well as long as it provides good drainage. Ideally, a 50/50 peat and perlite mix is recommended to ensure proper drainage and nutrient retention for your Fiddle Leaf Fig. If you're unsure about which potting mix to use, check out our detailed guide on the benefits of potting mixes for plants to help you choose the best one for your indoor greens.

How much water Fiddle Leaf Need

Fiddle Leaf Figs need a good balance of water. They grow well in moderate amounts of moisture, so water when the top layer of the soil seems dry. If you don’t water them enough, they might lose their bright green colour, but they’ll survive a day or two. Too much water, and they can succumb to root rot. In order to keep your plant healthy, flush out the soil once a month by pouring water and letting it drain from the hole in the bottom to let out all the salt that gets collected in the soil. 

• Fertilizer Requirements

You should ideally fertilize your Fiddle Leaf Fig once a month with a nitrogen-rich plant food. There are plenty of formulas available specifically for Fiddle Leaf Fig, otherwise, going for water-soluble pellets or soil fertilizer is usually a good way to go about it. 

• Pruning and Cutting

The best time to prune would be spring or early summer when your plant is going through its growth spurt. Dead leaves can gently be plucked by hand, whereas if you notice part of a leaf turning brown while the rest remains green and healthy, carefully trim the brown section while following the leaf’s natural shape to maintain its appearance. Regular pruning not only enhances aesthetics but also boosts plant health and growth. Learn more about why pruning is a game-changer for your garden 

• Handling Pests and other problems

Since the leaves are so big, any issues will be very clearly visible. Fiddle leaf figs are mainly house plants so they don’t face problems from your typical pests like aphids. However, there may be spider mites or fungal issues. If you see dark spots or white webbing on the leaves, spray a little bit of neem oil or a light pesticide to remove the pests. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiddle Leaf Fig

1. Is Fiddle Leaf Fig a lucky plant?

Yes, it’s known to have great Feng Shui as an indoor plant symbolizing prosperity and growth. It’s also believed to attract stability and lasting success to your life. This adds to the long list of reasons for having a Fiddle Leaf Fig in your house.

2. Why are Fiddle Leaf Figs so hard to grow?

They tend to be a little sensitive to factors like temperature, humidity and the dryness of the air. This just means adding a few steps to your care routine but having a flourishing Fiddle Leaf Fig is certainly not that hard, even for beginners.

3. How long do Fiddle Leaf Figs live?

In general, they have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years, however, when grown indoors, they can live up to 15 years before they reach maturity. In any case, they’ll be with you for a long time.

4. Can I cut my Fiddle Leaf?

Yes, you can cut the top off your fiddle leaf. In fact, this will help in giving it a more full and bushy appearance. Cutting the leaves might release a sticky sap, be careful to not ingest it since it can be toxic for consumption.

5. What do Fiddle Leaf Figs not like?

Don’t put them in direct sunlight or right under heat or air vents. This can make the leaves lose colour, burn and eventually fall off. Place them in a spot that receives indirect sunlight for about 6 to 7 hours and your Fiddle Leaf will remain happy.

6. How can you tell if a Fiddle Leaf is overwatered?

Fiddle Leaf Figs are very communicative plants. They have clear signs of when something is going wrong. If the leaves are yellow or brown, especially from the bottom, it means that your plant is being overwatered. Slow down and let the soil dry out before watering again.

7. Do Fiddle Leaf Figs like rain?

Fiddle Leaves adore rain! In fact, they perform better with rain water compared to normal tap water. This is because they are averse to most salts and Indian tap water especially contains too many minerals for their liking.

8. Which fertilizer is best for Fiddle Leaf?

Look for a liquid based fertilizer that has equal parts Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus. Giving your Fiddle Leaf some fertilizer once a month is enough. Overdoing it might not be the best for your plant. 

Conclusion

Caring for these beautiful plants can require a little patience and a bit of practice, but the return on investment is extremely high. You get a mood booster, air purifier and a statement piece all in the same plant. But there is no need to stress out, just follow this guide and watch your Fiddle Leaf Fig grow and shine!