It takes a bit of history and know-how with the Fiddle Fig to have success. The ‘ficus lyrata’ or Fiddle Leaf Fig, as it is more commonly known, is a native of the rain forests of Africa. Its size is such that it is often used as a shade tree in tropical climates. The fiddle leaf can be grown outside in zone 10 and within its native environment, often reaching a mature height of 50 to 60 ft. tall- certainly not the size you would want for your home.
Making Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Happy
The Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a little picky about where you put it. It could also mean moving it several times to find just the right spot. A typical home has less than 10% humidity inside. The Fiddle Leaf Fig requires a humidity level of 50% to thrive. Having a humidifier nearby is a good idea wherever you put it. However, if that isn’t an option, you could still mist the leaves every day to increase the humidity around the plant. The soil around the Fiddle Leaf Fig should stay damp but not wet. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely before you water again. Water it when the top 1/2 inch of the soil is dry if it is a well-drained pot. Do not allow your Fiddle Leaf Fig to stand in water, which may lead to root rot. A consistent level of moisture in the soil is ideal.
Grow Baby Grow
You may purchase your plant from a garden center in a 6″ pot, only about 18″ tall. Be aware that the fiddle leaf fig can still grow to around 10 feet tall indoors. You can cut them back, and the top will bush out more, but after so many times, you may start to notice that the plant is dying. So, you will want to keep them manageable, but then plan for width where you lose height. Your baby Fiddle Leaf Fig won’t be a baby forever.
Multiply
While propagating a fiddle leaf fig at home is possible, your cutting must be taken carefully. You will be able to get the leaves to take root in water, but that will only sometimes produce a viable plant for soil. Instead, it would help if you had the leaf and about four to six inches of the woody stem—place in water until roots are formed and move to the soil. You can then start over fresh when your mature plant has outgrown its space. Consider donating your overgrown specimen to a local library, school, or business with more room to accommodate the large plant. Or maybe you might be able to relocate it within your home.
Keeping an Eye On Your Fiddle
Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will let you know when it isn’t happy. If the leaves begin to brown and drop, your plant needs water. However, if it isn’t dry, you may be watering too much. Let the soil dry out just a bit before you water it again. If you notice the edges turning light and curling, then you probably have a light issue. Too much direct sun through a window can scorch the leaves and make them have yellow spots or the whole leaf may turn yellow. Likewise, if it isn’t getting enough light, the leaves may turn yellow and begin to drop.
Just a Little EXTRA
Growing a fiddle leaf fig is not impossible, but they demand more attention than others. When they are happy, you will know it as they will grow lush and green and take up and enjoy all the space you will give them. Remember to feed your Fiddle Leaf Fig! A good all-around tropical plant food or an all-purpose time-released fertilizer are good choices.
Enjoy your Fiddle Leaf Fig for decades with proper care. Bring a little piece of the African wild into your home.
