Caring For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig - 2.0
A year ago I wrote a guide on how to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy & happy. Since I normally find an excuse to place one in each of my client's homes, I thought I should share all I've learned, along with some new tricks in this year's 2.0 version. Before I begin, I'd like to share that Ellis Pottery never disspoints with their selection of Figs both tall and short. Since I'm on their mailing list - BAM 25% off one item coupons in my email monthly. Can't beat that right??
The Fiddle Leaf Fig tree has become quite a popular plant. It is the staple green for editorial shoots and product catalogues worldwide. Im not gonna lie, I jumped on that train and have yet got off. I struggled bussed through my first 6 months of Fiddle Leaf Fig plant care, but finally found her love language. All she needed was a proper home. Here are some essential steps to keep yours looking awesome all year round!
H E R H O U S E
Your Fiddle Leaf Fig should be potted correctly. It is very important to make sure she has proper drainage to prevent over watering & root rot. First off, your pot should have holes in the base. As you build, there should be 2 inches of rock at the bottom. I used a large river rock at the base of my plant, however looking back, I wish I had used volcanic rock. The river rock just weighs SO much!! Next, you should mix your planting soil with a bark of some sort. This helps the soil drain quickly, and again, another w avenue to prevent root rot. Lastly, pot your plant and never cover past the previous soil line. The soil line should be just above the root mass. Once you have repotted your plant/tree, then she will need a good stiff drink.
Depending on the size of your plant, It may make it easier if you have a rolling base. This allows you to move your tree with ease as you care for your towering beauty!
S U N
Your Fiddle Fig requires 6-8 hours of filtered, indirect sunlight. Your Fiddle Fig shouldn't be exposed to direct rays or she will get sun burnt and brown spots will appear on the interior of the leaf. She is best placed next to a sunny window. If it gets quite hot, then I would filter the light through a sheer curtain. Also, make sure you keep your tree away from drafty air vents. Once every two months, rotate your plant so each side is getting enough sunlight and to prevent tilting...if you want your plant to grow straight.
W A T E R
My Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is 7 feet tall and she lives in a large metal trashcan with caster wheels. I water her once a week until she drains from the bottom. I don't water her again until the soil feels dry an inch down from the top. For my Fiddle Leaf Fig, the period between watering is about 7-9 days. Your tree hunkers down in the winter months and will most likely not sprout new leaves. In the spring time, your plant will come alive and grow new leaves. During the spring and summer months, you should fertilize her twice a month (every other watering). I Use MiracleGro Plant Food, and this has lasted me over a year. NEVER WATER WITH TAP, USE RUN OFF OR DISTILLED WATER FOR BEST RESULTS.
P R O P E R M A I N T E N A N C E
Leaves will need dusting occasionally. Allowing the leaves to stay dusty limits the light absorption thus depriving her of essential sunning. This is best done with a damp cloth. The leaves are already beautiful, but if you want to beautify that waxy sheen, then lightly rub each leaf down with a light layer of Coconut oil. Do not use a chemical from any plant stores to shine the leaves, a natural oil is best and will not harm your plant in any way.
T I P S F O R C A R E
- Yellowing of the leaves means you are over watering.
- Sagging leaves means she is thirsty. After a good drink, her leaves should perk up. (This may take 24 hours).
- Brown edges means several things : You are possibly over watering and the root bowl is too wet [or] a fungus set in that is caused by roots being too moist.
- Dropping leaves means she is literally dying of thirst.
- Interior brown spots tells you she is potentially being sunburned or you are burning your Fig from the inside out by watering with tap water.
- Make sure you don't feed her tap water or there is potential for her to burn. Distilled or Run Off is best !