Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

The fiddle leaf fig is easily recognizable and loved for its distinctive foliage. This tall, dramatic plant has very large, heavily veined, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright.

How to care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Keep your fiddle leaf fig in bright indirect light. This plant will not tolerate low light and its leaves will eventually yellow and drop. Close to an eastern window or acclimated to the direct light from a southern window is ideal.

Water when 50-75% of the soil volume is dry. Always water thoroughly until it flows out of the drainage hole to encourage a healthy root system. Discard any excess water in the saucer.

The fiddle leaf fig does fine in average household humidity, but won’t mind an extra humidity boost.

Your fiddle leaf fig enjoys average room temperatures of 60-80°F. Avoid drafty areas or open vents.

For best results, feed your plant once during the spring and monthly throughout the summer. Over-fertilizing can cause the fiddle leaf fig to grow leggy and can even kill it. A little bit of food will go a long way to encourage growth and root health. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter when plant growth naturally slows.

Fiddle leaf figs are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

When pruning your plant, watch out for the milky latex substance that leaks out where cuts have occurred—this is a mildly toxic irritant. If you get the sap on your hands or skin, wash with warm water and soap immediately.

Common Issues for your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Why are there spots on my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Are the roots of your fiddle leaf fig getting adequate water?

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Feel 3–4 inches into the soil. Is it damp or dry to the touch? If more than 50-75% of the soil is dry, the roots of your fiddle leaf may not be getting enough water. Let’s give your fiddle leaf a good drink. Make sure that when you water, you’re watering slowly until water flows freely from the bottom of the pot where the roots reside and into the saucer. Always empty the saucer of any standing water.

Brown spots from dryness will have dry tan or brown areas that start at the edge of the leaf and cause the leaf to curl. Your plant will overall look wilted or dry at times and the soil may have receded from the pot, causing the water to run between the pot and the soil and never reach the root mass.

Is your fiddle leaf fig near a heating or air conditioning duct?

If there is air blowing on or near the leaves, move it to a place where the air is not blowing directly on the foliage. Direct air contact will dry out your plant very quickly.

Are you able to add additional humidity to your home and your fiddle leaf fig?

Mist your fiddle leaf fig regularly until things begin to turn around, this will help increase the humidity, which your plant will appreciate. Consider adding a humidifier to your home, and don’t be afraid to give your plant a shower either outside or in the bathtub. Allow the spray to clean off the leaves and give it a good cleaning.

Are the brown spots yellow around the edges?

Brown spots on leaves that are trimmed in yellow suggest a leaf spot bacteria may be present. When a plant gets leaf spot disease, the attacking fungus or bacteria leave small brown spots trimmed in yellow where it is feeding on the leaves. These spots may vary in shape, color, and size.

As with all other fungal and bacterial diseases, better air circulation, well-drained soil, dry leaves, and less water help control leaf spot disease. You can use Liquid Copper Fungicide to treat leaf spot disease or the homemade remedy of putting a tablespoon or two of baking soda and a teaspoon or two of mineral oil in a spray bottle of water. Shake the solution well and then spray all areas of the plant that are infected.

Be sure to keep infected plants away from your other houseplants. Never mist a plant if leaf spot disease is suspected.

Trim and remove any dead or dying leaves

When removing spotted leaves from your fiddle leaf fig, never remove more than 10% of total leaves at once to avoid shocking your plant.

Lastly: We believe in you!

The more you can mimic its natural environment, the happier your fiddle leaf fig will be. Remember that these trees are native to warm, humid, tropical places where they get consistent moisture and even temperatures.

Why is my Fiddle Leaf Fig limp and drooping?

Incredibly dry soil

Be sure you’re not under-watering your fiddle leaf fig. Keep a consistent watering schedule–water when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry.

If you accidentally let your fiddle leaf fig’s soil dry out completely, you may see branches go limp or leaves droop and crisp up. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order.

Here’s how to soak-water your plant:

Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
If not all the soil feels saturated, water your fiddle feaf slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.

Keep in mind that when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your fiddle leaf fig and may cause leaves to drop. Give it some time to adjust.

Not enough humidity

Your fiddle leaf fig will thrive in a humid environment. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.

Stress

Did you recently move your plant to a new spot in your home or just repot your plant? Sudden changes to the plant’s environment can cause your fiddle leaf fig to become limp and droop, but your fig should recover in a few weeks. As long as all of its care needs are being met, your plant should adjust to the change.

Take care that you are monitoring the soil volume and watering your plant only when 50-75% of the soil volume is dry. Moving your plant into a new spot or new pot may change how frequently your plant needs water.

Browse

Want to chat?

Social