5 min readThe fiddle-leaf fig is the Beyoncé of the houseplant world, and rightfully so. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a designer favorite. Dramatic, glossy fiddle-shaped leaves provide a beautiful canopy in high-end homes. It’s an easy way to add a luxurious, biophilic feel to your space. It’s also a bit of a drama queen.
I shouldn’t play favorites with my plant babies, but my fiddle leaf, Georgia, is my oldest and one of my most treasured. She’s a badge of pride in my bedroom jungle, because fiddles are tricky for beginners, and she’s flourished despite less-than-optimal conditions. I’m passionate about great care for fiddle-leaf figs, so below, you’ll find expert, tried-and-true advice on how to keep the finicky ficus happy.
Native to tropical regions in West Africa and East Asia, a fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is accustomed to bright light and warm temperatures that can be difficult to recreate. If it’s happy, it can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors, and outdoors that surges to 50 feet. It does get cranky if you don't give it the exact conditions it likes.
Before you take the plunge and add this plant to your collection, you need to do your homework. Fiddle-leaf figs tend to be more expensive than many other types of houseplants, so you want to make sure you have the right conditions before investing in one. If a fiddle-leaf fig doesn't get what it wants, it will start to look bad in a hurry. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about keeping your tree alive and thriving, whether you're a plant person or not.
Additional copy by Arricca Elin SanSone.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Lighting Needs
Fiddle leaf figs need light, and lots of it. Indoors, they need bright but indirect light. The plant is used to sunlight filtered through foliage, so it’s more dappled. The best spot to place a fig is either close to east- and west-facing windows, or five feet back from south-facing windows.
The more light they get, the better they will look (and the faster they will grow). This plant does not—I repeat, does not—do well in low-light areas. If you do not have tons of bright light at your disposal, move on and find a low-light houseplant, or consider investing in an LED grow light.
One drawback of the fiddle leaf fig is that it cannot tolerate being moved. Once you place it in a sunny spot that encourages new growth, it needs to stay there. If you move it for longer than it takes to water, it’ll punish you with leaf drop very swiftly. That said, you can and should rotate it in its home every few weeks. This will help your plant grow more evenly and prevent it from getting spindly and unattractive.
When to Water a Fiddle-Leaf Fig
More plants die from overwatering than underwatering, and this is true of a fiddle-leaf fig too. Water it only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Before watering, stick your finger or a moisture meter into the soil—if it's damp on top or soil clings to your finger, check again in a few days. Then, give it a good long drink. You can also feed this plant with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer when you water occasionally, though it's not totally necessary.
Your fiddle will also be comfortable in the average household humidity, but high humidity in the air can help it thrive and grow bigger, glossier leaves. Speaking of dry air, fiddle leaf figs should also be kept away from heating vents or drafty air conditioners.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Pruning and Maintenance
A great cleaning routine is essential to the thriving of your fiddle leaf fig. The broad leaves are prone to collecting dust, which can make it hard for the plant to photosynthesize. Once a week, or whenever you water, I recommend spraying the leaves with a leaf-cleansing spray and wiping them down with a microfiber cloth or pair of gloves.
If you're having good luck and your fiddle-leaf fig is happy in its new home, it may grow more quickly than you want—or it may start to look gangly. You can prune it back any time of year if it's becoming spindly. Pinch the new growth on the ends of each branch, which will stimulate them to grow bushier. This kind of pruning is mostly cosmetic. If you notice lower leaves starting to brown, turn pale, or curl up on themselves, leave them alone. A fiddle-leaf fig never has an issue getting rid of a leaf it doesn’t want anymore; it’ll drop on its own in no time.
Repotting a Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Surprisingly, fiddle leaf figs don't need to be repotted that often: Every two to three years is sufficient. Signs that it might need a bigger pot include: if the soil is drying out more quickly than previously, if you see roots on the soil surface, or if roots are poking out the bottom of the pot.
In this case, it's time to repot, and repotting a houseplant isn't difficult. Find a pot that's no more than two sizes larger than the current one—and make sure it has drainage holes so excess water can run out, because no plant likes wet feet. Turn your plant on its side and gently work it out of the old pot. Use a garden trowel if you need to loosen it at the edges of the pot to get it started. Slide the plant into the new pot, and add soil to fill the pot, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Water well and return it to its original spot in your home.
Are Fiddle-Leaf Figs Pet-Safe?
Unfortunately, fiddle-leaf figs are toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant causes irritation and burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you know you have a nibbler, consider a different plant. And if you suspect your pet has munched on your fiddle-leaf fig—even if you're not sure—call your vet ASAP. It's always better to be safe than sorry. When you’re pruning, be sure to wear gloves. This plant has a milky-white sap that can irritate human skin as well. And make sure to wipe up drips on the floor to protect pets.
