Fiddle-leaf fig care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Fiddle-leaf fig

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly a day or two after the topsoil dries, as a guide; the thick leaves cope with dryness, but constantly wet soil harms the roots.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Generally water about three days after the soil dries, as cooling weather slows drying.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries; soggy soil in a cold room brings brown spots on the leaves.

Light and placement for Fiddle-leaf fig

A bright window is about right, as it likes sun; with too little light new leaves come small and spaced out, while midsummer sun and sudden changes bring scorch or leaf drop.

Overwintering Fiddle-leaf fig

Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above

Overwinter it in a bright room with roughly 8°C as the lower limit; a cold windowpane or heater draft brings brown spots and leaf drop, so keep it a little away from both.

Fertilizing and repotting Fiddle-leaf fig

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months in the May to September growing season; heavy feeding makes the leaves oversized, so keep it modest, and none is needed in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Fiddle-leaf fig

• Overwatering rots the roots; brown spots appear and the leaves fall.
• Too little light shrinks the new leaves and stretches the branches.
• Frequent moves make it shed leaves.

Tips for growing Fiddle-leaf fig

• A little air movement that sways the trunk helps it grow thicker and sturdier.
• To make it branch, pinch the tip or cut back above a bud in spring.
• Wiping the large leaves with a damp cloth about monthly keeps them glossy.

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