Does your home feel incomplete without the lush, green presence of a fiddle leaf fig tree? These iconic houseplants add beauty, texture, and life to any room but if the summer sun is calling you outdoors, you might be wondering: can I put my fiddle leaf fig outside? In this guide, well explore the unique needs of fiddle leaf figs, factors to consider before moving them outdoors, best practices to keep them healthy, and more.
Read on to learn how to care for your beloved fiddle leaf fig in the summer months.
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Short Answer
No, you should not put your fiddle leaf fig outside in the summer.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer warm, humid, and partially shaded areas.
If exposed to too much direct sunlight, hot temperatures, or wind, the leaves can become scorched or damaged.
It’s best to keep your fiddle leaf fig indoors during the summer.
Overview of Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs, or Ficus lyrata, are a popular indoor houseplant with its unique and elegant, showy foliage.
It is a tropical plant that is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, and is known for its large, leathery, deeply veined leaves that can range in size from 8 inches to 18 inches long.
They are an excellent way to bring a bit of the outdoors into your home.
Fiddle leaf figs are easy to care for and can be a great addition to any indoor space.
They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and prefer temperatures between 65-75F.
They should be watered deeply when the soil is dry to the touch, and require occasional misting to increase humidity.
It is important to provide adequate drainage, as overwatering can damage the plant.
It is also important to provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a rich, organically rich soil, and can be fertilized once per month during the growing season.
Why Fiddle Leaf Figs Don’t Do Well Outdoors
Fiddle leaf figs (FLFs) are a popular houseplant, but they don’t do well when placed outdoors in the summer.
FLFs prefer a warm, humid climate and direct sunlight can damage their leaves.
Even if you are able to provide more shade than usual, the sudden change of environment can be too much for the plant to handle.
Additionally, FLFs are sensitive to temperature changes and drafts, so sudden exposure to outdoor elements can be very stressful for them.
In short, it is best to keep your FLF indoors during the summer months.
The direct sunlight can be damaging to the leaves of a FLF due to the intense heat and ultraviolet rays that can damage the delicate foliage.
If a FLF is exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves can become yellow and brittle.
This can lead to leaf drop and, eventually, death of the plant.
Additionally, sudden temperature changes can cause the leaves to drop and, in extreme cases, the plant may die.
FLFs are also very sensitive to drafts.
A sudden gust of wind can be enough to cause the leaves to drop and damage the plant.
Furthermore, the humidity levels that FLFs require in order to thrive are difficult to replicate outdoors.
If the humidity levels are too low, the FLF can suffer from dehydration and, eventually, death.
In conclusion, it is best to keep your FLF indoors during the summer months.
Direct sunlight, sudden temperature changes, and humidity levels can all be damaging to the plant and can lead to death if left unchecked.
If you must move your FLF outside, it is best to do so gradually and provide some shade to help it adjust.
Factors to Consider Before Moving Fiddle Leaf Figs Outdoors
When considering whether to move your fiddle leaf fig outside in the summer, there are a few important factors to consider.
First, examine the climate where you live.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a warm and humid climate, so if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, the plant may not be able to withstand the heat.
Additionally, it is important to consider the amount of direct sunlight the plant will be exposed to.
Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to direct sunlight and can be easily damaged.
If the sun is too intense, it can burn the leaves and even cause them to drop off.
Furthermore, fiddle leaf figs are also sensitive to temperature changes and drafts.
If the plant is suddenly exposed to outdoor elements, it can be stressful for the plant and may cause it to go into shock.
As such, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the plant is slowly acclimated to the outdoor environment.
If possible, you should move the plant in the evening or on a cloudy day and provide some shade to help it adjust.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants that are generally better suited to indoor environments.
While it is possible to move the plant outdoors in the summer, it is best to do so gradually and provide some shade to help protect it.
Ultimately, it is best to keep your fiddle leaf fig indoors during the summer months.
Best Practices for Moving Fiddle Leaf Figs Outdoors
When it comes to moving your fiddle leaf fig outdoors in the summer, there are a few best practices you should follow.
First, it is important to move the plant gradually.
If the plant is moved too quickly, it can be exposed to sudden changes in temperature, humidity, and sunlight that can be stressful or even damaging.
Start by moving the plant to an area with partial shade and gradually increase the amount of sunlight it gets over the course of a few weeks.
This will help the plant adjust to the new environment without being exposed to too much direct sunlight at once.
It is also important to keep the plant in a sheltered area, away from strong winds or drafts.
Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to temperature changes, and sudden exposure to cold air or wind can be damaging.
If possible, it is best to find a spot that is sheltered from the wind and out of direct sunlight.
Finally, it is important to keep an eye on the plants leaves.
If the leaves start to show signs of sunburn or scorching, it is best to move the plant back indoors.
Direct sunlight can be damaging to a fiddle leaf fig, so it is important to monitor the plants health and take action if necessary.
How to Adapt Fiddle Leaf Figs to Outdoor Climates
Adapting a fiddle leaf fig to an outdoor climate can be tricky, as these plants prefer a warm, humid environment and direct sunlight can damage their leaves.
However, with a few simple steps, you can help your fiddle leaf fig transition to the outdoors.
First, you’ll want to start by introducing your fiddle leaf fig to the outdoors gradually.
This will give the plant time to adjust to any changes in temperature, humidity, and light.
To do this, start by placing your fiddle leaf fig in a protected area outside and increase its exposure to the outdoors over time.
This can be done by slowly moving the pot a few feet each day, or by increasing the amount of time the plant spends outdoors.
It’s also important to provide some shade for your fiddle leaf fig, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
This will help protect the plant from direct sunlight and ensure that it doesn’t become stressed by sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
You can use a cloth or sheet to provide some shade, or you can move the pot to a shaded area of your yard.
Finally, be sure to water your fiddle leaf fig regularly while it is outdoors.
While these plants prefer a humid climate, they can be sensitive to overwatering.
Monitor the soil and water your fiddle leaf fig only when the top inch of soil is dry.
This will help ensure that your plant stays healthy and happy.
By following these steps, you can help your fiddle leaf fig adjust to an outdoor climate.
However, it’s important to remember that these plants are best kept indoors during the summer months.
If you must move your fiddle leaf fig outside, make sure to do it gradually and provide some shade to help it adjust.
Signs of Stress in Fiddle Leaf Figs
When it comes to fiddle leaf figs, it is important to recognize signs of stress so you can take action quickly and prevent damage to the plant.
Some signs that your fiddle leaf fig is not happy include wilting or yellowing leaves, dropping leaves, brown spots on the leaves, and a decrease in growth.
All of these can indicate that the plant is not receiving enough water, the temperature is too cold or hot, or there is too much or too little sunlight.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to move your fiddle leaf fig back to its preferred environment as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you want to keep your fiddle leaf fig outside in the summer, it is important to monitor it closely and take it indoors as soon as any signs of stress appear.
Tips for Keeping Fiddle Leaf Figs Healthy Outdoors
If you decide to move your fiddle leaf fig outdoors in the summer, there are a few things you can do to ensure its health and well-being.
First, you should choose a spot that gets partial shade and is sheltered from strong winds.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a warm, humid climate, so you should avoid placing them in the direct sun.
Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and not too dry.
Its also important to check your plant often to make sure it is not stressed by the outdoor conditions.
If you notice any signs of distress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, move the plant back indoors immediately.
Finally, its important to keep an eye on temperatures and humidity levels, as sudden changes in either can be damaging to these plants.
If you follow these tips, your fiddle leaf fig should thrive in its outdoor environment.
Final Thoughts
Fiddle leaf figs are a stunning and popular houseplant, but they do not fare well in outdoor conditions.
While it is possible to move them outdoors for the summer, it is important to take into account the plant’s needs and the climate conditions.
It is best to move the plant outdoors gradually and provide some shade to help it adjust.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the plant for signs of stress and take measures to keep it healthy.
With the right care and precautions, you can successfully take your fiddle leaf fig outdoors for the summer.