Do you want to bring a bit of the outdoors into your home? A fiddle leaf fig is a great way to do that! These beautiful plants are quite popular for home decor, but keeping them alive can be a challenge.
If you are looking for ways to keep your fiddle leaf fig alive and thriving, this article has you covered.
Here you will find 5 proven tips on how to keep your fiddle leaf fig alive.
We will discuss what a fiddle leaf fig is, the lighting and watering requirements, how to increase humidity, tips for keeping your plant alive, and troubleshooting common issues.
So, read on to learn how to keep your fiddle leaf fig alive!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Fiddle leaf figs require bright, indirect sunlight, so the best place to keep them is near a window.
Be sure to water your fiddle leaf fig when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Let the excess water drain out of the pot and avoid overwatering.
It’s also important to make sure your fiddle leaf fig is in a pot with proper drainage holes.
Lastly, be sure to mist the leaves every week or so to mimic their natural environment.
What is a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a tropical plant native to West Africa.
It is an evergreen tree with glossy green, violin-shaped leaves, a thick trunk and branches, and aerial roots.
The leaves of this plant can grow up to 2 feet in length and the plant can reach heights of up to 10 feet when mature.
Fiddle leaf figs are popular houseplants due to their attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements.
They are also known to be quite resilient, with the right care.
Despite their ability to survive in a variety of conditions, they do require some attention to keep them healthy and thriving.
In order to keep a fiddle leaf fig alive, it is important to provide it with the right amount of light, water, and humidity.
Lighting Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive, one of the most important factors is providing the proper lighting.
Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light to thrive.
While direct sunlight is too powerful for the plant, bright indirect light gives the plant the energy it needs to grow.
Place your fiddle leaf fig in an area that receives plenty of natural light, such as near a south- or east-facing window.
If your home doesnt have access to enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light.
Ensure that the light is kept at a distance of several feet away from the plant, and move it around to different areas of the room to provide the fiddle leaf fig with a variety of light sources.
Watering Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive, proper watering is key.
Fiddle leaf figs need to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
This will keep the plant from becoming over- or under-watered.
If the soil is too wet, the plants roots will become waterlogged, which can cause root rot.
On the other hand, if the soil is too dry, the plant will become stressed, which can lead to leaf drop and wilting.
To check if the soil is dry, use your finger or a soil moisture meter.
If the top inch of soil is dry, its time to water.
When watering your fiddle leaf fig, be sure to use lukewarm water and avoid cold water, as this can shock the plants sensitive roots.
Water the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot and discard any excess water that accumulates in the saucer.
Be sure not to leave the plant in standing water, as this can cause root rot.
Additionally, if you are using a watering can, make sure to direct the stream of water towards the soil and not the leaves, as this can cause leaf spot.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig gets the right amount of water it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
With a little bit of care and attention, your fiddle leaf fig will be a beautiful addition to any home.
Humidity Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive, humidity is an essential factor to consider.
Fiddle leaf figs are native to the tropical rainforest, so they thrive in humid environments.
The ideal humidity for a fiddle leaf fig is around 40-60%, but it is important to keep in mind that this number will vary depending on the size and type of the plant.
One way to increase humidity is by misting the leaves of the plant with a spray bottle.
This should be done in the morning, as the leaves will absorb the moisture throughout the day.
You can also place a humidifier near your fiddle leaf fig to maintain the ideal humidity levels.
Another easy way to increase the humidity is to place the pot of your fiddle leaf fig on a tray with gravel and water.
The water will evaporate and create a humid environment around the plant.
However, make sure to keep the water level below the bottom of the pot, as too much water can cause root rot.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the humidity requirements for a fiddle leaf fig can vary depending on the time of year.
During the summer months, when the air is typically more humid, the plant will need less humidity.
Conversely, during the winter months, when the air is typically less humid, the plant will need more humidity.
By following these tips, you can make sure your fiddle leaf fig is getting the right amount of humidity to stay healthy and thrive.
How to Increase Humidity for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive and thriving requires providing it with the right amount of light, water, and humidity.
To increase the humidity for a fiddle leaf fig, there are several options.
The first is to mist the leaves of the plant on a regular basis.
This can be done with a spray bottle filled with water, or with a plant mister.
It is important to ensure the mist does not saturate the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Another option to increase humidity for a fiddle leaf fig is to place a humidifier nearby.
This can be an electric humidifier, or a simple bowl of water.
The water should be changed regularly, as stagnant water can cause bacteria and mold growth.
It is also important to make sure the humidifier is not too close to the plant, as this can cause the leaves to become too wet.
Finally, grouping plants together can help to increase the humidity levels.
Plants naturally create humidity as they transpire, and grouping them together can create a microclimate of higher humidity.
This is especially useful in dry climates or during the winter months when humidity levels are lower.
By providing the right amount of light, water, and humidity, a fiddle leaf fig can be kept healthy and thriving.
Increasing the humidity is an important part of this process, and can be done in several ways.
Mist the leaves regularly with a spray bottle or plant mister, place a humidifier nearby, or group plants together to create a microclimate of higher humidity.
With the right care, a fiddle leaf fig can be a beautiful addition to any home.
Tips for Keeping a Fiddle Leaf Fig Alive
Keeping a fiddle leaf fig alive requires a bit of effort and dedication, but with the right care, it can be a beautiful addition to any home.
To ensure that your fiddle leaf fig thrives, here are five tips for keeping it healthy and happy: 1.
Provide the Right Amount of Light: Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light to grow and thrive, so make sure to place it near a window that receives plenty of natural light.
Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can cause scorching and leaf drop.
If the light is too low, the plant will become leggy and weak.
2.
Water When the Soil is Dry: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to fiddle leaf figs, so its important to only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Too much water can cause root rot, so check the soil before you water and never let it sit in standing water.
3.
Increase Humidity: Fiddle leaf figs prefer higher levels of humidity, so its important to increase humidity levels if you live in a dry climate.
This can be done by misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby.
4.
Fertilize Regularly: Fiddle leaf figs need regular fertilizing to ensure that they get the proper nutrition to stay healthy.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season and less often during the winter months.
5.
Prune Regularly: Pruning fiddle leaf figs helps to keep them healthy and promotes new growth.
Prune away dead or damaged leaves and stems to encourage healthy growth.
Troubleshooting Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Issues
As with any houseplant, there can be issues that arise with fiddle leaf figs.
Fortunately, most of these issues can be addressed with a few simple steps.
One of the most common issues is brown spots on the leaves.
This can be caused by several different things, including too much direct sunlight, not enough water, or too much fertilizer.
To fix this issue, make sure to give the plant bright, indirect light, water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and only use fertilizer sparingly.
Another issue that can arise is drooping leaves.
This can be caused by either not enough water or too much water.
To fix this issue, make sure to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and don’t overwater it.
Finally, yellowing leaves can be a sign of over-fertilizing.
To fix this, make sure to only fertilize the plant sparingly.
With the right care, a fiddle leaf fig can be a beautiful addition to any home.
By providing the plant with the right amount of light, water, and humidity, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig stays healthy and thriving.
Final Thoughts
With the right care, a fiddle leaf fig can be a beautiful addition to any home.
Taking the time to understand the lighting, watering, and humidity needs of your plant will help ensure its health and longevity.
If youre ready to take on the challenge of caring for a fiddle leaf fig, follow these five tips and youll be well on your way to a thriving houseplant.