Fiddle Leaf Figs are a great addition to any indoor plant display. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people look to add them to their 'indoor jungle' - the huge, waxy leaves, which can grow as big as 30 cm each, create a focal point which you can build around. Many houseplants are small and subtle - the Fiddle Lead Fig is anything but!
You would be forgiven for thinking that a larger houseplant requires a larger amount of care and maintenance, but you would be wrong. Fiddle Leaf Fig care is pretty straightforward, but if you really want to get the most out of those stunning, glossy leaves (and who wouldn't?), then there are a few things you can do which will help your plant thrive. And that's exactly what we're going to go through with you in this blog.
Are Fiddle Leaf Figs easy to care for?
Let's clarify this for you at the top of this article, because if you are considering getting a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, but aren't sure whether you will be able to cope with the maintenance, you may be looking for a quick answer. So, to put your mind at ease - Fiddle Leaf Figs are easy plants to look after.
There is a tiny caveat, though - because if you buy a Fiddle Leaf Fig, you're going to want to help it grow as healthily as possible, to encourage strong growth (they are tall boys after all!), and you're going to want to bring out the best in those gorgeous green leaves. And for that, you're going to need to know a little bit about what these plants like and dislike, so we're going to run through everything for you now.
What are Fiddle Leaf Fig plants?
The Fiddle Leaf Fig plant, or Ficus lyrata to give its botanical name, originated from Western and Central Africa, specifically the rainforests of the area. Many of the plants that we sell on our site have spread all around the world, but the Fiddle Leaf Fig is still only found in the wild in the same area. This is because there is a specific type of wasp that has proven essential for the plant to reproduce - each species of ficus has its own species of wasp that helps it reproduce.
In feng shui, Fiddle Leaf Figs are thought to represent positive energy, which is thought to be down to the plant's leaves. This flies in the face of how they grow in the wild, though. They usually start to grow on top of another tree, and when their roots grow all the way to the ground, and then wrap themselves around the host tree, eventually killing it! Not exactly positive vibes, more a ruthless survivor!
In the serene surroundings of the home, though, they are a bit more chilled out. Give them their own plant pots, and they'll keep themselves to themselves. (Although their leaves are toxic, so keep them away from animals and children).
How to care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant
We'll now go through, in detail, the wants and needs of the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, before also supplying you with a quick-fire guide to Fiddle Leaf Fig care indoors.
Let's start with the watering schedule. Being from the rainforest, the Fiddle Leaf Fig likes water. It may require a little more water than some of your other houseplants, but you need to be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. The best way to test is to put your finger into the soil, about 5 cm deep, and see if the soil is dry. If it is, give it a thorough watering, and if not, you can leave it another few days.
You should make sure that the drainage holes in your pot are helping the water pass through - root rot is mainly caused by poor drainage, as well as overwatering. If it starts to drop leaves, you may not be giving it enough water - the Fiddle Leaf Fig's leaves are the main feature, so they'll let you know quickly if they aren't getting enough water.
In terms of light, they like like bright light, but too much light exposure can cause it to develop brown spots on the leaves. Put them close to a window, ideally a south facing window. It can cope with a little bit of direct light, but too much direct sunlight and you'll start to impact those luscious, fiddle shaped, leaves!
As tropical plants, the Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers humid conditions with a warm temperature and a little spray of mist every now and then. This will really help the leaves go a deep green colour, which is what you are aiming for.
It's worth noting that the Fiddle Leaf Fig doesn't travel very well. You may find that once you get it home, it may drop a few leaves - this isn't anything to worry about, and it will soon settle down. It doesn't like blasts of cold air, which may also cause it to drop a few leaves. In terms of when to repot a Fig Leaf Fig, the best time is in the Spring, during growing season, so that it recovers from the shock quicker.
Here's a quick summary of Fiddle Leaf Fig care for beginners:
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Origins: West and Central African rainforests
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How much light: Bright indirect light
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Water requirements: Once a week, check to see whether the soil is dry
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Humidity requirements: A quick spritz with a water mist to bring out the green in those leaves!
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Soil requirements: Well-draining potting soil or cactus compost
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Temperature requirements: 16-24°C, minimum 13°C. Standard UK home temperature is fine, just avoid leaving in a drafty spot.
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Pruning requirements: You can trim the brown edges of the leaves, remove any dead leaves. Wipe Fiddle leaves regularly with a cloth and room temperature water.
Propagating Fiddle Leaf Fig plants
It's not that easy to propagate these plants, but it can be done - even without a very specific type of wasp! To do this, take a leaf cutting, aiming for one of the thicker stems - the Spring or Summer is the best time of year. Cut just below the node. Then put the cutting into some damp potting soil, with the leaf sticking out, but it in a plastic bag, and when a second leaf has grown, you can put it into a bigger (7cm) pot. This process may take many months.
Fashion your own Indoor Jungle with Prickle
The Fiddle Leaf Fig makes a fantastic statement piece for any indoor space, but these fantastic plants work best when with a host of other indoor plants, each bringing something different to the table (or desk).
We have a huge range of indoor plants for you to browse through, so that you can plan the perfect combination for your home. We also have plant accessories and an extensive outdoor plant range - everything you need for the ideal setup. And if you have any questions at all, you can get in touch with our team, @prickplantsuk on social media and contact@prickleplants.co.uk via email. We'd love to hear form you.