LIGHT

A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires bright indirect light. Insufficient light causes small new growth and leaf drop on a Ficus Lyrata. Turn a Fiddle Leaf Fig frequently to keep it growing straight. Too much sun causes the leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig to fade and lose their dark green color.

WATER

A Lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig, requires less water than other ficus trees. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out and the leaves to become soft and flexible before watering a Ficus Lyrata. Keep water off of the large fiddle shaped leaves of this ficus to prevent mold.

FERTILIZER

Fertilize a Fiddle Leaf Fig monthly in the spring and summer using a basic houseplant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Too much fertilizer when the plant is not actively growing causes leaf burn.

TEMPERATURE

Fiddle Leaf Figs do well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Keep the Fiddle Leaf and all Ficus away from air conditioners, drafts, and heating vents. Intense cold or heat causes leaf drop on a Ficus Tree.

HUMIDITY

A Ficus Lyrata plant does well in normal household humidity through it prefers higher humidity.

PESTS

The broad leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig attract many plant pests such as mealy bug, thrip, whitefly, spider mite, and Aphids. Spray a Ficus Lyrata every other week with warm soapy water to ward off plant pests. Spraying a Fiddle Leaf Fig also keeps the large leaves dust free and clean so they can absorb more light.

DISEASES

powdery mildew is a plant disease that may develop on a Fiddle Leaf Fig if water collects on the leaves.

SOIL

Use a well-aerated potting soil that holds water but still drains quickly for a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant.

POT SIZE

Fiddle Leaf Fig, like all Ficus Trees, like being root-bound in small pots.

PRUNING

If a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Ficus Lyrata gets too tall, gently remove it from its pot and trim the roots. trimming the roots limits the Ficus Lyrata's height. Root trimming on a Ficus Plant can be done every few years during winter and fall. Cutting the stems back in the early spring encourages a Ficus Tree to become bushier.

PROPAGATION

air layering and stem cuttings are the best ways to propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Ficus lyrata.