Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush or Tree
Origin
Native to India
General Care
Light
Medium to bright filtered. Avoid low light. Tolerates some direct sun.
Temperature
18-24°C. Keep above 10°C. Protect from sudden temperature drops and hot or cold drafts.
Humidity
Average.
Water
Weekly. Water moderately and allow thoroughly moist potting mix to dry within top 2-3”. Sensitive to overwatering and susceptible to root rot. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Every 2 weeks (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, mist leaves heavily to free accumulated dust and inspect for pests, when doing so. Remove spent leaves. Prune annually (spring) with sterile shears. Cut back to just above leaf node, as far down stem as desired. Apply paper towel to stanch sap flow from wounds; let dry overnight.
Potting and Repotting
Soil-based potting mix. For small plants: every 1-2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. For large plants: every 2-3 years (spring) move plant into a planter 2-4” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Rigid, upright leaves suggest your plant is well-watered.
- Leaf drop and outwardly spreading dark brown or black spots may suggest root rot due to overwatering.
- Droopy, curling or crispy light brown leaves and leaf tips, which appear rapidly, may suggest underwatering.
- Dry brown spots or leaf holes may suggest insufficient light, which is common on lower leaves that become shaded over time.
- Bleached to red-tinged spots on upper leaves may suggest overexposure to light.
- Leaf drop and inwardly spreading tan to dark brown spots at leaf edges may suggest bacterial infection.
- Isolated, brown spots, cracks or tears on an otherwise healthy leaf and plant may suggest damage from physical trauma. Scars remain unsightly for the plant’s life.
- May drop leaves when transplanted, moved or subject to environmental changes in light or temperature.