How to Grow and Care for Fiddle-Leaf Fig Houseplant?

0
455
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Houseplant
Image Credit Google

Today we will see how you can care for and grow your beautiful Fiddle-Leaf Fig houseplant. Let us learn a few things about this house plant.

About Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves. It is a member of the fig family and is native to the tropical rainforests of western Africa.

The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide and are typically a rich green color. The plant can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet tall in its natural habitat, but when grown as a houseplant it is typically kept smaller through pruning.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig is a slow-growing plant that prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. It is a great option for adding a tropical touch to a room and can also help purify the air.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care is relatively easy, but it does require specific growing conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your fiddle-leaf fig:

  1. Bright, indirect light: Fiddle-Leaf Fig prefers bright, indirect light, but avoids direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn.
  2. Consistent moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. This plant likes humidity.
  3. Well-draining soil: Use well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging.
  4. Fertilize: Fertilize every six months with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
  5. Prune: Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
  6. Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, or scale, and treat them accordingly.
  7. Provide high humidity: Provide high humidity levels, if the air is dry, you can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant.
  8. Warm room: Keep the plant in a warm room, ideally between 60-85°F (15-30°C).
  9. Be patient: Be patient, as fiddle-leaf figs can take time to adjust to a new environment and may go through a period of leaf loss before new growth emerges.

How to Repot Fiddle-Leaf Fig 

Here is a step-by-step guide for repotting a fiddle-leaf fig:

  1. Choose the right pot: Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot, with a drainage hole in the bottom.
  2. Prepare the new pot: Fill the new pot with well-draining potting soil.
  3. Remove the plant from the old pot: Gently remove the plant from the old pot by turning it upside down and lightly tapping the bottom of the pot until the plant comes loose.
  4. Inspect the roots: Inspect the roots and remove any that are damaged, diseased, or encircling the root ball.
  5. Place the plant in the new pot: Place the plant in the new pot, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the top of the pot.
  6. Fill with soil: Fill in around the roots with the potting soil, tamping it down gently.
  7. Water the plant: Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.
  8. Place in bright, indirect light: Place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  9. Fertilize: Fertilize every six months with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig is a relatively slow-growing plant, so you may not need to repot it very often, but it’s a good idea to do so every 2-3 years or when you notice that the plant’s roots have outgrown the current pot.

Pests and Plant Diseases that Attack Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle-Leaf Fig, like many houseplants, is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues that can affect fiddle-leaf figs:

  1. Spider mites: These tiny, spider-like pests can cause yellow or discolored leaves and fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
  2. Mealybugs: These small, cottony pests can cause leaf discoloration, wilting, and a sticky residue on the leaves and stems.
  3. Scale: These small, brown, or black insects can attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, causing leaf discoloration and stunted growth.
  4. Root rot: This can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, causing the roots to rot and the plant to wilt.
  5. Leaf spot: This is caused by fungal or bacterial infection, causing brown or black spots to appear on the leaves.
  6. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, it’s common in plants that are grown in conditions that are too humid or too dry.

To prevent and control these pests and diseases, it’s important to keep the plant’s environment clean and free from debris, to provide proper care and nutrition, and to keep an eye out for signs of infestation or infection. If you notice any pests or diseases, you can use insecticides or fungicides that are specific to the problem, and always follow the instructions on the label. If the problem persists or the plant is severely affected, it is best to consult a professional.

Types of Fiddle-Leaf Fig 

  1. ‘Fiddle-Leaf Fig’: This is the standard cultivar of Ficus lyrata, known for its large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves that are typically a rich green color.
  2. ‘Bambino’: This is a dwarf cultivar that has smaller leaves and a more compact growth habit than the standard cultivar. It’s ideal for small spaces or terrariums.
  3. ‘Burgundy’: This cultivar is known for its dark, burgundy-colored leaves that are glossy and thicker than the standard cultivar.
  4. ‘Fiddle-Leaf Fig with White Veins’: This cultivar has larger leaves than the standard cultivar, with bright green leaves and white veins.
  5. ‘Fiddle-Leaf Fig with Red Veins’: This cultivar has leaves that are glossy and dark green with red veins running through them.
  6. ‘Fiddle-Leaf Fig with White Variegation’: This cultivar has glossy green leaves with white variegation on them.

FAQs Related to Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Fiddle-Leaf Fig:

  1. How often should I water my fiddle-leaf fig?

Fiddle-Leaf Fig prefers consistently moist soil but is not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water thoroughly, and then wait for the soil to dry out again before watering again.

  1. Why are the leaves on my fiddle-leaf fig turning brown or yellow?

This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as over-watering, under-watering, or exposure to direct sunlight. It could also be caused by pests or diseases.

  1. How can I increase the humidity for my fiddle-leaf fig?

You can increase the humidity of your fiddle-leaf fig by placing a tray of water near the plant, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves with water.

  1. My fiddle-leaf fig is losing leaves, what should I do?

Fiddle-leaf figs can go through a period of leaf loss when they are first brought home or when they are moved to a new location. This is normal and is a sign that the plant is adjusting to its new environment. If the leaf loss continues, it could be caused by a lack of moisture, exposure to drafts, or pests.

  1. How can I prune my fiddle-leaf fig to maintain its shape?

Prune your fiddle-leaf fig as needed to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Cut back any branches that are growing out of bounds or crossing over other branches.

  1. How often should I fertilize my fiddle-leaf fig?

Fertilize your fiddle-leaf fig every six months with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

  1. Can I grow fiddle-leaf fig outside?

Fiddle-Leaf Fig is native to the tropical rainforests of western Africa and is not well suited for outdoor growth in most climates. It is best grown as a houseplant in indoor conditions.

  1. How can I tell if my Fiddle-Leaf Fig is getting enough light?

The leaves of a Fiddle-Leaf Fig that is getting enough light will be a deep green color and will be glossy. If the leaves are pale, yellow, or have brown spots, they may not be getting enough light.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here