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are fiddle leaf figs difficult to care for

by Ms. Haven Emard I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Despite its popularity, it's certainly not the easiest houseplant to look after, but its visual impact in a space is unmatched when given proper conditions and care. The Fiddle Leaf Fig appreciates a warm, humid environment, a fair amount of water and plenty of light.Mar 8, 2020

What is wrong with my fiddle leaf fig?

What’s wrong with my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

  • Brown and dried leaves
  • Brown leaf edges
  • Black or purple leaf markings
  • Discolored leaves
  • Small leaves
  • Pests
  • Reddish markings
  • Yellow leaves
  • Crooked, leaning, or bent stem
  • Weak and thin stems

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How often should you fertilize a fiddle leaf fig plant?

  • Take a bucket for mixing the fertilizer. You can also use a watering can.
  • Use a fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 3:1:2. ...
  • Use a suitable dosage by mixing 10 ML of fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. ...
  • Water the plant until the water drains out of the drainage holes.
  • You can store this diluted mix and water your plant bi-monthly during the spring and summer.

What is the best pot for a fiddle leaf fig?

How to choose the best pot for your fiddle leaf fig tree:

  • Size: Your container must not be too big or small compared to your plant. ...
  • Texture and color: Imagine what it would be like if you use a bright-colored plant in a bright container. ...
  • Measurement: Always do the measurement first, especially when you’re ordering a pot online. ...

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How much sunlight for fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle leaf figs need plenty of access to sunlight to thrive. They do best with 5 to 6 hours of morning to midday light each day and up to 8 hours if they’re acclimated to live outdoors. Sunlight plays a huge role in a fiddle leaf’s ability to produce chlorophyll and pigment for its big, dark leaves.

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Are fiddle leaf figs hard to keep alive?

The hot houseplant of the moment (or really, of the last few years), the fiddle leaf fig makes a gorgeous, architectural statement in any room of the house. But while this lush plant, with its shiny, violin-shaped leaves, is stunning, it can be hard to keep alive.

How long do fiddle leaf figs last?

25-50 yearsIt can live for up to 25-50 years (if cared for properly in non-tropical conditions). What makes it so popular among design circles? Most people credit the big, floppy round leaves of the tree, shaped like violins.

Do fiddle leaf figs need a lot of water?

Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of natural light and do best when placed directly in front of a window. Water thoroughly about once a week, allowing the top couple inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

Why are fiddle leaf figs so expensive?

They're far from simple, and even further from a small piece of interior decor. One of the main reasons that fiddle leaf figs have taken the industry for so long is that they have been in demand for over a decade. As people learn that it's popular, they are more likely to want to get their hands on them.

Is my fiddle leaf fig dead if all the leaves fell off?

A fiddle leaf fig can survive without leaves as long as its stem and roots are healthy. Indeed, it is possible to revive a bare fiddle leaf fig if you can locate the cause of its ill-health in a timely manner. Treating its ailment along with water and warmth should suffice to bring it back to life.

Should I mist my fiddle leaf fig everyday?

It's a good idea to mist new leaf buds, but ONLY the lead buds, and not so much that water drips down the other leaves. Give your new baby buds a good misting a few times every week and use a clean, soft cloth to gently dab up extra water if you'd like. You can still raise a healthy fiddle leaf fig in a dry climate.

How do you keep a fiddle leaf fig happy?

Here are the keys for how to keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy, green, and gorgeous.Make Sure Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Has Perfect Drainage. ... Use a Fast-Draining Soil. ... Give Your Plant Plenty of Sunlight. ... Water Carefully. ... Consider Aerating Your Soil. ... Feed Your Fiddle Leaf Fig. ... Bond With Your Plant.

How big do fiddle leaf figs get?

Fiddle leaf figs are fast-growing trees that can easily reach up to 60 feet tall outdoors and usually grow to about 10 feet in typical indoor spaces. But in a space with lots of light and high ceilings like an atrium or tall sunroom, a fiddle may grow much taller!

How often should a fiddle leaf get new leaves?

every four to six weeksHealthy Fiddles usually grow new leaves every four to six weeks during spring and summer. Growth tends to be in spurts, and it's possible to see your plant grow several new leaves in a matter of just a few days or weeks! In the winter, it's normal not to have any new growth.

How long do fig tree plants live?

Fig trees begin to bear sizable fruit crops by the time they are 3–5 years old. Fig trees take 30 year to reach their maximum size. Most fig varieties, such as the fiddle leaf fig tree, grow at a rate of 12 inches ( 30 cm) per year. Fig trees are fairly slow growers but they can live 50–200 years.

How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is happy?

You can tell if your plant is healthy if the fiddle leaf fig has new growth and the new leaves are larger than the old ones. The plant will also look good overall and feature vibrant, shiny green leaves.

How do I stop my fiddle leaf fig from losing leaves?

Lack of watering and very dry air can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. Take care not to put your plant in direct sun or near a heating vent, where it is blasted with dry air regularly. Fiddle leaf figs do not like drafts, so picking a spot away from any vents or blasts of hot air is ideal.

What happens if you don't water a fiddle leaf fig?

If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves will wilt and lose their bright green color. And if it gets too much water, the plant might drop its leaves and suffer from root rot, which ultimately can kill it. During the growing season (spring to fall), water your fiddle-leaf fig when the top inch of soil feels dry.

How tall do fiddle leaf figs grow?

A fiddle-leaf fig is perfect as a focal point of a room if you can situate it in a floor-standing container where the plant is allowed to grow to at least 6 feet tall. (Most indoor specimens reach around 10 feet tall.) It's a fairly fast grower and can be potted at any point in the year if you're like most gardeners acquiring a nursery plant to keep indoors. Keep in mind this gorgeous plant is toxic to cats and dogs. 1

What is the most common fiddle leaf fig?

Varieties of Fiddle-Leaf Fig. The main species, Ficus lyrata, is the most common fiddle-leaf fig plant that gardeners grow. But there are several cultivars available as well, including: Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: This is a dwarf variety that only reaches a few feet tall.

Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves yellowing?

If newer fiddle-leaf fig leaves are yellowing, it may indicate a bacterial problem. It may be too late to save the plant. But try cutting off the affected leaves and repotting the plant in fresh soil.

Why do fig leaves turn brown?

If you see light brown or bleached spots on the top of the leaves, the plant may be getting too much direct sunlight. This is called leaf sunburn or leaf scorch. In the case of a fiddle-leaf fig plant, you can prune the leaf with sharp shears and relocate your plant away from sitting near the direct and harsh rays of the sun.

How to keep figs moist?

If you need to supplement humidity, mist your plant with clean water in a spray bottle daily. Or you can place it on a tray of pebbles filled with water, as long as the bottom of the pot isn’t touching the water. Plus, fiddle-leaf figs can benefit from being in a room with a humidifier.

What is a Ficus lyrata?

Ficus lyrata ‘Variegata’: This is an uncommon variety with showy leaves that are a mix of green and cream.

What is a fiddle leaf fig?

The fiddle-leaf fig is one of the most popular houseplants in the design world, and the trend doesn’t seem to be dying off anytime soon . These rooms we love prove this versatile statement tree works in virtually any space.

How tall can a fiddle leaf fig grow?

The good news is that, once acclimated, the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can grow to 6 feet or taller, making it a stunning statement piece.

Why are my FLF leaves turning brown?

Do the leaves of your FLF resemble a green and brown dalmatian? Chances are, you've overwatered. Inadequate drainage or too little time between waterings allows root rot to set in. When water sits for an extended amount of time, dormant pathogens in the soil flourish, feeding on the plant’s root system. By allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings, pathogens starve and your plant lives to see another day.

How to grow a fiddle plant?

Start your fiddle off on the right foot by placing it in the absolute best spot in your home. These tropical plants hate drafts, so choose an area that isn’t directly in line with an exterior door, drafty window or near an air vent. They also thrive in a lot (and we mean A LOT) of very bright, indirect light. Situate your FLF in a bright room or close to a window, but not where the light will touch it directly. Once you’ve chosen the perfect place, don’t move it! Fiddles are creatures of habit and will flourish once they've found a happy, sunny home. Once a week, when you water, turn the plant slightly so that the leaves receive equal sunlight and don’t start to grow toward a light source.

How to water a FLF plant?

You can do this one of two ways. Take the plant outside or to the bathtub, water it and let it drip for an hour or two, then bring it back in. If you don't want to carry your FLF back and forth to be watered, set it up on a plant stand over a drip tray. Whichever method you choose, make sure the roots aren’t sitting in excess water for an extended amount of time.

How to protect houseplants from root rot?

Fortify your houseplants against root rot with Root Supplement by Houseplant Resource Center. By promoting healthy root systems, your plants are better able to absorb nutrients and become hardy and vibrant.

How to keep fiddle plant from getting spider mites?

No need to use coconut oil as you may have heard — this method can actually suffocate the leaves over time. Continue to dust the leaves with water every month to keep spider mites at bay and your fiddle looking it's shiny-leaf best.

What is a fiddle leaf fig?

One of the most popular indoor plants recently has been the Fiddle Leaf Fig, named after the violin or fiddle shaped leaves that grace this substantial houseplant that is actually a type of tree. A recent rise in the popularity of fake Fiddles begs the question of why anyone would opt for a plastic version of such a gorgeous plant that comes with all of the amazing physical and mental health benefits that come with keeping indoor plants. The answer lies in the care of the Fiddle plant. Not a typical houseplant, this majestic vegetation requires a little know-how to keep it healthy and happy in your home. Our team at MARPHYL want to show you some tips for Fiddle Leaf Fig care so you can enjoy the company of this unique and beautiful houseplant.

What is the characteristic of a fiddle?

One unique characteristic of the Fiddle is that when young and pliable, the trunks of the plant are often bent and shaped for aesthetic purposes. Often the plant trunk is braided or woven together, creating an unusual and memorable look for this already remarkable plant. Fiddles that occur in nature do not have this appearance, but the flexibility of the trunk while young and its propensity to bend towards its light source show the Fiddle’s natural inclination towards shapeliness.

Where do fiddles come from?

The Fiddle, or Ficus Lyrata, has its origins in the tropical regions of western and central Africa. From a rainforest, this plant loves and does best in a moisture-rich environment that mimics its origins. In the wild, the Fiddle, as it is affectionately called, can grow up to a stunning 12m (40 ft) in height and up to 3m (10ft) or more as an indoor plant. The leaves are a wide, glossy, dark green, and shaped like its namesake stringed instrument. Leaves can be up to 12 inches in length and are deeply veined through the center and from the center outwards.

Can a fiddle grow large?

As the Fiddle can grow to be quite large, pruning this plant is vital to its health but also so it can grow to be a plant you love.

Is a fiddle a houseplant?

Not your average houseplant, the Fiddle is a beautiful addition to any home that can provide a bright sunny corner to encourage the Fiddle’s growth. With attention to moisture and pruning, a Fiddle can provide a gorgeously leafed plant you can enjoy for many years to come. Whether you braid the trunk into an eye-catching twist or simply let the Fiddle grow to its hearts-desire, this plant is a stunner to include in any home. Our team at MARPHYL loves the Fiddle and we know you will, too.

Is fiddle sap poisonous to dogs?

While not fatal, the toxicity of the sap from the Fiddle plant is harmful to dogs and cats and humans. Keep pets away from fallen leaves and protect yourself when pruning the plant to avoid the sap.

Why do fiddle leaf figs drop leaves?

If your plant goes too dry or stays too wet, it will drop leaves; if exposed to frequent drafts or blasts of heat, it will drop leaves; if moved, turned, or repotted… you guessed it:

How to propagate fiddle leaf fig?

The best way to propagate a fiddle leaf fig is through stem cuttings . It is best to do this during the growing season (March through September).

What is a little fiddle called?

The ficus pictured here is called a “ Little Fiddle ” which is a more compact version of the larger fiddle leaf fig. Not only does it have a fun growth pattern, but it also tends to be a little bit hardier than the larger fiddles. Fiddle leaf figs can grow in many different forms including tree, bush, and columnar.

How long does it take for a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves?

But leaves dropping doesn’t always mean the end of your fiddle leaf fig. It is normal to experience some leaf loss in the first 2–4 weeks of receiving your new Ficus plant, but if leaf dropping is extensive or persists, evaluate your plant watering and light requirements to determine if it is in ideal conditions.

How tall can a fiddle leaf fig grow?

Found in either tree form or in its more juvenile shrubby phase, this plant features large, glossy green leaves on a substantially sized plant that can reach up to 8 feet tall or more. The fiddle leaf has some of the largest leaves of any of the ficus family which is compiled of numerous species that have been popular indoor plants for many years. Keeping a fiddle leaf fig happy at home can seem challenging at first, but once you understand some of its basic likes and dislikes, you can keep your fickle fiddle happy and thriving!

What temperature should fiddle leaf figs be?

Fiddle leaf figs prefer to be in warmer temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, make sure your fiddle leaf fig is nowhere near a heating vent, fan, or drafts from a window or door.

Why are my fig leaves browning?

toward the top or bottom of plant) as well as the shape, pattern, and color of the spots. Fiddle leaf figs can be the most dramatic with their leaf problems, in part because their leaves are so large—each damaged one makes a great impact. As mentioned above, they can be sensitive to environmental and transplant shock and will most likely do some degree of leaf drop for the first 2–4 weeks after being placed in your home. If brown spots develop or dropping continues it could be caused by one of the following:

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1.Videos of Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Difficult to Care for

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6 hours ago Web · Fiddle Leaf Figs can be tricky plants to keep: Like most figs, they are temperamental and extremely sensitive to environmental conditions, especially the cold. …

2.Fiddle Leaf Fig Care A Complete Guide

Url:https://fiddleleaffigplant.com/fiddle-leaf-fig-care/

27 hours ago Web · Despite their popularity, fiddle leaf figs can be difficult to care for. They are sensitive to changes in light, temperature, and water, and can quickly become stressed if …

3.How to Take Care of Fiddle Leaf Fig | HGTV

Url:https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/the-fiddle-leaf-fig-is-fashion-forward

15 hours ago WebIndoor care. The fiddle leaf fig prefers a warm and humid environment with plenty of direct light and a fair amount of water. If you place this plant indoors, avoid direct exposure to …

4.8 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR FIDDLE LEAF FIG CARE

Url:https://marphyl.com/8-essential-tips-for-fiddle-leaf-fig-care/

15 hours ago Web · As with any plant, the fiddle leaf fig will occasionally suffer from pests or disease. The best way to prevent problems is to keep the plant healthy by providing the …

5.How to Care for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig - Dennis' 7 Dees

Url:https://dennis7dees.com/how-to-care-for-your-fiddle-leaf-fig/

18 hours ago Web · Fiddle leaf figs can be the most dramatic with their leaf problems, in part because their leaves are so large—each damaged one makes a great impact. As …

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