If you have a leggy fiddle leaf fig, here is what you need to do:
- Fix the lighting
- Fertilize when needed
- Provide consistent temperature
- Pruning occasionally
- Repot in case of a root-bound plant
How do you keep a fiddle leaf fig plant from dropping leaves?
To keep the height of your plant in check, you will need to pinch out these tender leaves as they appear with your fingers. This may also help to deter lower leaf drop as well as encourage branching of your plant near the pinching points. Is your fiddle leaf fig plant too tall or leggy?
When should I prune my Fiddle leaf fig?
The ideal time for pruning a fiddle leaf fig is in the spring season when there is plenty of sunlight to promote new growth and recovery. Alternatively, you can prune in early summers. However, please avoid cutting your plant down in the dormant season as the plant recovers very slowly, increasing the risk of infection.
How high should fiddle leaf figs be planted?
Healthy fiddle leaf fig plants can aggressively grow toward the sun, which means they may get too large or tall for their location. Plants look best when their top leaves are at least 8 to 10 inches below the ceiling, so you will want to remove any growth above that height.
How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is healthy?
If it’s healthy, you should be able to touch the leaf and it’ll bounce right back up. Now, regarding your plant, which is very healthy: You have a couple of options here, both of which are intended to encourage a fiddle-leaf-fig plant to grow new branches.
What to do with a fiddle leaf fig that gets too tall?
0:193:02What To Do When Your Fiddle Leaf Fig is Getting TOO BIG - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo trimming back your fiddly fig tree is a great opportunity to propagate your plants. So what iMoreSo trimming back your fiddly fig tree is a great opportunity to propagate your plants. So what i mean is when you make the cuts. You can actually create a new plant out of the cutting.
Can I cut the top off my fiddle leaf fig?
Make the cut just above the top of your node. Do not cut into the node which would damage it, but just above. Cutting your fiddle leaf fig or any plant in the fig family will produce an oozing, milky, white latex sap.
Can I cut the top off my fig tree?
1. Cut off the top of the newly planted fig tree about 24 inches from the soil. Act in late winter or early spring before the first buds appear. Trim all remaining branches back to 6 inches.
Can you encourage new growth lower down on fiddle leaf fig?
Notching Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Notching is a method of encouraging a Fiddle Leaf Fig to branch that doesn't involve removing any height off the plant. Instead, small cuts or 'notches' are made up and down the stem or trunk to encourage new growth to form further down the plant.
Can you shorten a fiddle leaf fig?
To prune your fiddle-leaf fig to create a tree form with branching lateral growth, wait until spring or summer – when the plant is actively growing – and make a cut at least six inches down from the tip of the tree. You can save this cutting and propagate it!
How do you make a bushy fiddle leaf fig?
2:123:48The EASIEST Way To Create NEW BRANCHES on a Fiddle Leaf FigYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so that's all you have to do you just simply cut right above a node. And then keep your plantMoreAnd so that's all you have to do you just simply cut right above a node. And then keep your plant healthy keep watering it keep fertilizing. It you can use a little of our propagation.
What month do you prune fig trees?
'Figs are produced each growth season on old wood (branches produced the previous season). ... You can prune young trees into a fan shape by pinching out every other young shoot. ... 'Figs are best pruned in March or April after the worst frosts have passed, all dead and diseased wood should be removed.
Do fiddle-leaf figs like to be root bound?
Fiddle leaf figs are decently happy as root bound plants and will do just fine in the pot you bought it in. We'll talk more about repotting later but, for now, just place it inside a larger decorative container or basket and disguise the plastic store-bought pot with some decorative moss.
How do you trim a tree that is too tall?
0:323:31How to Prune a Large Tree | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMakes it so the branch snaps off without tearing. Then the third cut occurs right in here close toMoreMakes it so the branch snaps off without tearing. Then the third cut occurs right in here close to the trunk not cutting the branch collar to promote proper healing.
When should I repot my fiddle leaf?
Generally, fiddle leaf figs need to be repotted every 1-2 years. What if I don't want to move my fig into a larger pot? Another option, especially for a large plant, is to trim the root ball carefully and repot the plant back into its old pot, adding new potting soil.
Where do you notch a fiddle leaf fig?
To notch your fiddle leaf fig, you'll want to gather your tools and then locate a node on the trunk. Nodes are areas on the trunk that contain dormant leaf buds, and you can find them by looking for the slightly thicker areas on the trunk between leaves or branches.
Should I take the bottom leaves off my fiddle leaf fig?
Removing them denies you one of the plant's early alert systems. Remember, those lower leaves are HELPING that tree to become a tree-shape and should be left until the very last step of the shaping process.
Why is the top of my fiddle leaf fig drooping?
Drooping fiddle fig leaves are a sign of underwatering or overwatering. Stress from high temperatures, poor light conditions, or potting shock can also cause wilting. Drain excess water from the pot and move the plant where there's bright indirect light and water sparingly to revive the fiddle fig.
Do fiddle leaf figs grow from the top or bottom?
We love to see growth on our fiddle leaf fig trees, but we prefer fresh new growth at the top of the tree, not the very bottom of the trunk. Leaves at the base of the tree can give your fiddle a bushy or even unbalanced appearance, which isn't the best thing for an ornamental plant.
What to do if you are allergic to fiddle leaf figs?
Wear gloves and an old long sleeved shirt, especially if you are allergic to latex. When cut, the fiddle leaf fig plant oozes a white rubbery sap similar to latex that can cause an allergic reaction. Even if you are not allergic to latex, it’s best to keep the sap off your skin because it can be hard to remove.
What is a fiddle leaf fig?
The fiddle leaf fig is a type of houseplant from the ficus family. The name comes from the thick violin-shaped leaves that grow off the plant’s woody stems. Like other species of ficus, these plants like a lot of light, minimal water and they don’t do well with sudden changes in environment. Fiddle leaf fig plants are sold as trees or bushes.
How to keep a sage tree from falling over?
If the main stem is left un-cut, it will grow tall and leggy and need support to keep from falling over. Make the cut at an angle, between two leaf nodes. Cut back any branches that are growing too wide for your taste. Cut the branches at an angle, near a leaf node.
How to keep a plant from dripping rubber?
Set some newspapers aside to place the cuttings from the plant on. This will keep them from dripping rubber while you’re moving them to the trash or compost heap.
How to cut back a tree that is too wide?
Cut back any branches that are growing too wide for your taste. Cut the branches at an angle, near a leaf node.
How to get rubbery sap off a plant?
Spread newspapers on the floor and over furniture near the plant. The rubbery sap is very hard to clean off if it drips onto a surface. If some drops land somewhere, wipe them gently with rubbing alcohol to remove them. Set some newspapers aside to place the cuttings from the plant on.
How to get a tree to back bud?
The best way to induce back-budding is: Move the tree outdoors and allow it to acclimate to full sun as soon as temps allow next year. Chop the top back by 1/2 - 2/3 in mid-June and leave it in full sun. Give it time to back-bud.
How to get a tree to acclimate to full sun?
Move the tree outdoors and allow it to acclimate to full sun as soon as temps allow next year.
Does shorter days yield good looking plants?
This time of year with the days getting shorter and shorter will not yield any good looking growth.
What happens if a fiddle leaf fig leaves are damaged?
An injured or sick leaf drains the resources of your plant and can spread an infection. When you notice damaged or sick leaves, remove them quickly any time of year. Pruning the damaged leaves and branches from this fiddle leaf fig could potentially save it.
Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves crowded?
Fiddle leaf fig leaves need airflow and space to be healthy. If your plant gets too compact and crowded, the leaves can suffer damage from rubbing against each other. You’ll want to thin crowded areas by pruning.
How big do fiddle leaf figs grow?
Healthy plants may grow several inches or even a few feet each year. They can get lopsided or too big for their location in a hurry. Pruning will keep your plant healthy, balanced, and a good size for its location.
What is the shape of a fiddle leaf fig?
There are two general shapes of fiddle leaf fig plants: a bush shape and a tree shape. Smaller plants tend to be bushier, and larger plants tend to be more tree-shaped. As your small plant grows, you may want to begin to shape it into a tree. Decide if you’re trying to prune your plant toward a proper tree shape or keep it as a compact bush shape.
Why do fiddle leaf figs grow sideways?
Shape Your Plant. Grown indoors, fiddle leaf fig plants can take on unusual shapes because of their limited access to sunlight. Instead of growing straight up toward the sun like they would outdoors, they may grow sideways. Additionally, in the wild, the lower leaves will fall off due to lack of sunlight. But inside, lower leaves may still get ...
Why remove crowded branches?
If you have tightly crowded branches, you’ll want to remove some areas to provide improved airflow and reduce crowding. Any branches that touch each other should be addressed, as well as leaves that are impeding each other’s growth.
How to prune a plant to a tree shape?
Prune your plant toward a tree shape by removing the lower leaves.
How to keep fiddle leaf figs in check?
To keep the height of your plant in check, you will need to pinch out these tender leaves as they appear with your fingers. This may also help to deter lower leaf drop as well as encourage branching of your plant near the pinching points.
What is a fiddle leaf fig?
A few years ago, the fiddle leaf fig was the “it” plant and to some extent it still is. Many became enamored with its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves which brought the wow factor to a home’s décor. Perhaps you now have this trendy plant in your home and are wondering how to keep your plant as “fit as a fiddle.” Fiddle leaf fig pruning is one good way to keep the plant in top form by giving it good form. So, let’s get a sharp pair of pruning shears in hand and learn how to prune fiddle leaf fig.
Can you use a sharp pair of pruning shears on fiddle leaf figs?
This will only happen with a sharp clean pair of pruning shears, not a dull pair of scissors. When pruning fiddle leaf fig, it is also recommended to protect the area around your plant with a drop-cloth, as any cuts made may ooze a sticky sap on your floors and nobody wants that.
Can you cut back fiddle leaf figs?
While the thought of fiddle leaf fig pruning may seem intimidating, cutting back fiddle leaf figs is actually very easy. Be properly equipped when cutting back fiddle leaf figs. You will want to make nice clean cuts on your plant. This will only happen with a sharp clean pair of pruning shears, not a dull pair of scissors.
Do fiddle leaf figs have leaves?
Fiddle leaf figs either have bare or leaf-covered stems or trunks. If you’re angling for a more tree-like look, your fiddle leaf fig pruning will involve removing the older lower leaves on the trunk, provided you have healthy growth happening on top of your plant.
What to do if fiddle leaf fig is out of shape?
If your plant seems to be out of shape, remove the seemingly causative growth or the gangly vines to give your fiddle leaf fig an overall attractive look.
How to prune a fiddle leaf fig the easy way?
For easy pruning, mark all the branches you want to cut with post-it notes or colored tape, including the diseased ones. Next, disinfect and sharpen your pruning tools and begin making cuts little by little with extreme care and caution.
How to rejuvenate figs after pruning?
Fertilizing your plant after you have pruned it will help it rejuvenate. As pruning takes a lot out of the plant, and the nutrients will help your fig heal.
How to grow fiddle leaf figs?
To encourage healthy growth, put your freshly-pruned fiddle leaf fig in bright, dappled sunlight. Furthermore, add a high-quality, balanced NPK fertilizer and add some water.
Why put fiddle leaf figs in the best conditions?
Putting your fiddle leaf fig in the ideal conditions is essential to ensure full recovery and normal development.
What are the two shapes of fiddle leaf figs?
Generally, the fiddle leaf fig has two shapes: a wider bush shape and a relatively narrow tree shape.
Why are my figs spindly?
A lack of light can make any plant spindly, and the same is true for your fig plant. Fiddle leaf figs love the indirect sun but can take it more directly when acclimated to the increased light. So, if your plant is leggy-looking, add sunshine but do it slowly.
How to help fiddle leaf figs?
If you think your fiddle leaf fig might be showing some fertilizer burn or if you just realized you made a mistake with the plant food, flushing the soil with distilled water should help. Be sure not to use fertilizer during the winter months nor directly after repotting. The plant won’t be actively growing and can’t use the extra nutrients.
How to get rid of yellowing on fiddle leaf figs?
You might also see yellowing spread to the whole leaf rather than concentrated splotches. Bacterial infection is almost more difficult to combat than root rot. Remove any leaves that appear to have signs of it and try repotting your fiddle leaf fig. Make sure the soil and planter drain well.
Why do fiddle leaf figs have brown spots?
If you see nasty looking dark brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig, often starting around the edges or the base and appearing in a splotchy pattern, that can be an indication of root rot. Root rot is one of the more serious conditions that a houseplant can suffer from, so you’ll have to take a peek at the roots as soon as you can.
Why do fiddle leaf figs need light?
Fiddle leaf figs need bright light to be able to use the water you provide effectively and to thrive.
Why are there black spots on my fiddle leaf fig?
If you’re seeing black spots on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves (as well as possible brown spotting and leaf loss), that might be a sign you’ve been watering the plant too much.
How to get rid of bacterial infection in a plant?
There isn’t always too much you can do about bacterial infections. Again, remove damaged leaves. Get your nose down close to the soil and smell it. If it’s nasty (sorry for making you take a whiff!) definitely repot into a more well-draining soil. Make sure you’re not watering the plant too heavily.
Why is my tree rotting?
Remove any afflicted roots and leaves and re-examine your watering schedule. After all, root rot will often be caused by overwatering.