Floral Separator

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Made Easy: Tips for Beginners

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Grow a stunning fiddle leaf fig with confidence! This beginner's guide provides simple care tips and essential advice for keeping this popular houseplant healthy and thriving.

Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, the fiddle leaf fig is a large, evergreen tree in its natural habitat. Indoors, it typically grows much smaller, but can still reach impressive heights if given the right conditions. Its large, leathery leaves, with their distinctive wavy edges, are its most striking feature.

Floral Frame

Light and Location Fiddle leaf figs crave really bright, indirect light. Think dappled sunlight under a forest canopy – that’s the ideal. Mine sits in a south facing window and it LOVES that spot.

Soil and Planting  Just like with light, proper soil is essential. Fiddle leaf figs need well-draining potting mix. A blend designed for container plants, containing ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and bark, is ideal. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture.

Temperature and Humidity Fiddle leaf figs prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing them near drafts from vents or doors, and be mindful of sudden temperature fluctuations. They also appreciate moderate to high humidity.

Watering Watering is another area where many people struggle. The key is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. This is known as the “soak and dry” method. When you do water, water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes.

Fertilizing During the growing season (spring and summer), I give my fig a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants every few weeks. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months, as the plant’s growth slows down.

Common Pests and Diseases – Mealybugs: These tiny, white insects suck sap from the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Spider mites: Look for fine webbing and tiny, moving dots. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Root rot: Caused by overwatering. Repot in fresh soil and adjust watering habits.

Floral Separator

Follow along to learn more about how to grow a fiddle leaf fig.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Floral Separator

Get more home, garden and entertaining ideas delivered straight to your inbox!

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Floral Frame

Flower Gardening Made Simple

Learn my easy care approach to growing flowers no matter what size garden you have.