If social media trends, especially Instagram, are anything to go by, then Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the most popular houseplants around. In the last few years, the popularity of this tropical plant has absolutely soared and it’s easy to see why. Fiddle Leaf Fig or Ficus Lyrata makes a stunning architectural statement in any space and also acts as a great air purifier. Native to western Africa, Fiddle Leaf Fig plant features very large, heavily veined, glossy, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright on a sleek trunk. Highly dramatic, striking plants that act as the focal point, these gorgeous plants can make any room Instagram or magazine cover worthy. Below is a guide on how to care for Fiddle Leaf Fig plants.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care
With their tall stature and elegant leaves, live Fiddle Leaf Fig plants bring great height and drama to your indoors. Since they are native to tropical Africa, these plants are known to thrive well in warm and wet conditions which is a little challenging for indoor conditions. They can be a little tricky to take care of. You need to give them time to acclimatize to your space and learn their watering schedule.
Hardiness Zones – Fiddle Leaf Fig plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. When cultivated outdoors in subtropical climates, these plants reach up to 15-25 feet tall which is on the short side.
Light and Temperature Requirements – Fiddle leaf plants love a brightly lit room. They thrive in bright, consistent, and indirect sunlight. Do not expose your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant to the hot afternoon sun as it can burn the leaves. A few hours of morning sun is good for them but not peak sun. If you subject them to low light conditions, the plant will fail to grow rapidly. A room with temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is fine for these plants.
Water Requirements – Fiddle Leaf plant leaves wilt and lose their bright color in the absence of enough water. The plant drops its leaves and suffers from root rot when given too much water. Therefore, you need to ensure that the plant receives the right amount of water and a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. In winters, water them slightly less.
Feeding – Adding a good fertilizer monthly during the summer is essential for Fiddle Leaf Ficus plants. Throughout the growing season, feed them high-nitrogen plant food as per the label instructions. Since plant growth naturally slows down during winter, there is no need to fertilize it.
