Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus Lyrata 3 gallon & 10 inch pot
Fiddle Leaf Fig are a great indoor tree, they grow in a column form but can be pruned to encourage branching. While they could live outdoors with accommodations they will do best indoors protected from our dry heat and intense sun. Fiddle leaf figs will also need protection from the air conditioner draft, and like some humidity in the air. Bright indirect lighting or morning sun exposure with shade relief in the afternoon is preferred.
They prefer a medium moist soil and want to dry out a bit between watering. This delicate balance can be achieved by amending the soil with perlite so the soil drains and dries before the roots get stressed and rot from too much moisture. It’s also recommended to avoid upsizing the pot too large too quickly to help the soil dry out evenly, just a few extra inches is all that is needed for healthy continual growth.
Some common issues to look out for on fiddle leaf figs is root rot which can be avoided with the soil recommendations above, and using a moisture meter to take the guesswork out and check if your potted plant needs to be watered. If you see leaf drop, browning edges, and crunchy spots you may want to water less frequently, but also ensure when you are watering that the water drains out the bottom of the pot and enough water is being used to help wash away mineral build up. Spider mites are another common pet that can easily be avoided by wiping down the large leaves with a damp towel, removing dust and possible pests before it becomes a problem. If there are signs of pest damage there are a few options for pesticides and alternative soaps. Fiddle leaf figs can also suffer from sun scald, if you see new growth with red spots then you may want to move the plant out of direct harsh light, the growth will recover beautifully in the indirect bright light.
Fiddle leaf figs can be propagated from stem cuttings, if you find your fig too tall then chop the top for propagation and to encourage branching. Fiddle leaf figs are toxic to pets, so keep that in mind if your pets like to sample your plants.
