Plant Spotlight of the Week: Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs. What are they exactly? Why will it only grow in that one corner of your bedroom? How do I not kill another one? All valid questions that are soon to be answered. Fiddle leaf figs are some pretty cool plants and once you understand them will only get cooler. This week, we’re going to feature them in our “Spotlight” series so that you can learn something new about a plant you have yet to buy, or how to prevent causing any more damage to the one you have. 

Commonly called fiddle leafs, these plants are scientifically known as ‘Ficus Lyrata’ and are a species of plant in the fig and mulberry family Moraceae. Native to western Africa and tropical regions of Sierra Leone, this plant has been known to grow up to 49 ft tall in the wild. indoors , you’ll only see your plant grow to be around 10 ft tall. One thing we stress here at The Zen Succulent, is that you can never go wrong with increasing humidity levels to maximize growth for your houseplants. This also rings true for our very picky fiddle leaf friends. Consider buying a humidifier to go with your plant to help mimic its natural environment. 

Care Instructions:

-Bright, filtered light is what you’re going to want to give these plants. Too much sun and leaves will burn and fall off. Too little sun and leaves will drop from the branches. 

-Because this is an extremely picky plant its best to use a watering schedule to stay on top of watering needs in and outside of the growing season (fall and spring). Top inch or two of soil feeling dry? Give your plant some water and watch it perk back up. 

-During the winter reduce your watering schedule as your fiddle leaf is in more of a dormancy period. Would you like it if someone drenched you in water while you were trying to rest and conserve energy? 

-“Brrrrrr it's freezing” said every fiddle leaf ever that was left in a drafty and cold area. Temperatures should be fairly warm, around 60-80 degrees and humidity levels should reach no more than 65 percent. Humidifiers, rock trays filled with a bit of water and spray bottles to mist the plant will help you help your plant friend out. 

Quick Tips:

• Fiddle leafs will sprout new leaves from the trunk if you cut it back. 

• Partly shady spots are where these plants will thrive more. Too much sun exposure and leaves will experience sunburn. 

• Prune your plant regularly. Remove any brown or dead leaf with a clean pair of sheers and make sure your cut is about an inch away from the trunk to avoid damage. 

• Are there new leaves that are yellowing? The plant may be going through a bacterial infection. Try cutting affected leaves off and potting in new soil.

• Fertilize with plant food that contains a high nitrogen content. 

Plant Tip #3: Dusting the leaves of your plant weekly will not only keep leaves clean and free of debris, but will allow more sunlight to pass through them which will increase the rate at which photosynthesis occurs.