How to Grow and Care for Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Are you a greenery expert? A plant parent? A green thumb? Then you must have tried out your hands and expertise in potting, cultivating and nurturing many indoor as well as outdoor plants. Among these plants that you have taken care of, have you ever tried parenting a fiddle leaf fig plant? If your answer to this question is a solid no, then you most certainly need to buy indoor plants like this which not only is an air purifying plant but also is greatly associated with the rules of Feng Shui.

Lucky for you, here is a small help guide for taking great care of your fiddle-leaf fig shrub at your home. Follow them from the moment you buy plants for an active and promising growth.

Care and maintenance:

Fiddle leafed fig plants can survive in lower temperatures if special care is taken and you have chosen the correct plant sapling. The special care includes either wrapping the fiddle fig plant in an insulated material or planting it in a large container.

Fiddle leafed fig plant enthusiasts endeavour to keep the odds in their favour by employing some cold fighting techniques. When cultivating plants in pots, it is a must to put them in a place that has adequate sunlight during the day. In winter times, you should not leave your plant outside as its roots will die. Another great option is keeping the plant in a greenhouse as it provides good ventilation and preferable conditions.

Light:

Sunlight is not a must during its dormant period. The daytime temperatures would be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The night time temperatures should be maintained between 65 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant should have an average humidity with moisture kept at an even level. The plant might not even get blooms if the light level is too low. Fiddle-leaf fig plants lose their foliage during winters. So, check your plant periodically to make sure of new growth that may appear or at the very least, track its progress. If this has happened, then you must move the plant to a well ventilated area.

Watering:

During winter, you are also required to water these plants at least once per month. The amount of water this ornamental plant needs depends on a lot of factors including the surrounding temperature, drainage conditions, etc. Ideally, we would recommend you to water the plant once or twice a week. Touch the top soil to determine whether the plant needs watering.

Soil:

To cultivate healthy trees in containers, the soil used is preferred to be a medium-rich potting mix. Some added components such as compost and organic matters are also helpful. To prevent the soil from being too "sticky", some sand or loose materials can be added to increase its porosity to filter extra water.

Fertilising:

Since fiddle-leaf fig plants do not consume nutrients quickly, it is a good idea to use slow-release fertilisers to feed them. Their preference for the elements in the fertiliser is the one with more phosphorus than nitrogen. Many people also prefer a water based soluble fertiliser that is pre added and mixed with water, which is then used for watering the plant.

Potting:

Regarding the container for the fiddle-leaf fig plant cultivation, most pots are more than adequate. Regardless, you can always choose your favourite pots for cultivation such as clay pots or wooden boxes. Some dark containers are capable of absorbing more sunlight than the light-coloured ones. The size of the container is another factor to think about. Considering the fact that trees will grow from time to time, it is necessary to prepare a larger pot for the future, if you put your plant’s new saplings in a small container.

Pruning:

The last thing to care about for your fiddle-leaf fig trees is the pruning. You do not need to do this job from time to time. Three years might be a good option for the next pruning. The top of the tree is the main point of the trimming work. Also, you should cut the foliage into a good shape for ornamental requirements.

Thus, without a moment’s delay, start nurturing your plant and give it ample time to grow. Be patient with your fiddle-leaf fig plant and get working on it with your skilled green thumb!