The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant, known for its large, violin-shaped leaves. Shaping the plant is important for its long-term vitality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring it remains a focal point in any space.
Understanding Fiddle Leaf Fig Growth Habits
Fiddle Leaf Figs naturally grow as tall, single-trunked trees in their native West African rainforest habitat. Indoors, they typically form either a single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed bush, with branching occurring lower on the plant.
The plant prioritizes upward growth from its main stem, a process called apical dominance. This often suppresses side branch development, leading to tall, spindly indoor plants without intervention. Large leaves also contribute to a top-heavy nature, which can cause leaning if the trunk isn’t strong.
Techniques for Shaping Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Pruning for Desired Shape
Pruning is an effective method to influence the Fiddle Leaf Fig’s shape, encouraging bushiness or maintaining a clear tree form. The ideal time to prune is during the plant’s active growing season, when it can recover and produce new growth. Removing the top portion (apical meristem) of the main stem breaks apical dominance, redirecting energy to stimulate dormant buds lower down, leading to new side branches and a fuller appearance.
For a tree-like shape, remove lower leaves and branches to reveal the trunk. When pruning, use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a leaf node, a raised area on the stem where new growth emerges. This minimizes stress and encourages healthy development. After pruning, the plant may release milky white sap, which is normal and should be wiped away.
Encouraging Branching with Notching
Notching encourages new branches without reducing the plant’s height. This involves making a small incision into the stem just above a dormant node where new growth is desired. The cut disrupts growth-regulating hormones, specifically auxin, signaling dormant buds at that node to activate and produce new shoots.
To perform notching, use a sharp, sterile blade to make a shallow cut, about one-third of the way into the stem, just above a node. While effective, notching does not guarantee new growth in every attempt, with success rates often cited between 30-50%. Applying rooting hormone to the notch can sometimes increase success.
Providing Support with Staking
Staking provides support, helping to train a young Fiddle Leaf Fig to grow straight or support a top-heavy plant. This temporary measure guides the plant’s growth while its trunk strengthens. Select a dowel or stake long enough to extend from several inches below the soil to where the trunk begins to branch.
Insert the stake gently into the soil, avoiding root damage. Secure the plant to the stake using soft plant ties or tape, ensuring ties are not too tight. Regular, gentle swaying of the trunk can help develop stronger roots, mimicking natural wind. Staking alone is not a long-term solution for a weak trunk; combine it with proper care to encourage natural strength.
Maintaining Shape and Addressing Common Issues
Regular Rotation for Even Growth
Consistent rotation of your Fiddle Leaf Fig promotes balanced growth. Plants naturally grow towards light, which can lead to lopsidedness if one side constantly faces the brightest window. Rotating the pot a quarter turn every week or two ensures all sides receive adequate light, preventing leaning and encouraging even foliage development.
Addressing Legginess and Sparse Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by tall, thin stems with sparse leaves, often indicates insufficient light. The plant stretches towards available light, a process called etiolation, resulting in elongated internodal spaces. To address this, move the plant to a brighter location, ideally near a south or east-facing window with bright, indirect light.
While increased light encourages healthier new growth, existing leggy sections will not automatically become fuller. Strategic pruning can stimulate new growth along the stem, promoting a bushier appearance. Fertilizing during the growing season also provides nutrients for dense foliage, helping to prevent future legginess.
Correcting Lopsidedness
A lopsided Fiddle Leaf Fig can result from uneven light exposure or unbalanced growth. Correcting this involves methods to encourage growth on the sparser side and manage the fuller side. Regular rotation helps distribute light evenly, preventing further leaning.
For an uneven plant, strategically pruning the fuller side can help balance its shape. Notching on the sparser side can stimulate new branching. Ensuring proper watering and nutrient uptake also contributes to the plant’s strength and balance, helping it maintain its form.