The fiddle-leaf fig, a popular houseplant, enhances indoor spaces with its striking foliage. This plant is known for its broad, violin-shaped leaves and upright growth.
What is a Fiddlesticks Plant
The fiddle-leaf fig, scientifically known as Ficus lyrata, gets its name from its large, leathery leaves that resemble a violin. Native to the tropical lowlands of western Africa, it grows as a small tree indoors, often reaching 2 to 10 feet. Its prominent, heavily veined, glossy green leaves can grow up to 18 inches long.
Fiddlesticks Plant Care
Light
Fiddle-leaf figs thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a south, east, or west-facing window. Direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves, causing brown patches. Insufficient light leads to slow growth, smaller new leaves, and shedding of lower foliage. Rotate the plant 90 degrees every few weeks for balanced growth.
Watering
Water fiddle-leaf figs when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, brown spots, and wilting. Underwatering leads to drooping, crispy leaf edges, and leaf drop. Watering frequency is typically every 7 to 10 days, varying with pot size, light, and temperature.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix for fiddle-leaf figs to avoid root rot. A good mix contains components like perlite, pine bark, and coco coir for aeration and drainage. Always use a pot with ample drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Fiddle-leaf figs prefer stable temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 30°C). They are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and cold drafts, which cause leaf drop. Keep the plant away from vents and drafty windows. These tropical plants need moderate to high humidity, ideally 50-60%. Low humidity causes brown, crispy leaf edges and difficulty unfurling new leaves. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier.
Fertilizing
Fertilize fiddle-leaf figs regularly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2. Fertilize monthly or with every watering, using a diluted solution. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent nutrient burn and salt buildup. Reduce or stop fertilization during dormant winter months.
Pruning
Pruning fiddle-leaf figs maintains shape, controls size, and promotes bushier growth. Remove damaged, yellowing, or dead leaves. Make clean cuts with sharp shears, just above a leaf node or where new growth is desired. Pruning can be done year-round, but major shaping is best in spring or early summer during active growth.
Repotting Your Fiddlesticks Plant
Repot a fiddle-leaf fig when it outgrows its container, shown by roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Slowed growth also indicates the plant is root-bound. Repot every one to two years into a new pot 2 to 4 inches larger. Gently remove the plant, loosen circling roots, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Propagating Your Fiddlesticks Plant
Propagate fiddle-leaf figs using stem cuttings from healthy, mature stems with several leaves. Make a clean cut below a node and remove lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or a well-draining potting mix, optionally using rooting hormone. Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity for successful rooting, which takes a few weeks to months.
Common Problems With Fiddlesticks Plants
Fiddle-leaf figs can develop issues, often due to environmental factors. Leaf drop indicates changes in temperature, light, or watering. Brown spots suggest overwatering, root rot, or low humidity, while crispy brown edges point to underwatering or dry air. Small red or dark brown speckles on new growth are a sign of edema from inconsistent watering.
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale can infest plants. Spider mites create fine webbing and cause yellowing, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Inspect leaves and stems regularly; insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage most pests.
Fiddlesticks Plant Toxicity
The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals and sapogenin, which can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. Keep this plant out of reach of small children and animals.