The Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular indoor plant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves, which create a dramatic focal point. While beautiful, they can be challenging to care for. Successfully growing a Fiddle-Leaf Fig is a rewarding experience, transforming your home with its lush, architectural foliage.
Understanding Pandurata Care
Light Requirements
Fiddle-Leaf Figs thrive in bright, indirect light, needing about six hours daily. An east-facing window is ideal for gentle morning sun. South or west-facing windows also work, but filter intense afternoon sun with sheer curtains to prevent leaf burn.
Watering Needs
Fiddle-Leaf Figs prefer their soil to dry out between waterings; the top inch or two should feel dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Flushing the soil monthly helps prevent salt buildup from fertilizers and treated water.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is important for Fiddle-Leaf Figs. Use a quality indoor plant mix, such as peat-based with perlite or a 50/50 blend of cactus and houseplant soil, to ensure good drainage. The pot must also have adequate drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Fiddle-Leaf Figs prefer stable household temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Avoid drafts from open doors or heating/cooling vents to maintain a consistent environment. As tropical plants, they appreciate higher humidity, ideally between 30% and 65%. To increase humidity, use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Fertilizing
During the spring and summer growing season, Fiddle-Leaf Figs benefit from regular fertilization. A high-nitrogen plant food (around 3-1-2 NPK) supports leafy growth. Liquid fertilizers are safer and easier to control; apply every other week or with every watering when diluted. Follow product instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause root burn and leaf discoloration. Plants not repotted in over a year may need more nutrients.
Troubleshooting Common Pandurata Issues
Leaf Drop
Fiddle-Leaf Figs drop leaves in response to stress. Common triggers include relocation, inconsistent watering, or extreme temperature fluctuations. Dropping green leaves often indicates insufficient light or temperature extremes. Ensure the plant is in a stable location with consistent conditions.
Brown or Crispy Leaves
Brown or crispy leaves indicate issues with water or humidity. Causes include underwatering, low humidity, or excessive direct sunlight. Large brown patches may signal bacterial leaf spot disease. Brown, almost black spots, especially on lower leaves, indicate overwatering and root rot.
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves are a common concern. Overwatering is a frequent cause, particularly if the soil is waterlogged. Yellow leaves also result from lack of light, nutrient deficiencies, or natural aging. Examine the plant’s overall health and recent care to determine the specific cause.
Pest Infestations
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats can affect Fiddle-Leaf Figs. Spider mites create fine webbing and appear as tiny red or brown dots. Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that leave a cottony substance. These pests feed on plant sap, causing damage. Isolate affected plants and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Repotting Your Pandurata
Repotting a Fiddle-Leaf Fig is necessary when the plant outgrows its container or the soil quality deteriorates. Signs include roots protruding from drainage holes, circling the soil, stunted growth, or depleted soil. The best time to repot is in spring, during the plant’s active growing season.
When selecting a new pot, choose one 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overwatering. Water the plant a few days beforehand to ease removal. Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball if circling, and trim any dead or damaged roots. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining soil at the bottom, center the plant, and fill around the root ball. Gently press the soil to remove air pockets, then water generously to settle it.
Propagating Pandurata
Propagating a Fiddle-Leaf Fig is achieved through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting with at least three leaf nodes. Make a clean, 45-degree cut just above a node, ensuring the cutting has a few leaves at the top and a bare stem section at the bottom. Remove any bottom leaves that would be submerged in water or soil.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in room-temperature water with nodes submerged, changing the water weekly. Roots appear within two to three weeks. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long, transplant the cutting into a small pot with fresh potting mix.