The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular indoor plant, admired for its large, violin-shaped leaves and striking appearance. Its vibrant green foliage adds a dramatic touch to home interiors. Many people discover these plants through accessible retailers like IKEA. This guide helps new owners care for their IKEA Fiddle Leaf Fig, ensuring it thrives in its new environment.
What to Expect When Buying from IKEA
IKEA offers Fiddle Leaf Figs in various sizes, from tabletop to floor specimens. The standard upright tree is most common. Prices reflect size, providing an accessible entry point.
Before purchase, inspect the plant carefully for overall health. Look for uniformly green, firm leaves without discoloration, tears, or soft spots. Check both sides for pests like webs, sticky residue, or small insects. A healthy plant will have a robust appearance.
Bringing Your IKEA Fiddle Leaf Fig Home
Upon bringing your Fiddle Leaf Fig home, allow it time to adjust. Plants often experience shock when moved, which can cause leaf yellowing or drop in initial weeks. Place your plant in a location with ample bright, indirect light, away from direct drafts. An east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window provides suitable light.
Assess soil moisture before initial watering. If the top inch or two of soil feels dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Avoid immediate repotting unless severely root-bound or the nursery pot is unstable. Allowing a few weeks to acclimate before transplanting reduces stress.
Long-Term Care for Your IKEA Fiddle Leaf Fig
Providing consistent care is important for the long-term health of your Fiddle Leaf Fig. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, ideally from a south or west-facing window, receiving several hours of light without direct, intense sun exposure that can scorch leaves. Rotating the plant every few weeks helps ensure even growth and prevents leaning towards the light source.
Watering should be done thoroughly when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. It is better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering, as constantly wet soil can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s drainage holes. Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer high humidity, so misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby can be beneficial, especially in dry indoor environments.
Maintaining a stable temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C) is ideal for these plants, as they are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, fertilize your Fiddle Leaf Fig every two to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Regularly wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, which can impede photosynthesis.
Addressing Common Problems
Even with proper care, Fiddle Leaf Figs can show signs of distress, often related to environmental factors. Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, can indicate overwatering or insufficient light. If the soil is consistently wet, reduce watering and ensure the plant is in a brighter location. Crispy brown spots or edges on leaves may signal underwatering or low humidity.
Leaf drop is a common reaction to stress, such as environmental changes, temperature fluctuations, or inconsistent watering. If leaves are dropping, assess light, watering, and temperature for recent changes. Stunted growth, where the plant produces few new leaves, can indicate inadequate light, insufficient nutrients, or a need for repotting. Addressing these factors helps the plant recover and resume healthy growth.