What You Really Need To Know About Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Care

Did you know that a fiddle leaf fig tree (​Ficus lyrata​) shoots up taller than a 10-story building when grown in its native habitat? (It hails from tropical regions in western and central Africa.) Yet somehow the fiddle leaf's lush, lovely foliage has found its way into thousands of homes today, making this ficus one of the most popular potted houseplants of all time.

As potted plants, fiddle leafs top out at around 10 feet tall, growing their huge, violin-shaped leaves on upright stems. And although extremely popular, fiddle leafs have a reputation of being "difficult." However, the needs of a fiddle leaf fig are actually ​not​ complex at all, and most problems can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines.

When it comes to watering houseplants, many believe "the more, the better." However, when it comes to a fiddle leaf, just say no to this attitude and opt for balance. Too much water will kill it, too little will wilt it.

​The fiddle leaf requires soil that is regularly moist but never wet.​ This isn't hard to achieve if you ​follow two simple rules: ensure excellent drainage and water only once a week​. Good drainage depends on choosing a container with multiple drain holes, then using well-draining potting soil. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.

How much water should you offer your fiddle leaf every week? It depends on the size of the plant and the season:

• If the distance from the top of the soil to the top of the plant is 24 inches or less, give it 1 cup every week during the growing season.
• If it is between 24 and 36 inches, make that 2 cups.
• If your plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall, provide 3 cups, and anything over that needs 4 cups.

Decrease these amounts just a little in winter, but mist the leaves to keep up the humidity.

Stephen Paul

Finding the right amount of sunlight for your fiddle leaf is a similar balancing act. ​This ficus needs bright light, but it can only take direct sun in the mornings.​ The leaves of a plant left to its own devices next to a south-facing window will quickly crisp and brown.

Instead, ​opt for an east-facing window​. And make sure to plug any window drafts before you set the fiddle leaf there. ​Remember, these are tropical plants and a cool breeze chilly window won't feel good.​

Here are a few more tips to ensure your fiddle leaf gets the sun it needs:

• Turn the plant every few weeks to allow all sides to get light exposure.
• Wipe the dust from the large leaves every few weeks with a moist cloth. Dust prevents the plants from absorbing sunlight readily and completing photosynthesis.

Peter Schweitzer

Some ficus species adore regular, rich fertilizer, but the fiddle leaf fig is ​not​ one of them. ​Pick a water-soluble fertilizer, water it down by half, then use it as part of the weekly watering ritual.​ Just fertilize this way during the growing season. ​Cut out fertilizer entirely in winter.​

If you follow these general guidelines, your fiddle leaf fig should stay lovely and lush for a very long time.