How I Care for My Fiddle Leaf Fig(Ficus Lyrata) and Hello!

* This post was originally shared June 01, 2014 and has been updated

Hi everyone! It’s been awhile since my last post, but, I am sure by now, you know that the hubby is home. In fact, he returned home the same day of my last post. With that said, though I haven’t been blogging, I’ve been quite the chatterbox on Instagram! I’ve posted different stages showing the growth of my fiddle fig which has amassed a number of admirers on there. Admirers who want to know what the heck I’m feeding this monster of a tree! So, I’m sharing how I care for my fiddle fig today.
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
~Maya Angelou

The above quote by the late and amazingly wise Maya Angelou, sums up my current state of mind and being, and I am enjoying being in this state. Also, a big thank you to  Lea of Lea Hartman Photography for coming by to capture these lovely images! 



SOME BASIC CARE TIPS FOR YOUR FIDDLE LEAF FIG(FICUS LYRATA)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig(Ficus Lyrata) has large, paddle-shaped leaves with prominent violin shaped leaves that mimic the look of a fiddle hence the name Fiddle Leaf Fig.  Native to topical regions of western and central Africa, THE Fddle-Leaf Fig has leathery, glossy, evergreen leaves and round fruit. However, when planted as a house plant it doesn't bear fruit.

Location/Light

Well,  I believe the location/placement of your Fiddle Leaf Fig is probably the most important variable to consider with regards to ensuring it will thrive. That location must receive a lot of light for yout Fiddle Leaf Fig to thrive.  In my case,  our fiddle leaf fig is in the sunroom with large windows. Fiddle leaf figs(ficus lyrata) love sunlight and bright indirect light is ideal. Be mindful of direct bright sunlight as those rays can burn the leaves of your Fiddle Leaf Fig.  South facing windows tend to provide optimal light for best growth of your FLF.  As the Earth rotates during it's 24 hour cycle, from late morning to mid afternoon the planet becomes closest to the sun. As a result,  the strongest rays from the sun flow through South facing windows during this part of the day. Plants which demand full sun will thrive here, it provides optimal levels of light for photosynthesis facilitating fast growth. Our sunroom is South -east facing. That exposure receives great morning light and steady light throughout the day and our Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in that kind of light. Wherever you place your Fiddle Leaf Fig should be sunny and receive at least six hours of light. Grow lights are also great to help with meeting the light demand for your Fiddle Leaf Fig.

I'll like to also add that I keep our Fiddle Leaf Fig some distance away from the vent that's in the sunroom. They do not like drafts so keeping them away from vents is ideal.

Watering

Keeping your Fiddle Leaf Fig  hydrated is very important.  It loves getting watered. I can usually tell that mine needs water if the leaves look a bit shriveled and dry. Water regularly during the growing season. Avoid overwatering. I like to give mine a deep watering and then let it completely dry our before watering again. 

Fiddle leaf figs are tropical loving plants and are accustomed to high humidity, consistent temperatures and well-draining, peaty soil. When the plants receive too little water, new foliage browns and eventually falls off. On the other hand, when plants are over-watered -- or heavy soil becomes waterlogged -- damage begins at the base of the plant and the oldest leaves turn brown and drop. Allow over-watered figs to dry thoroughly. Fiddle leaf figs should be allowed to dry out between waterings and then watered deeply until water runs out the bottom of the container. Reduce watering from fall to late winter

pic shows new growth/leaf

Repotting

It's a great idea to repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig every Spring when it is still small and growing (before it reaches maturity). I have already repotted ours and I know I will have to repot it again in a much bigger container to ensure enough room for its root system.  When you see roots beginning to grow out the bottom of the pot is usually a sign that your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs repotting. To maintain healthy roots,  use a well draining soil and make sure your garden pots have drainage holes.  Remember, Fiddle Leaf Figs are prone to root rot from too much water. 

Pruning

Though I haven't pruned my Fiddle Leaf Fig, I try to remove any dead or diseased leaf as soon as I see them to ensure my FLF remains healthy. Pruning it might have to occur too because at the rate at which it is growing, I am not sure if it will fit in that spot (unless pruned) for much longer… 

If a Fiddle Leaf Fig gets too tall, gently remove it from its pot and trim the roots. Trimming the roots limits how tall the plant grows. Root trimming a ficus plant can be done every few years during winter and fall. Cutting the stems back in the Spring or early Summer encourages your Fiddle Leaf Fig to become bushier.

Also,  rotating your fig ensures that all the leaves receive optimal light and helps to maintain a rounded shape. I try to rotate our Fiddle Leaf Fig at least once a week.

Fertilizing

I get asked about the type of fertilizer I use and believe it or not, I haven't fertilized our Fiddle Leaf Fig. Her fast growth is mostly due to the optimal light she receives. However, when her nutrient demand level changes where she will require a fertilizer, this one is a great option.  If your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs fertilizing ideally, Spring and Summer are the best times to do so.

And those are my basic care tips for how I've been maintaining our  Fiddle Leaf Fig. If you have a Home Depot in your area, they may have them there. That’s where I purchased mine. Also, you can buy this one that has great reviews too.

Updated pic

This is an updated pic of Glory almost 4 years later(since original post in June 2014). She is thriving!

Now, you might be wondering about the sunroom, well, it’s left mostly undecorated as it is the boys’ stomping ground; well the entire house is.

We aren’t a formal household, but one could say that this is our informal space. I removed the coffee table and freed up the space in the middle. Better for the boys too.

This mushroom stool was in Ian’s nursery, but I stole it and it’s perfect for resting things aka magazines on.

I enjoy sitting in this chair! In fact, I am usually fighting the boys off of it because they love it too!  Happy Sunday everyone. xx

images© Lea Hartman


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