Fiddle Leaf Fig plant with glossy, veined leaves stacked along a single stem.

Fiddle leaf fig

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INDIRECT SUN

Keep in bright, indirect light

☼ Avoid harsh sun ☼

Fiddle leaf fig does not do well in low light. If its leaves start dropping, look faded, or simply aren’t growing, try moving it to a brighter spot.

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WATER WHEN DRY

Water when top inches of soil are dry

Give your fiddle a thorough soak rather than small, frequent waterings. Water until it drains out, then let the soil dry before the next drink.

Fiddle leaf fig thrives in high humidity.

Consider using a humidifier to boost humidity levels around your fiddle. A pebble tray can also help, but may not have the best results.

To mist or not to mist? Before you reach for the spray bottle, read The Misting Myth. 

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Groovy Root mascot. A cartoon red flower pot character happily planting a seedling with a trowel, surrounded by dirt, smiling flowers, bees, and a second small pot. Wearing blue sneakers.

soil needs

Fiddle leaf fig digs a well-aerated, fast-draining mix that holds just enough moisture to keep roots hydrated.

When choosing a potting mix for fiddle look for mixes that include:

α―“ Perlite α―“

Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

α―“ Orchid Bark α―“

Adds airflow and helps keep soil from getting too dense.

α―“ Coco Coir α―“

Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.

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Common Issues

  • Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or sun scorch.

    Make sure to keep up with those humidity levels, check soil moisture and/or move your fiddle away from direct sun.

    Brown tips do not heal! You can totally snip them off for a cleaner and greener look. Use clean scissors to trim slightly past the crispy edge, following the natural leaf shape. 

    Snipping them off is primarily cosmetic, but also can help redirect energy to healthy growth. 

  • Not always a reason to panic! Sometimes older, lower leaves will naturally die and fall off.

    If the leaf drop seems abnormal, it could be caused by too little or too much water OR a sudden environment change.

    Fiddles can be finicky. They do not like sudden movements or temperature changes.

  • A possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot. 

    Remove affected leaves. Cut back on waterings.

    If issue persists or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead, mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

  • Likely caused by underwatering or overwatering. A little tricky!

    If soil is dry, make sure you are thoroughly watering the pot until it drains out.

    If soil is drenched, drooping leaves could be a sign of root rot. In this case, dry out the soil for a day or two. Remove plant from pot, trim away dead, mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Make sure to watch out for these creepy crawlers:

π–’₯ Aphids

π–’₯ Fungus Gnats

π–’₯ Mealybugs

π–’₯ Spider Mites

π–’₯ Scale

Not Pet Safe

Fiddle leaf fig can be toxic to pets if ingested. If you have pets, keep fiddle plants out of their reach.

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