DIG THIS
Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is more than just a houseplant. It is a tree in disguise! In the wild, a fiddle leaf fig can soar over 40 feet tall. However, when in indoors it usually tops out around 6-10 feet.
Pro Tip: The fiddle's large, glossy leaves attract dust, which can block sunlight. A quick wipe with a damp towel keeps them clean and thriving.
HEADS UP! This plant does not like being moved. Once you find the perfect spot for it, leave it there. Even a small environment change can trigger leaf drop.
High
Maintenance
Indirect Sunlight
Water When Dry
Not Pet Safe
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN
A fiddle leaf fig loves bright, filtered light and does not do well in low light areas. If its leaves start dropping, look faded, or simply aren’t growing, try moving it to a brighter spot.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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OUR PICK
We recommend an east-facing window for a fiddle leaf fig.
⚠︎ Avoid south or west-facing windows to prevent leaf scorch.
WATER WHEN DRY
Give a fiddle a thorough soak rather than small, frequent waterings. Water until it drains out, then allow the soil to dry before the next drink.
HIGH HUMIDITY
Consider using a humidifier to boost humidity levels around a fiddle. A pebble tray can also help, but may not have the best results.
SOIL
Fiddle leaf fig needs soil that drains well and doesn't stay soggy.
The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a fiddle leaf fig.
Avoid anything labeled "moisture control" or "moisture retention" as these tend to hold water longer than this plant likes.
If you'd like to add something to help with drainage, mix in a bit of perlite or orchid bark.
PERLITE
COMMON ISSUES
YELLOWING
Yellowing leaves/edges is a possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Remove affected leaves. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.
If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
BROWNING / CRISPING
Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or sun scorch.
Make sure to keep up with those humidity levels, check soil moisture and/or move the fiddle leaf fig away from direct sun.
SNIPPING BROWN TIPS
LEAF DROP
Not always a reason to panic! Sometimes older, lower leaves will naturally die and fall off.
However, fiddle leaf figs are notoriously sensitive to being moved! Even rotating it can trigger leaves to drop. Try your best to find a perfect spot for it, then leave it there!
DROOPING
Likely caused by underwatering or overwatering. A little tricky!
⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit. Consider mixing in perlite or orchid bark for extra airflow.
Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
