Fiddleleaf Fig Care (Ficus lyrata)

Place indoors in not direct light or part shade with protection from the afternoon sun. Provide 2-6 hours of indirect light daily, ideally near an east- or south-facing window with filtered sun.

Note: In low-light conditions, growth slows, and leaves drop, especially during winter.

Balanced moisture is very important for Ficus lyrata, as it is sensitive to both overwatering and drought. Water when the top 3-5 cm of soil feels dry. If the leaves become yellow, it is a signal that the plant receives too much water. At the same time, dry edges or leaf drop indicate that it’s staying too dry.

This tropical tree likes stable, warm temperatures that support steady growth and prevent stress.

• Ideal conditions are 65-75°F (18-27°C), where the plant maintains active growth and healthy foliage.
• The plant can tolerate down to 50°F (10°C), so you can place it outside during warm periods.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes or drafts near windows or vents.

A medium relative humidity supports healthy leaf development and ensures well-being. Keep 40-60% humidity to prevent brown leaf edges and dryness. If this indicator falls below 30%, you may see fiddle leaf fig leaf drop or crisping.

Lifehack: Place the plant on a shallow tray with stones and water to raise humidity, and use a small hygrometer nearby.

A loose, airy soil mix helps support fiddle leaf fig health and steady growth.

• Use a loamy, organic-rich mix combined with bark or compost to provide nutrients.
• Slightly acidic conditions around pH 5.5-7 support normal nutrient uptake and healthy foliage.
• Add perlite or coarse sand to prevent roots from sitting in moisture.

Note: The plant is sensitive to excess salt buildup in the soil from fertilizers, tap water, or porous containers. Once a month, rinse the soil until water drains freely from the bottom.

Use a heavy, wide-based pot about 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) in diameter for medium-sized plants. Mature specimens require pots around 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) wide to provide enough stability and root space.

Tip: Look for pots with special holes to let excess water exit quickly after watering.

Regular feeding supports steady leaf growth for the fiddle leaf fig. 

• Apply a liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or similar) every 4-6 weeks in warm months.
• Dilute fertilizer to ½ strength to avoid root stress and salt buildup in the soil.
• Reduce the use of fertilizer in the fall and stop in winter. The plant doesn’t actively grow in these periods.

You can prune dead and damaged leaves of Ficus lyrata at any time, but the best season to prune for shape is in the spring. Trim the top of the main stem to stimulate branching and make a balanced form.

Note: Long, weak growth with spaced leaves usually indicates insufficient light exposure. Cut them and put the pot in a more light place.

Repot a fiddle leaf fig every spring or early summer. 

• Gently loosen compacted roots and avoid excessive disturbance to reduce transplant stress. 
• Choose a 2-inch (5 cm) bigger pot than the one you had.
• If mature species are too heavy to repot, remove the top 1-3 inches of soil annually and add fresh soil.

Propagation for fiddle leaf fig is most commonly done using stem cuttings, but there are also other methods like division, air layering, or stem cuttings.

• Take cuttings in spring or early summer with at least one leaf and a node for successful rooting.
• Place cuttings in water or a moist medium with temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Provide indirect light and increased humidity for 2-3 weeks.

Cold weather, snow, and other such factors can stress this tropical tree, so winter care for the fiddle leaf fig focuses on maintaining warm indoor conditions. Just keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to prevent cold damage and place it so that drafts and cold air currents do not reach it.