With February being our Houseplant Month, where we highlight the beauty and health benefits of having houseplants in your home and office, it seems only fitting that I highlight my favorite houseplant at this time. My indoor houseplant highlight this February is Ficus lyrata, or commonly known as Fiddle-Leaf Fig!
Personally, I have had a Fiddle-Leaf Fig for a few years now. I have it in the corner of my sunroom. It is obviously very happy because of how it has grown. Fiddle leaf figs require a well-lit location. Over the years I have pruned it back a couple of times. I need to prune again sometime in the next month or two.
Fiddle-leaf Fig is one of the more popular houseplants we carry. The common name fiddle-leaf comes from the fact that the leaves resemble a fiddle. The leaves can vary in sizes. I can attest to this characteristic because my fig has some large leaves. It is hard to open any home and garden magazine and not see a Fiddle-leaf Fig tree being used in the photos. Native to Tropical West Africa, it’s a striking tree with large fiddle-shaped waxy leaves that are quilted and wavy. It’s no wonder that for the past couple of years, the Fiddle-leaf has been one of our bestselling houseplants!
Light and Watering Needs for Your Fiddle-Leaf Fig
I don’t consider Fiddle-leaf Figs to be high maintenance. I have learned that they dislike soil that is too wet or too dry. I have learned to water my fig once a week only. I use my finger to stick down into the soil. If the soil feels moist then I may go 10 days between waterings.
As for fertilizing. I don’t want to over fertilize. I fed my fig one time last year. I will fertilize again soon. I recommend a general houseplant fertilizer such as JACK’S 20-20-20 and follow the recommended strength.
A Tip on Pruning and Repotting Fiddle-Leaf Figs
When it comes to pruning, I will be pruning soon. I use pruners because the branches can be thick. I want to make a clean cut. It may not look “pretty” after being pruned. But, just give it some time and this fig will bounce back with new growth and will be a thicker, branchier plant. I have not tried rooting these cuttings. But from what I have been taught it is not too difficult to root these cuttings. You may want to use a rooting hormone on the cuttings to encourage root growth. I think I just convinced myself to give this a try.
We do not recommend re-potting these new babies this time of year. All repotting should be done at the beginning of the plant’s growing season (usually late March or early April). This is the time when the plant can use the additional root space.
In lieu of repotting into a pretty container, what we do recommend is to buy one of our beautiful, colorful glazed containers and set the plant down into this pot for the winter or until it needs a bigger container. We have a great selection for you to see in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Then, next spring, you can repot the Fiddle-Leaf into this decorative container.
Come by the greenhouse. We keep a good selection of Fiddle–leaf Figs on hand all year. And, we have then in various sizes.
PLANT A LITTLE “INDOOR” HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!
I have one of these, relatively new to my house. Several of the leaves are dark brown at the tips. The brown section is more circular, but starts at the tip (not in the middle of the leaf). Ideas on what this is from? I have been careful to no over water this plant and moved it to a warmer section of the house bc it was close to a floor vent blowing cool air.
Thanks!
Megan,
I shared your question with Kathy. We both agree that the black / dark brown tips is water related. When you water, you want to water slowly and thoroughly until the water comes out of the drainage holes. Then you want to use your finger and stick it into the soil up to the knuckle. If the soil feels moist still then hold off on the watering until the soil feels dry. Another possible issue is if you repotted it after you got it home. If so, then this extra soil may be keeping the rootball system too moist for too long of a time. So, bottom line – learn when your Fiddle Leaf fig needs water. Enjoy the plant!! Let me hear back from you if you have any further questions or thoughts. Doug
Could you give me a general price on the fiddle leaf fig plants. I would like to have this information prior to driving to your location. Thank you for your time.
AnnMarie,
I will be happy to assist. Right now we have 5 different sizes: 10″ pot shrub form for $39.99, 10″ pot tree form for $59.99, 12″ pot tree form for $99.99, 14″ pot tree form for $169.99, and a 20″ pot tree form for $329.99. Just a reminder – the 20% off sale runs for another week. It ends next Wednesday, August 22. Come see us. Take care, Doug