Having a plant in your home or workspace offers a natural essence that carries a calmness in it. It can also act as an interior decor element, turning out to be a highlight. If you are looking for plants with large leaves and beautiful foliage, a Fiddle leaf fig will suit you perfectly. These are small shrubs that can thrive indoors when provided with ideal conditions. However, it is important to take proper care of these plants. Here is a guide to growing the Fiddle leaf fig plant in its best state.  

Taking care of Fiddle fig leaves

Lighting

These plants favor direct, bright light. Although an east or west-facing window is ideal, they can also tolerate some morning or late-afternoon direct sunlight. On the other hand, if the leaves start to yellow, there may be too much light. It may not be getting enough light if the plant is stretching or the leaves are drooping.

Watering

For ideal growth, they are to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. A good way to check if the plant needs water is to stick your finger in the soil, if it feels dry then it’s time to water. It’s important to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the pot. Also, it’s a good idea to use a moisture meter to check the water level in the soil.

Humidity

They thrive well in a humid environment. In case the air in your home is too dry, you can use a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant. Alternatively, you can place a tray of water near the plant, or mist the leaves with water droplets regularly.

Temperature

For the best Fiddle Leaf Figs care, provide them with a warm and consistent temperature between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They grow to their full potential under constant climatic conditions, so keep them away from drafty areas or air conditioning vents.

Soil

These plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil for proper nourishment. A good potting mix for fiddle leaf figs would be a blend of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or vermiculite. It is important to ensure that the soil does not stay consistently moist and that the plant is not sitting in water, as this can lead to root rot.

Pruning

They can be pruned to control their size or shape. The best time to prune these plants is in the spring when new growth begins to appear. It is advised to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid leaving any jagged edges.

Propagation

They can be propagated by taking stem cuttings. For proper propagation, cut a stem that has grown more than 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil and keep it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and the cutting should root within a few weeks.

Pets and diseases

It is important to keep pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects away for the best Fiddle Leaf Figs care. Inspect the plant for signs of pests regularly and remove them as soon as you notice them. Diseases that may affect Fiddle Leaf Figs include leaf spots, root rot, and anthracnose. Keep an eye out for any discoloration or spots on the leaves, and remove any affected leaves promptly.

Conclusion

Fiddle leaf fig plants are ideal for indoors because of their beautiful foliage. They have very pleasant green leaves and can be easily taken care of.