Fiddle-Leaf Figs

“Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”
– Diane von Furstenberg

The Fiddle-Leaf Fig has become the hallmark of classic style and grace in the contemporary home. It’s become the newest, designer “it” plant, and it isn’t hard to see why everyone is so in love.
This fig brings an elegant atmosphere to whatever room it’s in, all while maintaining a cool and tropical undertone with its luscious, deep green leaves. They take center-stage in any well-lit room, but can also transform your patio into a luxury oasis in spring and summer.

Getting the Fiddle-Leaf Look:

Like any fashion icon worth their salt, these plants might need a little nurturing to look their best, but your efforts will be well-rewarded. With any sunny room, though, you’re already on your way to bringing home the designer beauty of a fiddle leaf fig.

Light:

Enough of the right kind of light is the key to keeping a fiddle-leaf looking fabulous. These elegant beauties aren’t meant for sprucing up the basement – they thrive best in a bright room with some South or West exposure. The trick is that, while your fig loves light, its luxurious leaves are quite sensitive to burning and will scorch under direct sunbeams.

If your fig isn’t getting enough light, it will certainly let you know, though without much warning, by dropping leaves. While many fig owners panic at the idea of their beloved plants suddenly balding, it’s just their way of telling you that they need more light to keep looking their best.

Once your fig is comfortable in their spot, try not to move it. While redecorating is always tempting, these plants prefer to keep things consistent once they find a location they like. The one exception to this rule is rotating your plant if it’s getting all its light from one side. Gently turn your fig every few months if it starts reaching across the room towards the light.

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Water and Fertilizer:

The amount that you water your fig very much depends on how much light it is getting, but no matter what, it never wants to be soggy. Wait to water until the soil is dry to the touch. When you do water, do it thoroughly until the water flows out of the bottom of the container, washing away any salts before they accumulate on the fig’s sensitive roots. Remember to empty the water dish when you’re done so your beautiful plant isn’t sitting in water that could rot its roots.

While figs aren’t big feeders, a little touch of nutrition will help keep them vibrant, lush, and ready to impress. When your fig is growing (spring through fall), it’ll love a pick-me-up with a monthly dose of all-purpose fertilizer. Keep the fertilizer at half strength to give your plant a gentle boost, rather than a kick, of nutrients. In winter, your fig will hibernate and it won’t grow nearly as much, so it won’t need the added fuel for growth.

Growth and Transplanting:

A happy fig will grow quickly if it is given the chance, sometimes reaching eight or nine feet tall, and, eventually, it is bound to outgrow its pot.
Your fiddle-leaf will make it pretty obvious when it has outgrown its current home and needs a larger container. When the roots start to wrap around the inner edge of the pot, it’s time to transplant to something larger. The best time to move your fig is in the spring when the growing season has it primed and ready to fill out its new container. Sometimes you can’t wait, though. If the roots start to grow out of the bottom drainage, you’ll need to transplant right away.

Only jump one pot size at a time (aim for growing 2” larger in diameter). If you move more than that, the outer soil could end up water logged and damage your fig’s delicate, fibrous roots.

For a consistent indoor look, consider keeping your fig in a pot with good drainage inside a more decorative container that is a few sizes larger. You’ll get to keep the same aesthetic for multiple container changes, and your fig will get all the healthy drainage it needs, without impeding on your style.

Other Tips for Fiddle-Leaf Figs:

We absolutely adore the fiddle leaf’s luscious, tropical leaves – especially in the midst of our chilly Iowa winters – but they are just as good at catching dust as they are at catching sun rays. A build-up of too much dust is not only unattractive but can prevent your fig from photosynthesizing as it needs. Clean up their leaves every few months with a clean, damp cloth to keep it looking and performing its best.

A pale and spotty fig might not be getting enough light, or could have come down with a pest. Have a careful look at your plant for any obvious problems, or move it to a brighter spot to clear up the blemishes.

We can’t blame everyone for suddenly wanting to take these gorgeous plants home – they are simply irresistible and add that accent of natural color and style to your indoor decor. We certainly understand why they’re so popular right now, and are happy to help you bring your own fiddle-leaf fig home without the hassle! Visit us in-store today to pick one up or to learn more.