The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrate) is a gorgeous, tree-like plant native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. This finicky potted plant perplexes many gardeners, but a few simple steps can help you grow glorious fiddle leaf figs right in your own Coastal Bend space.
The first requirement is to get the light right. This plant needs as much bright, indirect light as possible. If grown indoors, keep it close to an eastern-facing window to maximize early morning sunlight, and if you’re keeping it outside, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight at all times.
Fiddle leaf figs like temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees; when temperatures drop below 50º, bring any outdoor pots inside. Once you find a spot the fiddle leaf seems to like, don’t move the plant too often. Instead, rotate the pot once per month to distribute light equally to all sides; otherwise, the plant will begin to lean or grow leaves unevenly.
This plant tells the gardener what it needs, so pay close attention. If the leaves begin to turn yellow, this means you’re overwatering. If they develop orange patches in the middle or look scorched, they’re receiving too much direct light. Brown spots on the edges of the leaves could be from too little water or not enough light.
The challenge for gardeners is that by the time the plant shows these signs, the problem is typically worse than it appears. Don’t make drastic changes, but try small corrections until the fiddle leaf fig shows its joy by offering fast growth and many new green leaves.
To remove dust and grime while allowing the plant to fully photosynthesize, dampen a cloth with water and wipe down all the leaves every two weeks. Avoid using milk or chemical-based products when wiping the leaves to make them glossy, as this is actually harmful. The shine of glossy leaves naturally comes from the robust health of the plant.
Gardener’s Notes
Potting: Grow in well-draining terra cotta (not plastic) pots with a base. When transferring to a new pot, place rocks at the bottom to assist with drainage. Then, add the highest-quality organic potting soil, and place the plant with at least a 2” lip at the top. Add potting soil around the sides and pack it to ensure the plant stands up straight. When the roots reach through the bottom hole, it’s time to transfer to a bigger pot.
Watering: Wait until the soil is mostly dried out to water (check soil with your fingers). Water slowly to allow full saturation, and once water appears in the base, stop. Wait 30 minutes and pour out any water in the base or soak it up with a towel, as standing water causes root rot. If root rot occurs, pull the plant from the pot, trim the dark lower roots and replant in fresh potting soil. At each watering, fertilize with Garrett Juice (dirtdoctor.com).
Fun Facts: We have grown spectacular fiddle leaf figs on our front porch for many years. These glorious plants grow 10’ tall with lush leaves from bottom to top, transforming our porch into a tropical paradise. We never had a pest problem until our goats escaped their fence and ate every leaf in one sitting. If unbothered by goats, they can survive 30 years or longer. At Disneyland in California, we saw fiddle leaf figs growing 60’ tall!
