The Fiddle-leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata for us nursery folk, is a houseplant that has risen in popularity over the last few years. Its tree-like form, sculptural habit, and large, waxy, violin-shaped leaves have made it a popular houseplant for indoor gardeners and interior design enthusiasts alike. Despite the high praise, Fiddle-leaf Figs can be a bit temperamental for the uninitiated. However, it’s not as hard to care for them as you think. Just follow the guidelines listed below, and you can enjoy the beauty of a Fiddle-leaf Fig without the downsides.
How often to water fiddle-leaf fig
One of the most common mistakes Fiddle-leaf Fig owners make is overwatering. Like many plants in the Ficus family, Fiddle-leaf Figs need to dry out somewhat between waterings. If the soil remains too moist, you’ll start to see browning along the leaf edges, a musty smell near the base, and even leaf drop. To prevent this, only water when the top 3–4 inches of soil are dry, and ensure water drains fully from the pot to avoid oversaturation. Keep in mind that fiddle-leaf Figs are native to the jungles of West Africa, so watering with lukewarm water helps prevent shock.
Fiddle-leaf fig light requirements
Fiddle-leaf figs thrive in bright, filtered light. Ideally, place your plant in an east- or north-facing window with ample light but no direct sun. A brief daily dose of sunlight is fine but steer clear of the intense afternoon sun. The harsh midday rays can scorch the leaves and damage your plant.
Fiddle-leaf fig temperature requirements
Fiddle-leaf figs flourish in warm temperatures, typically between 60–75°F during the day and no lower than 50–55°F at night. Consistency is key—rapid temperature changes can shock the plant and cause leaf drop. Avoid placing your Fiddle-leaf Fig near heating or cooling vents or windows that may be exposed to drafts. During the winter, consider lightly misting the leaves to help counteract the dry indoor air caused by heating. This occasional misting will provide the added humidity your Fig needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
When to repot a fiddle-leaf fig
Fiddle-leaf figs typically need repotting every two years in the spring, unless you notice roots growing through the bottom of the pot. You can stick to this schedule until the plant becomes too large to handle. Once it reaches that point, simply replace the top layer of soil annually. To ensure proper watering, choose a loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil when repotting. This will help prevent water from sitting in the soil and oversaturating the roots, promoting healthy growth.
Are fiddle-leaf figs pet-safe?
Unfortunately, those with pets may want to avoid having a Fiddle-leaf Fig in their home as they can cause irritation and digestive discomfort to pets who have ingested any material from the plant.
Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!
Visit our Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA for a beautiful selection of Fiddle-leaf figs and personalized advice from our knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, we’re here to help your plants thrive.
This was inertesting. I have an indoor palm tree. The leaves are getting brown spots on them. Am I watering too much?
Thank you for the comment, Brenda. Brown spots on palms generally come from either overwatering or drastic temperature changes from the cold. If the climate for your palm has remained constant, I would add a few days in between your current watering schedule and see how that works. Also, make sure when you are watering that it is draining well through the soil. Palms hate having to sit in stagnant water. Hope this helps! 🙂
Should the back of the leaves face the light?
It’s not necessary. So long as the entire plant receives bright, filtered light you should be okay.
I have moved my fiddle leaf fig to a nice bright room with eastern window. it’s receiving a good amount of sunshine but I’m afraid the area is drafty. The leaves are dropping. My other option is to move to another less drafty room but it has southern windows. Do you think this would be better?
Yes, the fluctuation in temperature from a drafty room can cause figs to struggle a bit as they attempt to get acclimated. They should do just find with a southern exposure, so moving it to the less drafty room would probably work better for you.
I have my fig in an east facing window that receives about 4 hours of direct sunlight with the rising sun. Is this too much light? I am noticing red splotching on the leaves.
That should be adequate sun for a fiddle leaf fig. They could even handle a few more hours of sun than that. The red splotches on figs usually means edema, which can be caused by overwatering. Letting them dry out a bit between watering may help clear that up.
Can you soak a big branch that broke of to restart growth
Yes you can. You can root them in water or in soil. This is a good site with info on how to get them going in different ways: https://www.greenhousestudio.co/home-garden/fiddle-leaf-fig-propagation
I have an 8 foot Fiddle setting in front of my SE picture window where it gets lots of sunlight. Each branch at top has buds “trying to open” for past three months. Why aren’t they opening up? The sheaths are brown but I see a green bud inside. I water it regularly and use moisture meter. I’m in central Ky when it’s going into Fall.