Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101: How to Grow and Care (2022)

Contents

If you have your finger on the pulse of the latest fashion trends in house decor, you may have noticed a particular specimen rising to the forefront of indoor houseplants.

With a thin and sculptural trunk, large leaves, simple colors, and the ability to fill a room with an intriguing combination of a full canopy and spindly base, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is very popular with people all over the world.

Some gardeners find the Fiddle Leaf Fig a true challenge to keep happy and nourished, but embracing that difficulty seems to be part of the charm of caring for this type of plant.

When you care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig well, it will thrive and grow into an absolute beauty!

But what are these specific care needs for a Fiddle Leaf Fig? Let’s take a closer look at this plant as a whole, as well as how you can best attend to its care requirements when you bring a Fiddle Leaf Fig into your home.


Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Plant Overview

Before we delve into the specifics of Fiddle Leaf Fig care, we should take a moment to get to know this interesting and unique species of plant to better understand its needs.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Name And Origins

Ficus Lyrata, or the Fiddle Leaf Fig, is a member of the Moraceae species, which is also known as the mulberry family.

In particular, this plant forms part of the Ficus genus that is composed of plants native to subtropical and tropical regions, and are commonly cultivated in captivity for their fruits and ornamental allure.

Originally found in the tropical areas of Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can actually grow incredibly well in its native habitat and can even form a dense canopy. It thrives in Western Africa, and particularly in the lowland rainforests of that region.

Some specimens are found in Western Australia as well, but the specific pollinating wasp required to replicate this plant species naturally is not found in great quantities, making it low risk for invasion.

Appearance

This is an elegant plant, there is no doubt about it. The Fiddle Leaf Fig tree sports deep emerald green leaves that stretch wide and have a glossy finish. These leaves tend to be fairly dense, giving a jungly appearance to the entire plant.

The woody parts of the tree are simple in comparison, being nutty brown in color and relatively thin. The entire tree looks like an elaborate yet natural sculpture, and complements nearly any type of room decor.

And while the trunk stays quite spindly even on fully matured Fiddle Leaf Figs, the expanse and flourish of the tree’s leaves, like a multitude of shiny green fans, give a unique experience of full verdancy and negative space altogether.

Size

As previously mentioned, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can reach great heights in its native African rainforest habitats. And even inside your home, this tree can grow incredibly tall if given the right conditions and care.

Your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree can reach just over 10 feet in height when growing indoors, with even the dwarf varieties stretching to about 3 to 4.5 feet tall. If this still seems large, keep in mind that Fiddle Leaf Figs can reach heights of up to 50 feet when growing in the wild!

Types

As a part of the Ficus genus, the Fiddle Leaf Fig has several varieties that have been sub-hybridized to match more particular needs or appearances. These types include the following cultivars:

  • Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig — A dwarf version of the classic Fiddle Leaf Fig, this plant might be more suited to apartment dwellers with a lack of free space.

Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig

  • Ficus Audrey—Requiring somewhat of a less strict care routine, the Ficus Audrey likes filtered light and is less particular than its cousins about its conditions.

Ficus Audrey

  • Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig—One of the more hard-to-come-by types of Fiddle Leaf Fig, this variant has large, striped leaves that change the plant’s aesthetics.

Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig

  • Variegated Rubber Plant—If you are looking for a colorful hybrid, the greens, reds, and yellows of this plant might be ideal. It also tends to be less needy than the original Fiddle Leaf Fig species.

Variegated Rubber Plant

Ideal Conditions

Just like their natural habitat, a warm and humid area suits the Fiddle Leaf Fig best. Sunshine and moisture are both important, and when kept in American houses you can expect this plant to behave best in USDA zones 10b and 11, or within the temperature range of 60°F and 75°F.


Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: The Basics

Every living thing needs care to some extent, and your plants are no different. However, the Fiddle Leaf Fig does have a few specific requirements when it comes to care and maintenance, and these are important to keep in mind as you decide whether or not to bring one of these big, beautiful plants home.

Keep reading for the basic care essentials and knowledge you need to provide for your Fiddle Leaf Fern!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Light And Placement

Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will be particular about sun exposure and placement within the home. These plants require about 5 or 6 hours of sunlight every day to fully access their stored nutrients, and generally thrive in warm and bright conditions.

For most Fiddle Leaf Figs, living near a window with plenty of sunshine, but far enough away to avoid being scorched, is ideal. Place your plant about three feet away from the window, and make sure it has some hours of shade during the day. A south or east-facing window tends to be the best for plant sunshine.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Watering

One of the pickiest aspects of your Fiddle Leaf Fig is the amount of moisture it needs. These plants enjoy having a moderate amount of water in their soil, but not enough to drown the root system, so watering once per week should be adequate for most plants.

Fiddle Leaf Figs can easily get overwatered or underwatered, and the difference of moisture between the two can be surprisingly slight. It’s important to keep a close eye on your Fiddle Leaf Fig to ensure it is draining water well and not swimming in its own pot!

Additionally, make sure you allow all water to flush through the soil once a month, and then dispose of the drainage from the pot—this will reduce salt levels left behind from fertilizers that could scald the roots.

Investing in a soil probe that measures moisture levels is a wise decision for anyone with a Fiddle Leaf Fig, as this tool can help you determine its exact water needs.

fiddle leaf fig watering and potting

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Potting And Repotting

Because Fiddle Leaf Figs tend to grow about 12 inches per year when watered and nurtured properly, you will need to repot them annually to account for new root growth.

First, pick out a pot that is about 2 inches larger than the previous planter. Then, gently loosen and lift your Fiddle Leaf Fig free while keeping the base of the trunk supported, and nestle the root ball into the new pot.

Fill in the outer edges with potting soil, and make sure to feed and water the tree as you would normally, as this process can be very stressful for the plant.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Pruning

Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will not need a rigorous amount of pruning, but removing any damaged leaves, overgrown or twisted branches, and unhealthy limbs will help keep it healthy.

If you want to control your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s growth and train its shape, careful pruning is your best bet. By delicately shaping the tree, you can ensure each leaf gets adequate access to sunlight and that the plant’s root system is not overloaded.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Propagation

If you want to expand your Fiddle Leaf Fig collection, doing so by propagating cuttings is likely your best option. These plants are notoriously difficult to breed by seed!

After shearing a stem of about 12 to 18 inches from your tree, pinch off all leaves but one. Then, leave this cutting in a jar of water in a warm, bright area and watch for white growths to appear on the stock.

These are tiny roots, and once they reach about 1 or 2 inches in length, you can plant your cutting in a container with nutrient-rich potting soil and plenty of moisture.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Toxicity

Keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig away from pets and children alike. While the plant is not likely to be fatal, ingesting parts of the highly toxic leaves or bark will still cause digestive upset.

Signs of Fiddle Leaf Fig poisoning include oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice children or pets exhibiting these symptoms, take them to see a professional right away for treatment.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Pests And Diseases

One last care consideration for having a Fiddle Leaf Fig in your home is the common pests and diseases that might be problematic for this plant in particular.

And while changes in environment and routine can stress out your tree, health issues can also alter its overall lifespan drastically, so monitor your Fiddle Leaf Fig for the most common pests and diseases.

Watch out for common indoor pests like aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and spider mites appearing in large numbers in and around your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Additionally, fungal infections, spots or dark patches on the leaves, or finding your tree drooping and shedding leaves are all signs that it’s not doing well.


Best Products For Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

As we have seen, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a slightly picky plant to propagate in your home. It has some tolerances and preferences, like other types of plants, but with the right care, you can have a thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig as a centerpiece of your living space!

But what kinds of products are recommended for optimal and simplified Fiddle Leaf Fig care?

We have rounded up the 10 best products for anyone with one of these plants in their home, so if you need help choosing between equipment and accessories that will help you care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig, then read on for comprehensive reviews of each item!

1. XLUX Soil Tester — Best Overall

[lasso amazon_url=”https://www.amazon.com/XLUX-Soil-Moisture-Sensor-Meter/dp/B014MJ8J2U?tag=gardenangrass-20″ id=”3418″ ref=”xlux-soil-moisture-meter-plant-water-monitor-soil-hygrometer-sensor-for-gardening-farming-indoor-and-outdoor-plants-no-batteries-required” link_id=”2664″]

Style: Soil probe and tester

Application: Manual insertion

Size: 1 item in the package

Treatment Area: Repeated use, no batteries required

Perfect for a variety of applications, including gardening, landscaping, farming, and growing a range of produce, this soil tester is a great option for anyone working with plants—and that includes your Fiddle Leaf Fig!

Rely on accurate measurements for instant testing results, whether you are using it indoors or for outside soil. And with an easy-to-read dial, it’s difficult to get the numbers wrong! Just insert the probe into your dirt and get instant results.

With a singular tip, this item does not damage the roots and disturbs the soil pack less than multi-pronged probes.

Pros

  • No batteries required
  • Immediate reading is available that is simple to understand
  • Easy to use for saturation levels
  • Perfect for soil either indoors or outdoors

Cons

  • Not for use in very hard soils like clay or concrete sediment
  • Not designed to test water sources
  • Soil that is loosely packed might give a false reading

2. SONKIR Soil Meter 3-In-1 — Runner Up

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Taking soil readings can be difficult, but SONKIR’s 3-in-1 Soil Meter takes all the guesswork out of your plants’ metrics. Find out the moisture, pH value, and sunlight level of the soil with this device that gives a fast and reliable reading.

Style: 3-in-1 soil probe and tester

Application: Manual insertion

Size: 1 item in the package

Treatment Area: Repeated use, no batteries required

Help all of your plants continue thriving with this handy device, including your Fiddle Leaf Fig. If you struggle with figuring out how dry or damp the soil is, or how much water to add when scheduling your sprinkler system, this tool will be very useful to you!

No more guessing whether you have watered or fertilized your garden soil enough—this soil probe and tester uses a triple function to tell you the exact levels of water, nutrients, and available sunlight that your plants have access to.

With twin probes that help speed up the process of taking the reading, this device uses a careful design to avoid disturbing the root systems of your plants.

It’s ideal for both indoor or outdoor use, and is lightweight enough to use in a variety of applications, including home food gardens, flower plots, landscaping, and even farming.

Pros

  • Accurate and reliable readings that are easy to understand
  • Easy to use device design
  • Great for indoor and outdoor applications
  • 3-in-1 reading for comprehensive analysis

Cons

  • Soil conditions need to be packed and moist for accurate readings
  • Some customers have found plant readings to be inconsistent

3. La Jolíe Muse’s Large Ceramic Pot With Stand — Best For Potting Fiddle Leaf Figs

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Style: Indoor flower pot

Material: White ceramic, clay, wood

Size: Planter with stand is 13.4 inches, planter itself is 9.4 inches

For anyone with a Fiddle Leaf Fig, the struggle of finding the right pot for its dimensions, growth, and watering needs can be difficult. However, this planter is ideal for your indoor use—with roomy dimensions, a sturdy stand, and great drainage abilities, your plants can thrive in La Jolíe Muse’s large ceramic pot.

Each piece is a work of art and handmade, making it unique to your home. The dot and line design is subtle but enjoyable, and can differ slightly due to its hand-done quality. Plus, the stand makes it easy to water your plants and allows for drainage.

Embrace a cozy, boho aesthetic for your plants with this lovely pot that is ideal for placement in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, or even on your covered balcony!

Pros

  • Premium materials used, including ceramic, clay, and wood
  • Practical and pretty
  • Hand-painted for a unique piece
  • Great drainage and a roomy pot to promote healthy plants

Cons

  • Does not come with a drainage tray for underneath the stand

4. Ekirlin 5-Inch Flower Plant Pot For Indoors

[lasso amazon_url=”https://www.amazon.com/Ekirlin-inch-Flower-Plant-Indoor/dp/B089NBJ4P4?tag=gardenangrass-20″ id=”3420″ ref=”ekirlin-5-inch-flower-plant-pot-indoor-grey-cement-garden-planter-with-drain-hole-saucer-modern-succulents-containers-for-home-decor-office-outdoor” link_id=”2667″]

Style: Indoor plant pot

Material: Premium cement

Size: 5.6 inches, 3 pounds

If you are looking for a great addition to your home and even better placement for your indoor plants—particularly a Fiddle Leaf Fig—this large and stately pot might be perfect for you!

Cast with premium and brand-quality concrete, this pot not only embraces a modern and minimalist style but also helps enhance the natural ergometric lines within your home’s architecture.

Great for a variety of placements within the home, including living room, coffee table, bathroom, bedroom, greenhouse, or indoor patio. Its subtle coloration doesn’t detract from the color scheme already present in your home, and the stable construction protects your plants from damage.

Pros

  • Stable and sturdy pot
  • Built-in drainage hole
  • Comes with a matching concrete saucer tray to catch excess water
  • Great for a variety of plants

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that it arrived with damage sustained during shipping
  • Overwatering the soil and plant within can lead to hairline cracks in the pot that leak moisture.
  • Weight can be a problem for some placements

5. Royal Imports 5-Pound Small Decorative Ornamental River Pebble Rocks

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Style: Outdoor decorative stones

Application: Manual placement

Size: 5 pounds of stones, about 600 individual pieces ranging from 1.5 to .25 inches

If you are looking to add a touch of earthy and mountainous nature to your home, these river rocks are a great option.

With a variety of natural colors including gray, black, white, tan, and pink, you can add these stones to your plant pots, ornamental vessels, or even your fish tank!

They are naturally sourced, so sizes and shapes will vary. However, this just adds to the rustic charm of such decorations! These rocks have been tumbled and polished, meaning they have no sharp edges.

Uses include in plant pots for better drainage, as vase fillers, in swimming pool areas, for decorative arrangements, aquariums, terrariums, and even outdoor walkways. Gardeners can also use them to create erosion control along the perimeters of garden beds and flower patches.

Pros

  • Natural rocks that resist fading
  • Non-toxic for people and pets alike
  • Great for a very wide range of uses
  • Excellent for encouraging better drainage for potted plants

Cons

  • Cost can be expensive for the product
  • Polish can leave slight residue behind on the stones
  • Cannot be cleaned with bleach before placement

6. Bonsai Training Pots With 3 Humidity Trays And Built-In Drainage Mesh

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Style: Bonsai training pots for plants

Material: Poly-resin plastic pots with bamboo wood plant labels

Size: 3 plant pots of 8 by 5.25 inches each, 3 trays of 8 by 5.45 inches each, and 10 bamboo plant labels of 3.3 by 1.8 inches each

For a simple yet sturdy pot that is perfect for a variety of plants, including bonsai trees, cacti, ficus plants, money trees, succulents, and other small-sized house plants, these pots are ideal.

Arriving in a pack of three, you can propagate your indoor garden easily with durable, poly-resin plastic containers that are also lightweight and stackable for easy storage between seasons.

The specially designed drainage mesh built into the bottom of each pot prevents moisture from accumulating and drowning your plant’s root systems, while the humidity trays are perfect for allowing excess water to evaporate without worry.

Use the enclosed bamboo wood plant labels to give your garden a clean, chic look while also keeping your pots organized for easier maintenance and identification.

Pros

  • Sturdy yet lightweight pots for easy moving and storage
  • Plant labels included
  • Drainage mesh and humidity trays designed to let excess moisture escape
  • Good for a variety of plant types

Cons

  • Some customers find these pots too shallow for large bonsai trees

7. EarthPods Ficus And Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Fertilizer

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Style: Pre-measured plant food spikes

Application: Manual insertion

Size: 4 ounces of product, each spike approximately 1 inch long

Treatment Area: 100 individual applications

For a plant-feeding schedule that requires no mess and no fuss, invest in these premium plant food spikes.

With an all-organic and vegan formula that includes no urea, and works to replicate the natural earth composition of a healthy forest, you can safely deposit necessary nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and humates directly to your plant’s roots.

This product is easy to use and great on a variety of plants, including Ficus plants and Fiddle Leaf Figs, as well as Calatheas, Colocasia, Dracaenas, Golden Porthos, Philodendrons, Snake plants, Scheffleras, and many other leafy-style house plants.

To reduce the impact on the environment, these plant food spikes are also eco-sustainable during manufacturing, including using recycled packaging and sustainable resources.

Pros

  • Easy to apply and odorless
  • Great for a range of plant types
  • All-organic and vegan formula
  • Sustainable manufacturing process
  • Each spike contains essential nutrients, minerals, and humates

Cons

  • Garden use only

8. Bonide II Rooting Powder And Hormone Root Fertilizer (Bonide BND925)

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Style: Powder

Application: Manual

Size: 1.25 ounces

Treatment Area: Includes 35 grams of powder, but will depend on the frequency of use

With the active ingredient of Indole-3-Butyric Acid, this rooting powder and hormone root fertilizer gets to the heart of the matter when working with cuttings or other types of transplanted, separated, or new plantings.

By targeting nutrients, minerals, and natural stimulators directly at the root system, this product can transform a plant completely.

Not only does it promote increased root growth and development, but the individual tendrils are strengthened for a better hold in the soil and heightened nutrient retention.

For use in your outdoor garden or for indoor plants, this product is ideal for many growths, including berry bushes, fruit trees, ornamentals, and vegetable plants. Ficus plants, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and succulents also find the added vitamins and nutrients included in this product helpful.

In addition, specific flowers greatly benefit from treatments of hormone root fertilizer, such as azaleas, chrysanthemums, geraniums, pachysandras, and even poinsettias!

Pros

  • Rooting results are fast and visible within 3 to 4 days
  • Great for use on Fiddle Leaf Figs
  • Able to enhance cutting growth, as well as seeds and bulbs.

Cons

  • Some customers find their product container has become unsealed during shipping
  • Not a lot of product for the price
  • No anti-fungal properties in the formula

9. EarthPods All Purpose Formula Natural Flower And Plant Food Spikes

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Style: Pre-measured, slow-release plant food spikes

Application: Manual insertion

Size: 4 ounces of product, each spike approximately 1 inch long

Treatment Area: 100 individual applications

Take the guesswork and stress out of feeding your plants with these all-purpose flower and plant food spikes.

Perfect for any type of plant, you can rely on EarthPods’ fertilizer capsules to release top-quality concentrated nutrients over a safe period of time, directly to your garden’s root systems.

Great for indoor and outdoor plants alike, you can apply these easy-to-use food capsules to flower containers, hanging baskets, potted house plants, or even raised garden beds to guarantee premium nutritional care.

And without urea or other damaging chemical compounds, these plant food spikes harness the power of natural nutrients and humates that are typically found within healthy soil. So, you don’t have to worry about spreading any toxins into your food garden or windowsill herbs!

Plus, this product comes from an eco-friendly manufacturing process and packaging system to ensure the planet’s health as well as your plant’s wellbeing.

Pros

  • All-natural, vegan, and organic formula that won’t harm plants, people, or pets.
  • Only need to feed your plants every 2 to 3 weeks with these capsules
  • Great source of macro and micro-nutrients, trace minerals, humates, and more
  • Perfect for use on any plants
  • Manufactured responsibly in the USA

Cons

  • Product requires consistent watering after application to take effect

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant 18-Inch Ficus Lyrata Live House Plant

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Style: Live house plant

Application: Repot as it grows

Size: Plant is18 inches, pot is 6 inches

An easy way to extend your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree array, this deliverable live plant will arrive in a pot that will require transfer to a more roomy, long-term planter as it grows.

Feed and water it on a good schedule to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig well-maintained, and it should grow into a happy, healthy, well-shaped tree for your home!

Pros

  • Live plant, not an artificial specimen
  • Door delivery makes it easy to collect
  • Of the Ficus Lyrata variety

Cons

  • Plant can arrive with damage from shipping

fiddle leaf fig outside


Final Thoughts

Fiddle Leaf Figs are one of those plants that everyone tends to like the look of, but not all know how to properly look after one.

When you have a Fiddle Leaf Fig, the key aspect of making sure it thrives is the care and love you give it—including water, food, and sunlight. This big, leafy tree can sometimes be seen as a verdant pet more than a standalone houseplant!

But once you settle into a proper routine of Fiddle Leaf Fig care, your home will benefit from this lovely, graceful plant in many ways.

FAQ

Now that we have met the Fiddle Leaf Fig and understand its care needs, as well as what kinds of products you should invest in, let’s cover any last-minute questions that you might have about these plants!

Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Good Indoor Plants?

Fiddle Leaf Figs are some of the most popular indoor plants for home decor, particularly for their Instagrammable allure and lush, jungly appearance.
However, these plants are very delicate and will not thrive in any sort of fluctuation conditions, making them difficult to house outside and perfect for placing indoors. Fiddle Leaf Figs are just one of those plants that are indoors-only and need to stay that way!
This tree will not only last for much longer when cared for indoors, but you won’t have to worry about pests or issues with growth if your Fiddle Leaf Fig is kept inside the house. They wither and sicken when conditions are not perfect, so indoors is best for them.

How Much Light Does A Fiddle-Leaf Fig Need?

The Fiddle Leaf Fig loves to have light exposure, and thrives within direct light conditions that other plants might find too intense.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig will happily take five or six hours of direct sunlight during the day, so placing them in a sunny part of your home is essential. This is because, unlike other species, this tree does not actually store up sunlight in its system to use later.
This plant needs to have plenty of direct sun during the heat of the day to properly photosynthesis and gain access to essential nutrients. You still shouldn’t let this tree bake in the sun though, so morning or afternoon light is ideal.

Where Should A Fiddle Leaf Fig Be Placed In A Home?

Placement of your Fiddle Leaf Fig is another major consideration, and should be taken into account before you even bring the plant home, as changes in its situation can jar the tree into withering.
Fiddle Leaf Figs should be placed in a bright and sunny area that receives several hours of light per day, but without being the hottest point in the home. Generally, south-facing exposures are the ideal window location for your Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Don’t leave your Fiddle Leaf Fig right in front of the window though, as it could burn the leaves by being fully in the sun. If you must place the tree in a window, put a mesh or gauze curtain over the glass to offer your plant some protection.

Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic To Dogs?

Unfortunately, Fiddle Leaf Figs are mildly toxic to both dogs and cats, so keep your furry friends well away from your plants. Luckily, most pets don’t like the taste of Fiddle Leaf Figs, so they tend to avoid nibbling on detrimental quantities.
If ingested by your dog or cat, this plant causes irritation to their GI tract and digestive system.
Symptoms of your pets having consumed Fiddle Leaf Figs include vomiting and diarrhea, oral irritation, and excessive drooling. If you notice any of these signs then make sure to take your pet to the nearest veterinarian right away for treatment!

Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Hard To Keep Alive?

Fiddle Leaf Figs can be a challenge to beginning gardeners, but don’t let that deter you from bringing one home.
Like a pet, this plant does require specific care, but once you have worked out a life balance that works for both you and your tree, it isn’t too difficult to keep Fiddle Leaf Figs alive.
The key to keeping your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree happy, healthy, and thriving is a routine schedule for watering, fertilizing, and sun exposure. This plant craves regularity, so that commitment is the biggest thing you need to devote to your Fiddle Leaf Fig!

Can I Put My Fiddle Leaf Fig Outside?

While these plants tend to thrive better when kept indoors, you can actually move your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree outside if you live in an area with the right climate.
Putting it outside temporarily or for only the warmer months of the year is recommended, but you need to make sure it is kept sheltered from the wind or any heavy rainfall that could damage the tree.
It might take your Fiddle Leaf Fig some time to adjust to the change, but with gentle care, it should be able to survive the change. It’s not recommended to keep these trees outside over the winter, as conditions are too cold and wet for them to thrive.

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