How do you properly care for an indoor fiddle leaf fig?

To properly care for fiddle leaf figs indoors, you need to understand their basic needs. Being tropical plants, they require certain conditions to grow best. Provide them with bright indirect light for at least six hours or more every day. Water the plant only when the top two inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. If you follow these guidelines, you should avoid the most common problems associated with fiddle leaf figs, such as dropping leaves.

The quality of light is directly correlated to the health of your plant. Place your plant next to a window that faces east to provide soft morning sun. Use sheer curtains during the hotter part of the day to diffuse the harsh rays of the sun in the afternoon. You may prefer to rotate your plant each week to encourage growth evenly. Mine stays about three feet from the south window, as this is a distance that provides sufficient light for growth without scorching.

Watering schedules require diligent monitoring. It's good practice to check the soil's moisture level with your finger before watering. However, when watering, water deeply until the water is running out of the drainage holes. Don't stick to a schedule; water based on the weather. My fig tree requires watering every other week in the summer and once a month in the winter. Appropriate watering will increase the health of the roots.

Syntax and soil mixture can sustain root health. Use mixtures that drain well, incorporating some perlite for aeration and/or orchid bark to prevent excess water from accumulating in your soil, which can lead to root rot. Plan on repotting every 2 years in February or March. For size, choose containers that are 2 inches wider than the diameter of the root ball. The right soil should also allow adequate air to reach the roots.

Environmental factors can impact the growth of plants. Try to maintain humidity levels of 40-60% using pebble trays. Aim to keep the plants within temperatures of 65-80°F year-round. Keep the plants away from drafty windows and vents from heating sources. A trick I use is grouping plants where they create microclimates. If the growing conditions remain constant, the plants will not show stress on their leaves.

Consistent upkeep ensures that the plants stay in good condition. Inspect the leaves for pests or discoloration on a weekly basis. Prune lightly to maintain their intended shape, but avoid excessive or frequent pruning. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. Catch issues early so that they can recover quickly. The more I am consistent with the plants' upkeep, the better they grow into lovely, thriving specimens.

Read the full article: How to Care for Fiddle Leaf Fig: Expert Guide