When it comes to the plant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) has become the quintessential item for any and all plant lovers. Their polished foliage and elegant silhouette makes for the perfect statement piece for any space. While this plant may seem intimidating at first, it is important to note that it is just as resilient as is beautiful. With a little bit of background about your FLF, your plant can grow alongside you for years!
HISTORY
Our beloved Fiddle Leaf Fig may have gained vast popularity over this past decade, but it has been growing naturally in western Africa for millions of years. The FLF belongs to the Moraceae family which includes over one thousand other plant species. Although it will produce fruit when outdoors, their taste has a more bitter bite than the delicious Ficus carica’s fruit (think fig newtons and charcuterie boards). The Fiddle leaf is a banyan fig, meaning that in the wild it will grow atop of another tree. Once it has successfully invaded some serious personal space, the FLF directs its roots down to the ground where it slowly strangles the host tree to death. This tree has clearly fought to be the star of our living rooms!
SOIL
One of the most important steps in keeping your Fiddle Leaf as healthy as can be is to ensure that it starts off with the proper soil. For optimum Fiddle potential your soil will include pine, bark, perlite, sand, and the occasional fertilizer with an NPK of 3-1-2. You can find potting mixes with these ingredients at your local nursery with most cactus/palm mixes. Perlite in your soil will allow for aeration, and without aeration fungus and bacteria can build up and potentially harm or even kill your plants (eeek!). The use of bark will add organic nutrients while also keeping your soil warmer to maintain health during the winter. By including sand in your soil, this allows a path for your plant roots to successfully harness vital nutrients, oxygen and water. Now that you have your FLF soil down, it’s time for the exciting part- potting the plant!
POTTING + WATERING
Finding the right pot for your Fiddle leaf is much more than just what meets the eye. Before deciding on the perfect pot to plant your FLF in, you’ll want to consider using one that is about 1-2 inches larger than its current container. This works for when you decide to repot your plant as well (every 1-2 years or when roots are coming out of the pot). Your FLF actually does better when the root system does not have as much room to grow and can focus instead on its foliage. Once you’ve got your size down, it’s time to make sure your pot has proper drainage.
Drainage holes are a crucial part of keeping your plant happy! It’s important that the Fiddle leaf does not sit in water for too long, otherwise bacteria will begin to grow and attack your precious plant. You can avoid this by allowing your Fiddle to dry out between waterings. Make sure to check that the top two inches of your soil are dry before giving another drink by using a water meter or simply sticking your fingers in the soil.
ENVIRONMENT
Location, location, location! When it comes to light, this plant is a major diva. For maximum growth potential, your FLF will need to be closest to an east facing window to ensure indirect sunlight throughout the day. You’ll want to mimic your plants natural environment as best you can, and for this FLF that means areas of your home that are within 65-75°F. I like to mist my plants once a week and wipe the leaves down with water or coconut oil to ensure that dust is not collecting.
..DID YOU KNOW?
With a little bit of patience, you can grow your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig at home. Propagation of this plant starts by trimming a leaf from the node (where new growth forms) and placing it into a glass of water. When your roots have reached 2-4 inches, it’s time to plant and continue the cycle!