Fiddle Leaf Fig Care
Ficus lyrata
At a glance
| ☀️ Light | Bright indirect, with some direct sun. The brighter the better. |
|---|---|
| 💧 Water | When the top 5 cm is dry. Water deeply and consistently. |
| 🪴 Soil | Well-draining: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| 🌡️ Temp | 16–29°C. Hates drafts and sudden changes. |
| 💨 Humidity | Average is fine. |
| 🐾 Pets | Not pet safe The milky sap is irritating to cats and dogs. |
| 🌱 Care level | Moderate Likes routine |
| 📏 Grows to | 1.5–3 m indoors. |
The fiddle leaf fig has a reputation for being dramatic, but it's really just a creature of habit. Find it a bright spot, water it on a steady rhythm, and leave it there. Do that and those huge, violin-shaped leaves will keep coming.
Light + placement
Fiddles need lots of light: right beside an east, west or south window, ideally with a few hours of direct sun. Low light is the most common reason they drop leaves. Once you find a good spot, don't move it; fiddles hate change. Turn it a quarter turn every few weeks so it doesn't lean.
Watering
Water deeply until it drains, then let the top 5 cm dry before watering again. Consistency matters more than anything: a fiddle that swings between bone-dry and soggy gets brown spots. Empty the saucer after watering.
Soil + repotting
A chunky, well-draining mix like our Tropical Potting Mix (add some bark for big plants) in a pot with drainage. Repot every 2 years in spring, one size up.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Wipe the big leaves monthly so they can absorb light. To get branches, cut the top off just above a leaf in spring (or "notch" the trunk just above a node). Wear gloves; the sap is sticky and irritating.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dark brown spots in the middle of leaves | Overwatering, root rot | Let the soil dry more; check roots if it keeps happening. |
| Light brown, crispy edges | Underwatering or dry heat | Water deeply and more often; keep away from heaters. |
| Tiny red-brown dots on new leaves | Edema (uneven water uptake) | Normal on young leaves; they fade as leaves mature. Water more evenly. |
| Leaves dropping suddenly | Move, cold draft, low light | Pick one bright spot away from drafts and leave it there. |
| Leaning toward the window | Light from one side | Rotate a quarter turn every few weeks. |
Varieties we carry
We carry fiddles as bushes and as tree-form floor plants. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves?
Most often a recent move, a cold draft or too little light. Keep it in one bright place and water consistently.
How often should I water a fiddle leaf fig?
When the top 5 cm of soil is dry. Usually weekly in summer and every 2–3 weeks in winter.
How do I make it branch?
Prune off the top in spring, just above a leaf. New branches grow from the nodes below the cut.
Is a fiddle leaf fig safe for pets?
No. Its sap can irritate a pet's mouth and stomach.
Is there an easier alternative?
Yes: Ficus Audrey has a similar look and is much more forgiving.
Fiddle Leaf Fig care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Moisture Meter · $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Plant Cleaning Gloves: The easiest way to dust big leaves.
- Pruning Shears: Clean, sharp cuts when shaping or removing leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11–5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions →
More plant care guides
Snake Plant · Monstera · Bird of Paradise · Ficus Audrey · Rubber Tree · Ficus Altissima · Ficus Amstel King · Dracaena Marginata · All plant care →