Fiddle Leaf Fig Care
Ficus lyrata
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect, with some direct sun. The brighter the better. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 5 cm is dry. Water deeply and consistently. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Well-draining: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. Hates drafts and sudden changes. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe The milky sap is irritating to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Likes routine |
| π Grows to | 1.5β3 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
Feed every 2β4 weeks from April to September. 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 2β3 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 Β· $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.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Monstera Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· Dracaena Marginata Β· All plant care β