Spotlight: All About the Popular and Finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Oh the fiddle leaf fig tree… where to begin? We love it; we think we can all agree on that. In the same breath, they sometimes make it difficult to love (if you own one, you know). They have still, however, managed to remain in the spotlight for many reasons. Let’s take a look at some fun facts, tips and history about the beloved fiddle leaf fig —
01. Why is your fiddle leaf fig so dang finicky?
We truly wish there was a simple answer. The truth is, is there are a plethora of reasons why it’s a challenge to own and care for your own fiddle leaf fig. They are not low maintenance. We repeat: they are not low maintenance. They happen to be some of the most high maintenance house plants. Here’s why:
They dislike direct sun. This isn’t too big of a problem if they remain indoors. However, if you want it to live on your porch or patio, this is where you might encounter this problem.
They become fatigued without enough sun. Make sure yours is placed somewhere in the house that is flooded with indirect sunlight. That should do the trick.
They absolutely do not prefer dry environments. You might have read that sometimes, in order for fiddle leafs to survive within your home climate, they need a humidifier. If this doesn’t sound ideal for you, misting it might help it. However, it’s important to note that fiddle leafs prefer a humidity level of around 60-65. Average homes have humidity levels of around 10.
They respond poorly to drafts. Open windows… open doors… air conditioning… they hate all of that. They are very sensitive to temperature change.
They do not thrive from soil that is too wet. Prevent this by not overwatering, making sure that about the first inch of soil is pretty dry before the following watering.
They cannot stand overly-dry soil.
As you can see, we are dealing with lots of contradictions and needs with the fiddle leaf. There is hope, though! Do more in-depth research, try different things and take notes on how your plant reacts to every change you make.
02. cutting off the top of the trunk revives your fiddle leaf fig tree
Yes, you heard it from us. Cutting off the top of the trunk will help revive your dying tree. Sounds scary, but it totally works; pruning is not always a bad thing! When you cut off the top trunk, excitingly enough, new leaves will sprout from that area, which should leave it healthy, full, and bright. Check out this Youtube video for a thorough and educational step-by-step explanation on how to properly prune your fiddle leaf.
03. there’s nothing wrong with starting small
As you’ve been reading, the fiddle leaf fig tree is complex and takes time to understand. We understand the excitement that is felt when purchasing a new plant; you want to buy one that is big and mature! However, with this plant being high maintenance, we want to encourage you to instead start small. Especially if you are a new plant owner, a mature fiddle leaf might be overwhelming. The plus side is that a baby fiddle leaf is just as beautiful as a grown one! This will enable you to care for it super well since it’s tiny. In turn, when it matures and has plenty of surface area to care for, you will be extremely prepared! If you are still desiring to achieve the look of a large houseplant, here are some low-maintenance alternatives (also, a faux fiddle leaf fig never hurt anybody):
Monstera
Bird of Paradise
Large Cactus
Chinese Money Plant
Rubber Plant
04. where does the fiddle leaf fig tree originate?
— The Ficus lyrata, also known as the fiddle leaf fig tree is native to western and central parts of Africa, making it a rainforest plant (this is why they need humidity!). Specifically, it is native to the lowland tropical rainforest regions of Sierra Leone and Cameroon.
— It has derived it’s name—fiddle leaf fig—from the curious way that their leaves reflect the size and shape of a violin or fiddle. Additionally, in the wild, fiddle leaf figs do produce fruit (hence “fig”). However, you will rarely see that happen as houseplants.
— It is a member of the Moraceae plant family, which includes over 1,000 other plant species!
— The fiddle leaf fig tree can grow up to 60 feet, while their leaves can measure up to 12 inches in width and 30 inches in length! This is typical to witness when they grow in the wild.
— They have grown in popularity with home designers and millennials, which all seem to coincide with the rise of the social media world.
05. this is what your fiddle leaf fig tree will need in order to live in a space and climate that is considered “ideal” for their many needs
Good soil drainage.
Bright, indirect sunlight.
Warm, humid environment.
Placement away from vents and other drafts.
Patience and lots of TLC!