How to Keep Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees Alive

The fiddle leaf is truly one of the hardest plants to keep alive. They don’t like anything: drafts, wet soil, dry soil, too much sun, not enough sun, dry air… you name it, they don’t like it. So I’ve told you that, and you STILL want one? Yeah, I hear you. So I’ll dish all the things I know that work, and cross my fingers for you.

Place it just out of direct sunlight. These babies are so finicky, and I’ve found that they only live when they’re right next to a window, and not directly under it. I moved on right under the window in my bedroom and it’s new leaf that was sprouting literally burnt off. Think of it like a pale person that needs SPF 60, but can’t live without the sun. Put it in lots of light right next to the window.

Must-have = drainage. Since these plants are pesky I recommend keeping your fiddle leaf fig in a pot with drainage. For example, I have both of my indoor trees in the original containers from the nursery I bought them in with drain holes, and then put those containers inside of a non-drainage container. For one, I set it in a non-drainage plant pot, and the other in a basket with a plastic saucer to catch the excess water. This way my plants can let all of the water go through the plant, and when I see that the tray or pot at the bottom is empty, I know my plant is completely dry and ready for its next watering.

Water well. Fiddle leaf figs are trees which means they are big plants. The bigger the plant, the more water it requires. Think of it like a baby vs a teenager. As it gets bigger it needs more nutrients to grow strong. I tend to water mine with a full watering can about 1-2 times a week when it’s fully dry.

Fertilize! I don’t fertilize mine very often (only about twice a year), but I’m convinced that those little green pebbles are responsible for keeping my fiddle leaf sprouting new leaves on the reg. I bought this one from Amazon, and it helps my plant get full and strong.

Give it all of the humidity. Spray its leaves with a water bottle, or even put a humidifier on it. That last part sounds crazy, and I personally haven’t done it, but I’ve read lots of tips that suggest it.

Chop off the top. Yeah, it sounds crazy but if your fiddle leaf isn’t doing well chop off the top and it will revive itself, and probably grow back bushier. At any time the plant is at least 5 feet tall, you can chop the top and plant the top in a separate pot, and the original plant will grow more leaves on top.

FIDDLE LEAF FIG FAQS

I asked for your questions on how to keep these alive over on my Instagram stories, and you have so many great questions. I put together a Q&A so you have all of the details on keeping these babies alive.

How often do you water it?

This will depend on your plant, but I typically water mine 1 time a week, and sometimes more in the hot LA summertime. It typically takes a full watering can when I do water. Always check your soil to see if it’s damp, and remember to only water it if it’s dry.

Why are there black spots on my new leaves?

There are a few reasons why this would happen, but most likely it’s… over watering! Black spots are typically from root rot. The good news? You can totally fix this. Your roots need to dry out between waterings. Do not water your plant unless it’s fully dry. See also: above where I talked about the pot situation.

How do you get it so shiny?

These guys get SO dusty and will start to look dull really fast. You have a few options: 1) you can rinse them off with a hose or shower, and 2) you can oil them. I’m a big fan of oiling my leaves with coconut oil because I don’t like water spots. It cleans the leaves, and makes them look like a brand new fresh leaf. I put a tiny drop of coconut oil on a paper towel, hold the back of the leaf to keep it sturdy and supported (they can tear if you aren’t super careful), and then lightly rub the paper towel over the top of the leaves. Make sure to wipe off any extra residue once they’re clean too! I dust them every few months to make sure they stay clean.

How do I make it grow, and why are my leaves so small and my plant so sparse?

If your plant isn’t looking lush, it’s probably the a mix of not having ideal sunshine or water. Make sure to give your plant plenty of sunshine and water to help it grow big and strong. Follow the tips above for more deets! Fertilizer won’t hurt either.

Do you have to move it to a new pot when you buy it?

If you’ve had it for a few years, and it outgrows the pot it’s in then you might consider moving it to a larger pot. I tend to keep my plants in the same pot, but do give it new soil every few years.

Any other questions? Let me know in the comments! xoxo Erika