Fiddle Leaf Figs (Ficus lyrata) are a type of large-leafed, tropical plant. Supporting a Fiddle Leaf Fig can help its leaves remain upright, reducing the risk of broken leaves and/or branches. Basically, a Fiddle Leaf Fig requires both vertical and horizontal support.
Vertical support can be provided by a thick, branch-like stem, a stake, a moss pole, or even a cat tree. Whichever you use, make sure it has a wide, stable base. If you’re using multiple supports, make sure to secure them together for stability.
Staking should be done carefully and periodically as the plant grows taller.
For horizontal support, use tall guy wires or various types of plant tie. Creeping or trailing branches need to be secured carefully to ensure they do not cause damage to the plant’s leaves or branches.
It is important to check the Fiddle Leaf Fig often to make sure that the leaf growing point remains in the center of the canopy. Adjusting the supports as needed will ensure your Fiddle Leaf Fig stays balanced and healthy as it grows.
Do fig trees need stakes?
Fig trees typically do not need stakes to hold them in place. They have a naturally deep, spreading root system and are considered to be quite hardy plants. In some cases, they can handle windy conditions and storms without any additional support.
That being said, young fig trees can benefit from staking in some instances. If your fig tree is planted in a windy area, or is planted in a planter, it may be wise to provide additional support to help the young tree establish itself.
Additionally, if you have heavy rain in your area, temporary staking can be beneficial to hold the tree in place, protecting it against erosion. As the fig tree’s root system strengthens, the staking can be removed.
Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves upright?
Fiddle leaf figs are a type of tree known for their large, broad leaves that grow upright. The upright quality of the leaves is due to their stiff, leathery texture. The figs leaves contain a special rubber-like sap that hardens when it comes in contact with air, causing them to stiffen upright.
The sap also helps to protect the leaves from damage from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as well as pests, like bugs. In order for the leaves to remain upright, they need adequate moisture and high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing the plant in a humid, sheltered area within the house.
Additionally, providing your fiddle leaf fig with enough light and heat, while avoiding sudden drops in temperature can help it to grow big, healthy leaves.
What kind of fertilizer do fig trees need?
Fig trees generally require a balanced fertilizer with an equal ration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that is applied every four to six weeks during the tree’s growing season. When applying fertilizer, be sure to water the tree’s root zone before and after the application, and avoid applying the fertilizer in the area around the tree trunk, as doing so can cause bark burning.
When you first plant the tree, use an all-purpose fertilizer with a 20-20-20 ratio of all three elements and use half the rate stated on the label. Gradually increase the rate of fertilizer throughout the growing season, as the tree matures.
Additional organic matter such as aged poultry manure, or aged mulch or compost should be added periodically to aid in soil stability and encourage healthy, productive tree growth. It’s also important to conduct a soil test every year to determine the amount of fertilizer needed.
Doing so can avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can create nutrient overload or result in the release of pollutants into local water supplies.
How long do fig trees live?
Fig trees are among the longest living trees in modern civilization, with some trees alive for as much as 200 years. However, the average lifespan of a fig tree is approximately 75 years and depends on its environment and the care it receives.
Trees planted in places with temperate climates, or where they can receive good drainage and soil nutrition, tend to live the longest. Increased humidity, heavy gales, or too much shade may lead to a shorter lifespan.
With frequent proper care and pruning, however, a fig tree can be sustained over 100 years.
What do figs symbolize in the Bible?
In the Bible, figs are often used to symbolize abundance, fertility, and prosperity. The fig tree is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible and is used to illustrate various points and concepts.
In the Book of Genesis, the fig leaf is used by Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness, which symbolizes the fall of man and their newfound shame. Similarly, in the Book of Revelation figs are used to symbolize God’s judgment on the wicked.
The fig tree is also generally considered to symbolize spiritual growth and renewal. In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, a fig tree is cursed by Jesus and then dried up, which symbolizes God’s punishment of those who do not accept Jesus Christ and do not show repentance.
In the Book of Judges, Samson finds a honeycomb in a dead lion’s paw, which symbolizes the victory of Israel, who were favored by God over their enemies. Additionally, figs appear in many parables, such as that of the fig tree which represents a person who has been given great blessings but fails to make use of them.
Overall, figs are used throughout the Bible to symbolize many important themes, from faith and abundance to judgment and repentance.
Why you should shake your fiddle leaf fig?
It is important to shake your fiddle leaf fig periodically in order to stimulate healthy growth. Shaking the plants helps to remove any insects or dust stuck to the leaves, as well as provides an excellent opportunity for leaf and stem grooming.
Additionally, shaking the plant helps prevent beetle and pest infestations, as well as encourages an even distribution of sunlight for photosynthesis. Finally, shaking the leaves lightly is a way of ‘exercising’ the stems and leaves, which can prevent them from becoming weak.
This can help the plant maintain its shape over time and ensure that the plant maintains its healthy growth and vibrancy.
What happens if I cut the top off my fiddle leaf fig?
If you clip off too much of the top of your fiddle leaf fig, it can create a lot of shock for the plant. If you are careful and only remove the top, this still might damage the plant by exposing too much of the internal parts of the plant which may be more sensitive to air exposure.
If the top is completely cut off, you could completely damage the ability of the fiddle leaf fig to photosynthesize, as the leaves are the vehicles for photosynthesis. As a result, the plant may be unable to grow healthy and lush foliage and could face a struggle recovering from the shock.
To reduce the risk of shock, it might be best to avoid cutting the top off entirely and instead opt for gentle pruning around the edges and edges of the plant. You could also look into stem propagation as a way to propagate the plant if you’re willing to wait and be patient with the process.
How far back can you cut a fiddle leaf fig?
You can safely cut a fiddle leaf fig as far back as you’d like, but it is always best to keep the cuts small to prevent stressing the plant. When cutting a fiddle leaf fig, you should always use a sharp, sterile instrument to reduce the risk of infection.
Make sure to avoid making cuts above healthy branch growth, as this could weaken the branch and reduce the likelihood of new growth. You should also keep in mind that trees that are cut back prematurely may not respond to pruning.
When pruning a fiddle leaf fig, always avoid pruning more than one-third of the tree’s crown at once. Pruning too much of the tree could lead to poor regrowth or shock. Pruning should be done gradually over the course of several years.
Can I cut the top off my fig tree?
It’s generally not a good idea to cut the top off of a fig tree. Not only is it unsightly, it will also create a large wound that could damage the tree and invite disease and pests. This can compromise the health and the overall life of the tree and reduce future productivity.
If the tree is overgrowing in one specific area and needs to be pruned, you should consider removing some of the side branches rather than cutting off the top. This will help to keep the crowing uniform and open up the inner structure of the tree, allowing sunlight to reach more parts of the branches.
When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts so that the tree can heal properly. Also, make sure to prune the tree at the correct time of year to ensure that it will heal and be able to still bloom and fruit without issue.
Should I cut off damaged fiddle leaf fig leaves?
When it comes to damaged leaves on a fiddle leaf fig, it really depends on the amount and type of damage. If the leaf is simply drooping and not showing any signs of brown spots, then it is probably fine to just leave it be and let the plant’s own healing process take care of it.
However, if the leaf is discolored or has brown spots or other signs of damage, then you should consider cutting it off. It is important to remember to use sterilized scissors or pruning shears so you don’t spread any disease or infection to other leaves.
If a leaf is completely dead, it is best to cut it off so the energy of the plant can be focused on more productive leaves. Also, if there is more than one leaf that is dead or severely damaged, it is best to remove them all at once so it doesn’t spread further.
