The fiddle leaf fig (or Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant due to its exotic appearance and tolerance for low light. When it comes to positioning a fiddle leaf fig in a window, you should aim to find a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least part of the day.
Ideally, the best window for a fiddle leaf fig is one that is south or southeast-facing. This will give the plant enough light to remain healthy, while avoiding too much direct light, which can cause damage to the leaves.
It is also important to keep the window cracked open in order to allow air circulation, while avoiding strong drafts that can cause the leaves to dry out. If your home does not have any windows that receive enough natural light, you can also utilize artificial light such as a grow light or fluorescent bulb.
Can fiddle leaf figs be in direct sunlight?
Yes, fiddle leaf figs can be in direct sunlight. While fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light, they can tolerate full sun for short periods of time. In fact, many experts say that a few hours of direct sun per day is beneficial to the health of your fiddle leaf fig.
In order to make sure your fiddle leaf fig is healthy and happy, it is always important to slowly transition it to more intense light, so that the leaves can adjust to the new environment without burning.
Start by keeping your plant away from any window or direct sunlight and gradually move it closer over the course of a few weeks. If the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig start to turn yellow or burn, reduce the amount of direct sun and make sure the plant is getting enough water.
How many hours of sun does a fiddle leaf fig need?
Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) should ideally receive 10 to 12 hours of bright, filtered, indirect sunlight each day throughout the year. During the summer, some direct sun on their leaves may be tolerated, but during the winter months, the leaves should only be exposed to indirect light.
Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and may eventually lead to the plant’s demise. Additionally, when the plant receives too much direct light, the leaves may yellow and become sparse. For best results, provide your fiddle leaf fig with bright, indirect sunlight for at least 10 hours every day.
Place it near an east or south facing window, or if you want it to get more of a boost, place it near a west-facing window. If these options are not available, then artificial lighting through grow lights may be used to adequately provide the plant with the light it needs.
How often should you water a fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf figs require a significant amount of water and love, but it is important to find the right balance so as not to overwater them. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil once a week and water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
During the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and going through a lot of transpiration, water more frequently. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, water less frequently.
Make sure to monitor the soil carefully, especially during the changing seasons, to find the proper balance in watering that your fiddle leaf fig needs to thrive.
Do fiddle leaf figs like to be misted?
Yes, fiddle leaf figs like to be misted. In order to ensure that your fiddle leaf fig stays healthy, misting it regularly will help it to retain the right amount of moisture. Misting the leaves with plain water will help to keep them from drying out, and can help prevent brown spots from developing on the leaves.
Misting should be done 2–3 times a week, depending on the humidity levels in your home. Aim to mist your fiddle leaf fig first thing in the morning or late in the day when the air is cooler and more humid.
Keep an eye on your fiddle leaf fig and adjust the misting frequency if needed. As an added precaution, you can wipe down the leaves every month with a damp cloth to get rid of dust and keep the pores of the leaves clear.
How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is getting enough light?
To determine if your fiddle leaf fig is getting enough light, there are a few key steps you can take. First, observe the light conditions your plant is exposed to in your home or office. The fiddle leaf fig prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
If the light conditions are too dark, the leaves may start to turn yellow and the plant may be unable to grow.
Second, look at the color of the leaves. The fiddle leaf fig should have deep green leaves with a glossy finish. If the leaves appear to be dull and light green in color, the plant is likely not getting enough light.
Third, look at how much your fiddle leaf fig is growing. If the stems aren’t growing much or the leaves seem to remain small or un steady, this could be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough light.
If after taking these steps, you conclude that your fiddle leaf fig is not receiving enough light, you may need to relocate it to a brighter area or consider supplementing your fiddle leaf fig with artificial lights to give it what it needs to thrive.
What causes fiddle fig leaves to curl?
Fiddle fig leaves may curl due to a variety of reasons, including extreme temperatures, low humidity, nutrient deficiencies, pests, or disease. Extreme temperatures, both high and low, can cause fiddle fig leaves to curl as a defense mechanism in order to minimize the amount of water lost through the leaves.
Dry air and low humidity can also cause the leaves to dry out, resulting in curling. Additionally, inadequate nutrition provided to the plant can cause leaves to curl, usually as a result of nitrogen deficiencies.
If the potting soil experiences extreme pH levels or is mostly depleted of nutrients, curling leaves can often be the result. Pests and disease are also common causes of curling. An infestation of spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects can cause the leaves to curl as a sign of damage.
Discolored spots on the leaves, often signaling infection from pathogens or viruses, can also cause curling. If any of these issues are present, it is important to identify the cause and take the appropriate steps to fix it.
How do I make my fiddle leaf fig shiny?
To make your fiddle leaf fig shiny, there are several things you can do:
1. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth or a soft brush. Start on the top of the leaves and work your way down. Wipe the dust away, as dust can be a barrier to the plant’s ability to absorb sunlight and take in necessary vitamins.
2. Mist your fiddle leaf fig a couple of times a week to keep their leaves hydrated. This will help maintain their shine.
3. Feed your fiddle leaf fig with a specialized fertilizer for tropical plants two to four times a year. This will help keep the leaves vibrant and shiny.
4. Make sure to keep your fiddle leaf fig in a sunny location; this is necessary for its photosynthesis process which keeps the plant healthy and contributes to the shine of its leaves.
5. Keep the leaves away from direct drafts from heaters and air conditioners, as this can dry them out.
All of these steps will help keep your fiddle leaf fig looking vibrant and shiny.
When should I repot my fiddle leaf?
Repotting your fiddle leaf is determined by how quickly the roots are taking up the space in the current pot. Generally, most plants should be repotted once every two years, so keep an eye on your fiddle leaf to monitor growth.
Signs of needing to repot your fiddle leaf might include not absorbing water as it should, outgrowing its pot, or your plant looking ‘leggy’.
To repot your fiddle leaf, carefully pick up your plant from the base of its pot and lightly shake off the old soil. Loosen the root ball by gently working your fingers around the outside of the root ball.
Once you’re ready to move your plant, select a pot that is slightly larger than the diameter of the roots. Choose a pot with good drainage and quality potting mix to ensure your plant is healthy and happy.
Finally, water your plant after repotting and place it in indirect light.
Can I put my fiddle leaf fig outside in summer?
It is not recommended that you put your fiddle leaf fig outside in the summer as it could be too hot for the plant and the direct sunlight can cause sunburn. Fiddle leaf figs prefer temperatures between 65-75°F and indirect sunlight, so unless the outdoors environment meets these conditions and provides the correct level of shade and temperature, then your fiddle leaf fig should not be kept outside.
You should also be aware that pests and diseases can be carried in from outside which could cause adverse effects to the health of your houseplant. If you are set on taking your fiddle leaf fig outside in the summer, then you should pick a shaded area with a consistent temperature and provide enough water and humidity to the plant.
What temperature do fiddle leaf figs prefer?
Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) prefer warm temperatures that stay relatively consistent. They enjoy temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Although they can tolerate slight variations, sudden or drastic changes in temperature can cause shock to the plant, causing it to drop its leaves.
Therefore, it’s important to keep the environment where the fiddle leaf fig is growing consistent and stable, and to avoid placing it near an A/C unit, near a heat source, or close to frequently opened windows or doors.
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in humid conditions, so if you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier to keep the air around the plant moist.
