Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are beautiful, slow-growing houseplants that are popularly kept indoors because they thrive in indirect sunlight. Unfortunately, they don’t like to be moved and can be very sensitive to changes in their environment.
The reason for this is because of the roots. Moving this type of plant can cause the roots to become disturbed, breaking and damaging them. In turn, this can cause the plant to become stressed, leading to wilting and disease.
Also, as fiddle leaf figs are slow growers, it can take some time for them to become acclimated to their new environment. Depending on how much the plant was moved and for how long, it can take a few months for it to adjust.
Finally, fiddle leaf figs are naturally a low-light houseplant and even if the new location has similar lighting, the sudden change can shock the plant. This can cause it to become sickly and even die.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid moving fiddle leaf figs unless it is absolutely necessary.
When can you transplant fiddle figs?
Fiddle Fig plants can be transplanted when they become root bound in their current container. Root bound describes a plant with roots that have completely filled the soil volume in the container. Signs of root bound could include wilting, yellowing of leaves, or stunted growth.
If these symptoms are present, it’s time to transplant the Fiddle Fig. Generally speaking, a plant can be transplanted at any time of year, as long as the weather isn’t too cold. When transplanting, it is important to use a container that is one or two inches wider than the original container, with draining holes in the bottom for excess water.
It is also important to use a potting soil or soil mix that is light and well-draining, to help with the aeration of the soil. When transplanting, use a long twig or chopstick to loosen the roots and help with transplanting them into the new container.
After transplanting, water your Fiddle Fig thoroughly to help it adjust to its new environment.
How can you tell if a fiddle leaf fig is root bound?
If a fiddle leaf fig is root bound, you may see some signs that will indicate this is the case. The first sign is when the leaves start to yellow and the growth of the plant slows or stops entirely. Additionally, the pot the fiddle leaf fig is in will become heavy and difficult to move around.
If the roots begin to ripple out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, this is another sign that the plant is root bound. Another sign that you might see is the roots growing around the inside of the pot, which can create a “matted” look.
Finally, if you take the pot off, you may see an abundance of tangled and matted roots. This can indicate that the fiddle leaf fig is root bound.
What is the time of year to transplant a fig tree?
The best time of year to transplant a fig tree is in the early spring, after the tree has gone dormant and just before it begins to leaf out. This gives the tree the best chance of surviving and establishing itself in its new location.
When transplanting a fig tree, it’s important to ensure the roots don’t dry out, and that the soil around its roots is kept evenly moist. It can take several weeks for the tree to become established in its new home, so patience is necessary.
You can also apply a fertilizer to the soil once the tree has been transplanted. Doing this will help the tree stay healthy and will help it recover more quickly.
Can you uproot a fig tree and replant it?
Yes, you can uproot a fig tree and replant it. It is important to ensure that when uprooting the tree, you do it with care and do not damage the roots or the tree itself. When replanting the tree, it is important to ensure the new spot for the tree is suitable, such as the soil is appropriately nourished, the climate is similar to the previous one and there is adequate drainage in the new spot.
Additionally, when replanting the tree, it is important to dig a hole that is deep enough to cover up to two-thirds of the tree’s root system. When planting the tree, you should backfill the hole with soil, gently firm up the area around the roots, and water the soil to ensure the tree is settled.
Therefore, if all precautions are taken, it is possible to uproot and replant a fig tree.
Can you use regular potting soil for fiddle leaf fig?
No, you should not use regular potting soil for a fiddle leaf fig. Fiddle leaf figs need a soil mix that is nutrient-rich, retention-rich and well-draining. Regular potting soil is typically too heavy for fiddle leaf figs and does not have enough drainage.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer an airy, soil mix that drains quickly, retains moisture and is fortified with key nutrients. Examples of soil mixes suitable for fiddle leaf figs include professional potting mixes designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs, or a combination of orchid bark, coconut coir and sphagnum peat moss.
Make sure to find soil mixes fortified with key nutrients to provide the right balance for your fiddle leaf fig.
Can you use Miracle Grow on fiddle leaf?
Yes, you can use Miracle Grow on a fiddle leaf; however, it is important to be mindful of how often you use the fertilizer. Fiddle leafs are fragile, so it is better to use a more diluted solution than usual, and to use it only every few weeks.
It is best to monitor your plant closely and not heavily rely on it- too much fertilizer can be dangerous to your plant. Before applying Miracle Grow, make sure to water the plant thoroughly. Additionally, be aware of the Miracle Grow’s age- older fertilizer can cause burning or yellowing of the leaves.
Furthermore, consider going for a fertilizer specifically designed for fiddle leafs, as its slow-release properties will be better for long-term care.
How often should I water fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle Leaf Figs (FLF) require frequent and consistent watering to ensure healthy growth, but how often exactly remains somewhat of a mystery. Generally speaking, FLFs should be watered once the top 2” of soil is dry or when you notice the leaves becoming droopy.
In the drier months, this means watering every 7-10 days, but in the warmer months, FLFs may need to be watered every 3-5 days.
It is important to make sure the FLF is in a pot that allows for proper drainage, as the roots of a FLF can rot if left in standing water for too long. It is also important to make sure to use soil that drains well.
When you water your FLF, water it thoroughly until you see some drain from the bottom of the pot.
If you are in doubt as to how frequently to water your FLF, follow the “finger test” – insert your index finger about 2” into the soil and check for dryness. When the finger comes out dry, it is time to water.
By staying consistent with the frequency of your FLF’s water schedule, you will ensure plenty of happy and healthy growth!.
How big do fiddle leaf figs get?
Fiddle Leaf Fig trees (Ficus lyrata) can reach heights of 8 to 10 feet indoors, or even taller if grown outdoors. The leaves can reach lengths of up to 12 inches, and their natural shape is oval or oblong with a pointed tip.
Fiddle Leaf Fig trees usually have an upright, columnar growth habit. These trees are very easy to care for and can live for many years as long as they are given the right conditions. They do require a lot of light, so they should be placed near a south- or west-facing window.
They also need temperatures that stay between 50°-85°F and should be watered when the soil is dry. They can be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and size.
How do I know when to repot my fiddle leaf fig?
The best way to know when to repot your fiddle leaf fig is to pay attention to the size of its roots. If the roots are spiraling out of the current pot, or if the pot has become overcrowded with roots filling every gap, then it is time for a new, larger pot.
You should also repot if the soil is old and compacted. Signs of compaction include a dry plant and soil that has stopped draining properly. If you are noticing any of these signs, then it is time to give your fiddle leaf fig the new home that it needs.
When you do repot, make sure that you replace the old soil with a fresh, well-draining soil. You should also empty the old pot and disinfect it with a mixture of equal parts bleach and water. Finally, be sure to water the plant properly to help it settle into its new home.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig growing roots above soil?
Roots above soil are most likely a sign of over-watering. Fiddle leaf figs prefer to be watered only when the top inch of the soil is dry. If there is too much moisture in the soil, the oxygen levels drop which causes the plants roots to search for oxygen in the air.
If this persists, the roots will start to grow upwards to get access to oxygen; this is typically when you’ll start to see them appear above the soil. To solve this, check the root system to determine the extent of the problem; you may want to consider repotting the fiddle leaf if the damage is extensive.
Make sure that you are allowing the soil to dry out thoroughly before re-watering, as this will replicate the fiddle leaf’s natural environment, as well as preventing further root issues.
Do you water fiddle leaf fig after repotting?
Yes, you should water your fiddle leaf fig after repotting it. This helps ensure that the plant’s roots are properly hydrated while they adjust to the new pot and soil. You should aim to provide the fiddle leaf fig with a good amount of water just after repotting, then water again when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry.
Make sure the soil is allowed to drain for about 30 minutes after watering, then if any excess water remains in the drainage dish, make sure to get rid of it. Regularly checking the moisture level of your fiddle leaf fig’s soil is the best way to maintain proper watering.
It’s also important to pay attention to your plant’s leaves, as drooping leaves are a sign of needing water. Another great way to protect your fiddle leaf fig after repotting is to make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry.
Can aerial roots be planted?
Yes, aerial roots can be planted as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions depend on the species of plant in question, but typically include having humid air, warm temperatures, and access to plenty of sunlight.
Once planted, it is important to provide plenty of water and nutrients in order to help the root take hold and establish itself. As aerial roots are extremely sensitive and prone to drying out, it is important to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of humidity.
It may also be beneficial to provide a supporting structure, such as moss poles or a trellis, to help the aerial roots attach and grow. Depending on the species, it can take several weeks to months before the aerial roots are well-established.
How do I get an aerial root on my ficus?
Getting an aerial root on your ficus is a process that requires patience and keen observation. As a first step, you need to identify a stem that is suitable for inducing root growth. Look for healthy young stems that have some new leaves.
Cut the stem at an angle just below the node or leaf that is closest to the trunk of the plant. This will enable the stem to absorb as much water and nutrition as possible to induce root growth.
Next, you need to prepare a soil mixture to create the necessary environment for the development of aerial roots. To do this, use a potting soil mixed with perlite or some other organic material to facilitate proper air and water circulation.
Upon doing this, you should place the stem section into the soil and choose an appropriate pot size to provide support and prevent the stem from toppling over.
Now that the stem is placed in a soil mixture, you can proceed to apply root hormones on the cut stem. This is important because the root hormones help to stimulate root growth and encourage healthy new roots.
You should apply the root hormones directly onto the cut and the stem at the base of the node closest to the trunk. Once the application is complete, you should water the stem using a spray bottle to promote good moisture levels for root formation.
Finally, moving forward, you should observe the stem to monitor any changes in the environment. Keep a watch for signs such as small bud-like structures called primordia, which are responsible for aerial root formation.
As soon as you see these structures, you can be sure that the process has begun and your ficus is on its way to having a new aerial root.
How long can a fiddle leaf go without water?
A fiddle leaf can go up to 3-4 weeks without water, however, it is not recommended to let a fiddle leaf go that long without being watered. If the plant is in a particularly dry environment or if the weather is especially hot, you may need to water it more frequently.
When watering your fiddle leaf, it is recommended to give it a good drench – until water flows out of the bottom of the pot – to ensure that the soil is thoroughly and deeply hydrated. Be sure to always let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
It is also important to never over-water your fiddle leaf, as this can cause a plethora of problems.
When should I repot my fiddle leaf?
It is best to repot your fiddle leaf annually in springtime or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To repot your fiddle leaf correctly, start by gently taking it out of its old pot and realizing that it may be root bound due to the long taproot and bushy appearance of the foliage.
You should then massage the roots gently to remove any circling roots and trim any dead or unhealthy tissue. Next, find a new pot with drainage holes, and fill it with a nutrient rich potting mix specifically designed for fiddle leaf figs (or another well-draining soil mix).
Place the plant into the center of the pot, fill the remaining space with soil, and press the soil down lightly. Water your fiddle leaf to help it settle in to its new pot, and place it in a spot that it will get plenty of indirect sunlight.
What type of soil does a fig tree like?
Figs prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic. A soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal. This type of soil allows enough air and moisture to reach the roots without allowing them to become waterlogged.
Soils should have a lot of organic matter to provide vital nutrients to the tree. Compost and aged manure are great sources of organic matter. Adding coarse sharp sand helps improve drainage and reduce the chances of waterlogging in heavy clay soils.
For ideal growth and fruit production, add a balanced fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer in the spring or early summer.
What is the fertilizer for fiddle leaf fig?
The fertilizer for a Fiddle Leaf Fig is a low-balanced fertilizer with a bit of extra magnesium, iron, and manganese added in. It should be something like a 10-10-10 plus a few of the trace elements.
Fiddle Leaf Figs are a bit tricky when it comes to fertilizer. To keep them healthy and growing, it’s best to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer about once a month during spring and summer. In autumn and winter when the tree is dormant, you can skip fertilizing until the weather warms up again in spring.
It’s generally best to avoid fertilizing the tree during its acclimation period (the first 3 months or so). It’s also a good idea to give it a bit of fertilizer after a period of stagnation due to an environmental change, such as a new pot or home.
If you’re wondering how much to apply, always check the back of the fertilizer label and pay attention to the recommended dosage.
