These expert tips will ensure your fabulous, yet fussy houseplant thrives.
In fact, I even got a second one that is also doing well.
I did tap Joyce Mast, a former plant expert for Bloomscape, for her expertise.
Here’s my 8-foot fiddle-leaf fig next to my 15-inch Christmas cactus in all of their glory.Credit: Jennifer Aldrich
Here are her best tips for keeping a fiddle-leaf fig tree thriving.
The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a tropical plant native to rainforests in central and western Africa.
It didn’t even drop a leaf when I re-potted it about a month after first getting it.
Credit: skaman306/Getty Images
If your planter has a saucer, don’t fail to empty that out after watering.
My fig lives in the Zen Large White Planter, and the pot is perfect for the large plant.
When you water your fig,drench the soiluntil water drains from the bottom.
Joyce mast, Bloomscape
Your plant will let you know if it is not getting enough water.
“I recommend the touch test: Push your finger into the soil until it reaches your middle knuckle.
“However, I do mist the leaves regularly.”
You don’t need tofeed your treein the winter because growth slows during the colder months.
“Over-fertilization can cause your plant to grow leggy and can even kill it.”
Also, don’t put your tree in a planter that’s too big for it.
A good solution is to soak-water your plant.”
To soak-water, drench your fig until the water drains out.
“Give it some time to adjust.”
You also might notice somefungus gnatsflitting around your fig, which happened to my tree.
Top the soil back up with fresh potting mix.
If you still notice fungus gnats, try sticky traps.
Place the sticky pieces near the plant, but don’t stick the traps on your fig.
Once the traps are covered in gnats, replace them, until all of the fungus gnats are eliminated.
Instead, you could choose a little fiddle-leaf fig that will only grow to three feet tall.
The smaller version of the original has similar care needs, but will fill your home with tropical lushness.
