How to Care For a Fiddle Leaf Fig and Keep It Thriving

By

Barbara Gillette

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Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Updated on 02/09/26

Reviewed by

Debra LaGattuta

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Debra LaGattuta is a Master Gardener with 30+ years of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening.

In This Article

• Care
• Types
• How to Prune Fiddle Leaf Figs
• Propagating
• Growing in Pots
• Common Pests and Diseases
• Common Issues
• FAQ

Fiddle leaf figs, scientifically called Ficus lyrata, are popular houseplants known for their large, attractive leaves. Despite their reputation for being a bit challenging to care for, their ability to adapt to indoor climates and tolerate filtered light makes them a good option for new plant enthusiasts.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

• Place your plant near a window to receive filtered light.
• Plant in quality houseplant soil and repot young trees annually.
• Avoid overwatering and aim to keep soil moderately moist.
• Add support for the main stem.
• Rotate the pot every week or two so all foliage faces the source of sunlight.
• Dust the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to boost photosynthesis.

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Light

Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light for about six hours of the day. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Inadequate light can contribute to drainage issues, so adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Soil

Any quality indoor plant potting mix is suitable for a fiddle leaf fig as long as it drains well.

Water

Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Too much water can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, with humidity between 30% and 65%.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a high-nitrogen plant food, like an NPK 16-5-11.

Types of Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Ficus lyrata‘Bambino’: A dwarf variety.
• Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’: Grows to 5 feet tall.
• ‘Variegata’Ficus lyrata: A variety with green and cream leaves.

Tips for Buying in Store

• Inspect the undersides of leaves for spider mites.
• Avoid plants with lots of brown spots.

How to Prune Fiddle Leaf Figs

Use a sturdy, sharp hand pruner and make cuts at a 45-degree angle between leaf nodes.

Propagating Fiddle Leaf Fig

Propagate in Water

1. Cut a branch: Make the cut at a 45-degree angle just above a node.
2. Remove bottom leaves: Keep them off water or soil.
3. Place in water: Keep nodes submerged.
4. Set in bright, indirect light: Avoid direct sunlight.
5. Change water weekly: Roots appear in 2-3 weeks.
6. Transplant the cutting.

Propagate in Soil

Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into well-draining potting soil.

Potting and Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig

Plans to repot a young fiddle leaf fig annually.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Fiddle leaf figs may attract spider mites and other pests. Monitor carefully and treat with neem or horticultural oil.

Common Problems With Fiddle Leaf Fig

Bleached Leaves

Relocate your plant to a spot with bright, filtered morning light.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Check for root rot due to overwatering.

Yellowing Leaves

May indicate a bacterial infection.

Dropping Leaves

Often due to inadequate light or temperature extremes.

FAQ

• Is a fiddle leaf fig a low-maintenance plant? No, they require specific conditions to thrive.
• Does a fiddle leaf fig plant do well indoors? Yes, but it’s better for those with some houseplant experience.