The leaves look a little like a violin, however it is the hardy nature and grows well both indoors and outdoors. These are an easy care plant that is is used as foliage plant for indoors.
The large wavy edged waxy leaves reach nearly 1/2 m in length and provide a strong architectural element to this plant from West Africa. It is a species that is used to a warm climate, so although outdoors is recommended, this is for warmer climates, and certainly no frosts.
The Fiddle leaf fig is mainly grown as an indoor plant in Australia, and although the foliage is large plants can be pruned to size. In commercial indoor planting pot size is restricted to help control height.
How to Grow The Fiddle Leaf Fig
This can be a fussy plant, however given the right conditions it is a very attractive plant.
- Use a good quality free draining potting mix.
- Ensure that the pot chosen has good drainage holes.
- Plant you Fiddle Leaf Fig at the same height it was in the container when purchased.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertilise to promote good root growth.
- Choose a position in bright filtered light, not direct sun.
- Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Detailed Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing Tips
- Light
Best grown in good indirect light. Direct sun can cause leaf burn. - Soil/Potting Mix
A free draining moist potting mix is recommended. Try a mix like this
1 Part premium Potting Mix
I Part Perlite – This improves drainage and soil aeration OR 1/2 part perlite 1/2 part horticultural charcoal.
1 Part Coir or Compost - Watering
In a good soil mix you should only need to water Fiddle Leaf Figs Once a week. This gives a wet/dry cycle which helps prevent root problems.
Overwatering is a major cause of problems. - Temperature
These are a tropical plant temperatures below 12°C (55°f) overnight can cause problems. Generally aim for 18° – 30° C daytime temperatures. - Humidity
Humidity bis best increased by using a humidifier or sitting the pot on top of pebbles in a suacer of water. You can also mist spray, however the other methods are more effective. - Fertiliser
Most indoor plant fertilisers will work well, it is important not to over fertilise as this can cause problems.
Try our mix
50% Dolomite Lime – This amount depends on your soil, so you can reduce this and make it a 1:1:1 recipe if the pH is wrong. (Best pH is around 6 – 7)
25% Gro-Max General Purpose Fertiliser.
25% Osmocote with trace elements.
About 2 table spoons twice a year.
Ongoing Care
As with all indoor plants the foliage does get a little dusty over time, and this causes a few problems. Dust will make it difficult for plants to transpire and can also lead to fungal diseases. So the remedy is wash the dust off. You can do this by placing the plants outside on a warm rainy day and let mother nature to the work for you. Or you can use a soft cloth and water to give the plants a gentle wash down.
Problems can include Leaf Drop, usually a symptom of under watering or over watering. However also caused by cold drafts and being to warm.
Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Watering regime should include a period between watering where the soil is allowed to almost dry out, these are not a plant that like to be water logged.
How do I know if my Fiddle leaf fig Needs Watering.?
- Use a moisture metre
- Push you finger deep into the soil, if it feels on the dry side, it probably needs water
- Lift the pot after watering, and feel the weight. when it feels about half this weight it needs watering again.
How to Water your Fiddle Leaf Fig
It is better to give the plant one deep watering than lots of little waterings, many growers use these methods
- You can water outside with a hose which washes the leaves as well. Water for 2 – 3 minutes and then let it drain thoroughly.
- You can also do this in the shower
- Never let the pot sit in a saucer that has water in it.
You can also or humidify or mist spray every day or two in very hot dry climates.
Problems
Brown spots are usually caused by under or or over watering
- Under watering – Usually brown leaf margins, around the edges.
- Overwatering – Usually brown spots occur in the centenaries of the leaves this can cause anthracnose which is a fungal disease and it may need two be treated for this. You should also remove leaves affected by anthracnose.
Dropping Leaves.
If new leaves are dropping, it can be caused by under watering, or watering changing from to much to to little
Red Spots on Foliage
- Red spots on the the leaves are usually caused by insect pests such as, spider mites.
Summary
- Warm position indoors or outdoor
- Keep away from cold drafts
- Choose a large space to show off the plant
- Over time the root system will fill the pot and begin to creep out the drainage holes – Time to repot into a larger container.
Growing Fiddle Leaf Fig Outdoors
Unless you live in a sub tropical climate you will need to have your plant indoors in the colder months. You could try the ‘Dinner Plant Fig’ Ficus dammaropsis instead.
Available from the following Online Nurseries
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
"Indoor potted house plants & plant gifts delivered throughout Melbourne.
Delivering quality indoor plants with convenience every time. Easy online plant purchasing, gift wrapping and delivery Melbourne."
www.garnerstore.com.au