Fiddle-leaf figs are among the most iconic houseplants, prized for their large, violin-shaped leaves. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to grow and care for a fiddle leaf fig. With the right balance of light, water, and care, you can create an environment where your fiddle leaf fig thrives.

About Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants native to the rainforests of West Africa. Their large, glossy leaves make them a favorite among indoor gardeners seeking a statement plant.
While they are relatively hardy, these plants can be finicky about their care, requiring a balance of light, water, and humidity to flourish.
Not only are they visually striking, but fiddle leaf figs also improve indoor air quality, making them a functional and aesthetic addition to your space. However, these plants can be sensitive to their environment, so understanding their needs is crucial for long-term success.
How To Grow & Care For Fiddle Leaf Figs
Let’s dive into the details of how to grow and care for a fiddle leaf fig, to ensure your plant grows healthy and strong:
1. Choose the Right Location
Start by choosing a stable location that avoids drafts, air vents, and sudden changes in temperature. Fiddle leaf figs are highly sensitive to their environment and need consistency to thrive.
Ensure the spot you select maintains temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C), which is their ideal range. Keeping the plant away from high-traffic areas will prevent accidental bumps or stress.
2. Provide Enough Sunlight
Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect sunlight to grow strong and healthy. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves and cause unsightly damage.
Ideally, position the plant near an east- or south-facing window where it can soak up filtered light throughout the day. Rotate the plant weekly to encourage even growth and prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
3. Water Consistently
Watering your fiddle leaf fig properly is essential for its health and growth. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering, ensuring you avoid both overwatering and underwatering.
Use room-temperature water and make sure excess water drains freely from the pot to prevent root rot. Consistency is key, so establish a schedule but adjust based on seasonal changes and the plant’s needs.
4. Ensure Proper Drainage
Proper drainage is vital to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot and disease. Always use a pot with drainage holes, allowing excess water to escape after watering.
Consider using a saucer to catch excess water, but empty it promptly to avoid standing water. Good drainage ensures your fiddle leaf fig’s roots stay healthy and oxygenated, promoting vibrant growth.

5. Use the Right Soil
The right soil provides the foundation for your fiddle leaf fig’s health and development. Choose a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix, ideally one with a combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark.
Avoid heavy soils that retain water, as they can suffocate roots and lead to fungal issues. A lightweight mix will promote healthy root growth while preventing moisture-related problems.
6. Provide Enough Humidity
Humidity is critical for fiddle leaf figs, as they originate from tropical climates. Aim for humidity levels between 40% and 60%, especially in drier indoor environments or during winter.
A humidifier is an excellent way to maintain consistent humidity, but misting the plant occasionally can also help. Grouping plants together or placing a tray of water nearby are additional ways to boost humidity naturally.
7. Use A Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig keeps it nourished and encourages lush growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, typically spring through summer.
Be cautious not to overfeed, as this can damage the plant’s roots and leave unsightly marks on its leaves. Diluting the fertilizer to half-strength ensures your plant gets just the right amount of nutrients.
8. Dust the Leaves
Dust accumulating on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves can block light and hinder photosynthesis. Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and healthy.
Regular cleaning not only improves the plant’s appearance but also prevents pests from hiding on the leaves. Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog pores and interfere with the plant’s natural functions.

9. Rotate for Even Growth
Fiddle leaf figs grow towards the light, so rotating the plant is essential to maintain an even shape. Turn the plant 90 degrees every week or two to ensure all sides receive adequate light exposure.
This simple step prevents the plant from leaning and keeps its growth balanced and upright. Regular rotation also helps the plant distribute its energy more evenly.
10. Remove Damaged Leaves
Damaged or discolored leaves can detract from your fiddle leaf fig’s overall appearance and health. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim off brown or yellow leaves, cutting just above the leaf base.
Removing damaged leaves allows the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy new growth. Regular pruning also helps improve airflow and reduces the risk of disease.
11. Repot Every 1-2 Years
Repotting your fiddle leaf fig every 1-2 years ensures its roots have enough room to grow. Choose a pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overwatering.
Fresh potting soil replenishes nutrients, giving your plant a healthy environment to thrive. During repotting, gently loosen the root ball and remove any decayed roots to encourage fresh growth.
12. Monitor for Pests
Common pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can harm fiddle leaf figs if left untreated. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or spots on the leaves.
Treat pests promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap, focusing on the undersides of the leaves. Regular monitoring and treatment keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and pest-free.

Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Fiddle Leaf Figs
Now that we’ve determined the best ways to grow and care for healthy fiddle-leaf fig plants, let’s take a look at what not to do:
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common issues with fiddle leaf figs and can quickly lead to root rot. Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to avoid waterlogged roots.
Ensure your pot has drainage holes, and never let the plant sit in standing water. Proper watering practices will keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving and disease-free.
2. Underwatering
On the other hand, underwatering can cause dry, crispy leaf edges and stunt your plant’s growth. Establish a consistent watering schedule and adjust it based on seasonal changes and humidity levels.
Regularly check the soil moisture with your fingers to ensure the plant isn’t too dry. Hydrating your fiddle leaf fig properly is key to maintaining its lush, glossy appearance.
3. Placing in Low Light
Low light conditions can weaken your fiddle leaf fig, leading to leggy growth and dull, lifeless leaves. Always place your plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.
If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light to provide the necessary brightness. Providing adequate light ensures your plant remains healthy and vibrant.
4. Exposing to Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is too intense for fiddle leaf figs and can scorch their delicate leaves. If your plant is exposed to harsh sunlight, you’ll notice brown or bleached spots forming on the leaves.
To prevent this, use sheer curtains or place the plant further away from the window. Protecting your fiddle leaf fig from direct sun will help preserve its striking appearance.

5. Ignoring Drainage Needs
Fiddle leaf figs are highly susceptible to root rot if their pots lack proper drainage. Using a pot without drainage holes traps excess water, creating a soggy environment for the roots.
Always ensure your pot allows water to flow freely, and check that the saucer isn’t retaining water after watering. Proper drainage keeps your plant’s roots healthy and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi.
6. Using the Wrong Soil
Soil that retains too much water can suffocate your fiddle leaf fig’s roots and lead to decay. Avoid heavy or clay-rich soils and opt for a well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, or pine bark.
The right soil not only supports healthy root growth but also provides the nutrients your plant needs to thrive. Regularly check the soil’s condition to ensure it isn’t compacted, which can hinder water and airflow.
7. Sudden Environmental Changes
Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to sudden shifts in their environment, such as changes in light, temperature, or humidity. Moving your plant to a new location without acclimating it can cause stress, leading to leaf drop or discoloration.
Gradually introduce your plant to new conditions over several days to help it adjust smoothly. Keeping the environment stable ensures your plant remains healthy and vibrant.
8. Ignoring Dust
Dust accumulating on your fiddle leaf fig’s large leaves not only dulls their appearance but also blocks light absorption. This layer of debris can hinder photosynthesis and leave your plant looking unhealthy.
Regularly wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their glossy finish. Clean leaves also discourage pests, which often hide in dusty or neglected foliage.

9. Overfertilizing
Too much fertilizer can overwhelm your fiddle leaf fig, causing chemical burns and yellowing of the leaves. Stick to a regular feeding schedule during the growing season, using a diluted, balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Overfeeding can do more harm than good, so always err on the side of caution.
10. Not Enough Humidity
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in humid environments, and dry indoor air can cause leaf edges to brown or curl. Ignoring the plant’s humidity needs, especially during winter, can lead to ongoing stress and poor growth.
Use a humidifier, mist the leaves, or place a tray of water nearby to maintain the ideal humidity range of 40%-60%. Providing sufficient moisture helps your fiddle leaf fig remain lush and vibrant.
11. Ignoring Pest Problems
Pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can infest fiddle leaf figs if not promptly addressed. Small infestations can quickly grow out of control, damaging leaves and weakening the plant.
Inspect your fiddle leaf fig regularly, especially on the undersides of leaves, for early signs of pests. Quick action with neem oil or insecticidal soap keeps your plant pest-free and healthy.
12. Not Pruning When Needed
Neglecting to prune damaged or overcrowded leaves can lead to a messy, unhealthy fiddle leaf fig. Regular pruning removes dead or discolored leaves, allowing the plant to focus its energy on new growth.
Use sharp, sterilized scissors to trim leaves during the growing season, cutting just above the leaf base. Pruning not only improves airflow but also keeps the plant looking neat and well-shaped.

Conclusion
Fiddle leaf fig care requires a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it! By providing proper light, water, soil, and humidity, you can create the perfect environment for your plant to thrive.
Avoiding common mistakes ensures your fiddle leaf fig grows into a stunning, long-lasting feature in your home. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a healthy, beautiful plant that elevates any space!
You may also like:
- How To Grow & Care For A Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
- 23 Best House Plants For A Tropical Inspired Home
- How To Grow & Care For A Corn Plant (Dracaena)
- 15 Reasons Why Plant Leaves Turn Yellow & How To Fix Them
Save it for later!

