Ficus Lyrata: How to Care for a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant

The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a slow-growing, large-leafed plant. Fiddle-leaf fig trees can grow as tall as ten feet with proper care. Their dramatic stature, shiny foliage, and relatively low light requirements make them a popular houseplant for living rooms. The fiddle-leaf fig is native to tropical regions of Western Africa and features veined, fiddle-shaped green leaves, which is how it received its common name.

Fiddle-leaf ficus trees are prone to leaf drop or dropping leaves if not correctly cared for. If grown outdoors, fiddle-leafs prefer USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. In other climates, it’s better to keep it as an indoor plant. Follow these fiddle-leaf fig care tips to stay on top of your plant care and to keep your indoor tree in good health:

• Fertilize your tree in the spring. Throughout the growing season, fertilize your potted fiddle-leaf fig tree monthly to promote growth.
• Keep your plant in one spot. Ficus trees are sensitive to humidity and light changes, so keep your potted plant in the same place in your home. Avoid moving your fiddle-leaf fig tree unless absolutely necessary.
• Mist your fiddle-leaf fig tree. These tropical plants require growing conditions with high humidity levels. Keep a spray bottle of water on hand for misting and cleaning, or use a humidifier to provide constant moisture. Spray your plant and gently wipe its leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust every week or two.
• Place your fiddle-leaf fig in indirect light. Put your plant in an area with a rotating level of indirect sunlight throughout the day, like an east-facing window. Fiddle-leaf figs require sunlight to grow, but too much direct sunlight may cause their leaves to drop.
• Protect your ficus tree from pests. Ficus plants attract spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids when their health is waning. Treat your plant with neem oil if needed and ensure it’s receiving enough water.
• Prune your tree. Prune the plant in the spring and summer months to stimulate new growth and prevent it from growing too large. With the right conditions, fiddle-leaf fig trees will produce new leaves each spring. Learn how to prune plants to encourage new growth.
• Repot your tree. When the roots take up more than three-quarters of the potting container, repot your fiddle-leaf fig plant. Generally, repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before the plant’s growing season. Use a well-draining potting soil or potting mix that’s low in acidity.
• Treat root rot. If your fiddle-leaf ficus tree begins to develop brown spots, browning edges, or yellowing leaves, root rot may be the cause. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering. If your plant’s roots show signs of damage, remove the damaged roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. Evaluate your watering schedule and consider watering your plant less frequently.
• Wait for the soil to dry between waterings. To prevent overwatering, make sure the water completely drains through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry completely between waterings.

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