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How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Pruning, watering, repotting, oh my! Keep your finicky ficus alive and thriving with our 10 easy-to-follow tips.
Getty Images/Bogdan Kurylo
Fiddle Leaf Fig 101 06:21
The hot houseplant of the moment (or really, of the last few years), the fiddle leaf fig makes a gorgeous, architectural statement in any room of the house. But while this lush plant, with its shiny, violin-shaped leaves, is stunning, it can be hard to keep alive. But never fear — we've got tips to help you keep it alive and thriving in your space.
The good news is that, once acclimated, the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can grow to 6 feet or taller, making it a stunning statement piece. There are also other varieties of the plant that don't grow as tall and are bushier, such as 'Suncoast' and 'Compacta,' if you're going for a different look.
So if you've just spent a pretty penny on one of these not-so-inexpensive houseplants and want to enjoy a return on investment for years to come, check out our comprehensive care tips and need-to-know facts before bringing it home.
Fun Facts
Holly Smith
Mature fiddle leaf fig.
The fiddle leaf fig is native to western Africa and grows naturally in a lowland rainforest environment. It's a banyan fig, which means that it begins its life high in the branches of another tree, then sends its roots down to the ground where it slowly strangles the host tree to death. Fun!
Location, Location
Start your fiddle off on the right foot by placing it in the absolute best spot in your home. These tropical plants hate drafts, so choose an area that isn’t directly in line with an exterior door, drafty window or near an air vent. They also thrive in a lot (and we mean A LOT) of very bright, indirect light. Situate your FLF in a bright room or close to a window, but not where the light will touch it directly. Once you’ve chosen the perfect place, don’t move it! Fiddles are creatures of habit and will flourish once they've found a happy, sunny home. Once a week, when you water, turn the plant slightly so that the leaves receive equal sunlight and don’t start to grow toward a light source.
Tessa Neustadt
Tip: The drive home and relocation process may put your plant into shock, but you likely won't notice it for a month or two. If leaves start to look brown or sad at the end of month one, check to make sure you haven't overwatered and that the plant is getting adequate sunlight. If neither of those is the culprit, give your FLF love and time to adjust to its new environment.
