How to Grow and Care For Fiddle Leaf Indoors

Think of the fiddle leaf fig as the plant equivalent of a moody artist—sometimes temperamental, but absolutely worth the effort. With the right care, it’ll reward you with stunning growth and lush greenery.

Light

Fiddle leaf figs are sun lovers, but not in the “roast me” sense. They want lots of bright, indirect light. Park yours near a big window, but skip the harsh afternoon rays—those can scorch the leaves before you know it.

Consistent light is your friend. North or east-facing windows are usually a safe bet. If the room’s too dim, you’ll see slow growth and sad, dropping leaves.

Don’t expect your plant to do well in a dark corner. If you notice the leaves stretching or leaning, it’s basically begging for more light. Try rotating the pot every couple of weeks to keep things even and avoid that lopsided look.

A sheer curtain can help soften intense sun. Keep the plant a few feet from any window where the sun really blazes in. If you’re stuck with poor natural light, a grow light can work, but real sunlight is just better.

Check the leaves now and then. Pale patches or crispy bits? Too much sun. Dull, small leaves? Not enough. Adjust as you go—plants aren’t shy about telling you what they need.

Soil

Fiddle leaf figs are picky about their soil. They want it well-draining—regular potting soil is fine, but it shouldn’t get soggy. Look for a mix with peat, pine bark, and something chunky like perlite or coarse sand.

Roots hate being waterlogged. If the soil’s heavy or dense, swap it out for something lighter. The top inch should dry out before you water again—don’t let it sit wet.

No drainage holes? That’s a problem. Repot into something with holes at the bottom so excess water can escape. Soggy roots are just asking for trouble.

A good soil mix keeps roots happy and supports healthy growth. Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either.

Water

Watering is where most people trip up. Too much, and you’ll get root rot. Too little, and the plant dries out. Neither is great.

Check the soil before watering—just stick your finger in about an inch. If it’s dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still damp, wait a few days.

Room-temperature water’s best. Try not to splash the leaves; wet leaves can get spots or fungus.

You’ll water more in spring and summer, less in winter. The plant isn’t growing much when it’s cold, so don’t drown it.

Yellow leaves or mushy stems? That’s overwatering. Brown, dry spots or dropping leaves? Probably too dry. Adjust as needed.

Drainage matters. Always empty water from the saucer under the pot. Roots sitting in water will rot, no question.

If your home’s air is dry, you might need to water a bit more often. Wilting or curling leaves are early signs it needs a drink.

Temperature And Humidity

Fiddle leaf figs like it steady and warm. Don’t let the room drop below 55°F—cold air stresses them out. Keep them away from drafty windows or doors.

They’re also fans of humidity. Dry air can make the leaves turn brown at the edges. If your place is dry, try a pebble tray with water under the pot or run a humidifier nearby.

Sudden changes in temperature or humidity? Not ideal. The plant might drop leaves if it gets shocked. Aim for gradual adjustments, not big swings.

If you notice drooping or crispy leaves, check if the air’s too dry or the room’s too chilly. Make little tweaks instead of drastic moves. Fiddle leaf figs like to settle in.

Fertilizer

Fiddle leaf figs do appreciate a little food now and then. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer—something like 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 is fine. It should dissolve easily so you can mix it in water.

Feed once a month in spring and summer. When fall and winter roll around, skip the fertilizer. The plant’s basically napping then.

For new plants, dilute the fertilizer more than you think you need to. Older, established plants are fine with monthly feeding. Don’t bother feeding outside the main growing season.

Always water before and after fertilizing. This helps move nutrients through the soil and protects the roots. Don’t overdo it—more fertilizer won’t make your plant grow faster.

If you see yellowing leaves or brown spots, it could be too much or too little fertilizer. Adjust as you go.

Propagation

Want more fiddle leaf figs? You’ve got options: stem cuttings or air layering. Both work, but you’ll need patience.

For stem cuttings, pick a healthy stem with at least one leaf. Use a sharp, clean blade to cut it. Stick the cutting in water or moist soil until roots form.

Air layering is better for bigger plants. Make a little cut around the stem, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover with plastic. Roots should show up in a few weeks.

Keep things warm and bright, but don’t put the cuttings in direct sun. Clean tools are a must—don’t invite rot.

Check for new roots now and then. Once they’re a few inches long, pot them up in well-draining soil.

Gentle handling and the right moisture help your cuttings take off. New growth means you’ve succeeded.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t just about looks—it keeps your fiddle leaf fig healthy. Snip off damaged or dead leaves to encourage better growth and airflow.

Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a leaf node so new branches can sprout from there.

Don’t go overboard. Taking off more than a third of the leaves at once can really stress the plant. Focus on the oldest or roughest-looking leaves first.

If your plant’s getting too tall, trim the top to encourage bushier growth. Leggy branches can be cut back to keep things fuller.

After pruning, keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil dries out. Pick up any fallen leaves to avoid pests.

Potting And Repotting

A good pot and soil make a big difference. Always use a pot with drainage holes and a high-quality, well-draining mix.

Repot when you see roots circling the pot or poking out the bottom. Usually, that’s every year or two. Spring’s the best time.

Be gentle—slide the plant out, shake off old soil, and move it into a slightly bigger pot with fresh mix. Don’t plant it deeper than before.

Water after repotting, but don’t flood it. Too much water can stress the plant.

Let your fiddle leaf adjust after repotting before making any other changes, like moving it to a new spot.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

Fiddle leaf figs have their issues. Brown or yellow leaves? Usually a watering or light problem.

Brown spots with yellow rings can mean fungus. Tiny black dots? Also a fungal thing. Water-soaked spots? That’s bacteria.

Drooping or dropping leaves? The plant’s stressed. Moving it too much or exposing it to drafts can cause this. Keep it in one spot.

If leaves look twisted or damaged, check for pests like spider mites or scale. Misshapen or tiny leaves might mean it’s not getting enough nutrients.

Leaves losing their green color? Probably needs more light. Watering problems can also mess with leaf color. Adjust your routine as needed.

And heads up—the sap can irritate your skin. Wash your hands after handling, and keep it away from pets and kids.

Plant Varieties

The classic indoor variety is Ficus lyrata—big, glossy leaves with wavy edges, sometimes up to 18 inches long.

There’s also the dwarf Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’, which is more compact with smaller leaves. Great for tight spaces or shelves.

Not every “fiddle leaf” you see is a Ficus lyrata—sometimes you’ll spot a Philodendron bipennifolium sold under the same name. The leaf shape’s different, so check the label if you want the real deal.

All varieties like bright, filtered light. Some can handle medium light, but they’ll grow slower. Choose the type that fits your space and style.

Go for the regular type if you want a dramatic floor plant. Dwarfs are nice for windowsills or desks. Both bring a bold, tropical vibe indoors without too much fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fiddle leaf figs need good light, moderate watering, and a bit of attention. A steady routine and the right spot go a long way.

What is the ideal watering schedule for a fiddle leaf fig indoor plant?

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Check weekly, but frequency depends on light, temperature, and humidity. In warm months, maybe every 7 to 10 days. Less in winter.

How can I prevent brown spots on my fiddle leaf fig leaves?

Brown spots are usually from overwatering or bad drainage. Use a well-draining mix and a pot with holes. Don’t let the plant sit in water. Check for pests and fungus regularly.

What are the best conditions for placing a fiddle leaf fig indoors?

Set it near a bright window, but skip direct midday sun. It likes rooms between 60 and 75°F. Keep light and temperature steady, and avoid drafts or big changes.

What is the proper technique for pruning a fiddle leaf fig tree?

Use sharp, clean shears and cut just above a leaf node or branch. Remove damaged or crowded leaves and branches. Pruning helps it grow fuller. Don’t cut off more than 10 to 15% at once.

For beginners, what are the essential care tips for a fiddle leaf fig?

Start with a sturdy pot and fresh, well-draining soil. Keep it away from vents and drafts. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth so it can soak up more light. Fertilize lightly in spring and summer with diluted plant food.

How can I ensure my indoor fig tree gets adequate light?

Pick a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight—honestly, east-facing windows or anywhere that gets bright but not harsh sun is ideal. If your place is a bit on the dim side, you might want to try a grow light (they’re more useful than you’d think). Oh, and don’t forget to turn the pot every so often so all the leaves get a fair shot at the light.