Categories: Outdoor

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: How to Fix Brown Spots, How Often to Water (Indoor vs Outdoor)

Published by
James marcus

The Fiddle Leaf Fig isn’t a plant it and forget it type of gardening species, which is why using optimal Fiddle Leaf Fig care and maintenance is essential for your plant to flourish.

In fact, knowing how to water these plants, (both indoors and out) is crucial to their survival.

You may see Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants often and not realize it. They are favorite in professional and business offices for the lush greenery they provide, and are oftenused by interior designers to tie together the aesthetics, colors, and furniture placement in a room thanks to their wide-width violin-shaped, glossy, and attention-grabbing leaves.

If you’ve recently purchased or inherited a Fiddle leaf fig, there are some specific tips you’ll need to know to keep it healthy and thriving.

This complete guide outlines Fiddle Leaf Fig care tips and other facts to know about planting Ficus lyrata both inside and outdoors.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Basics: What Is a Fiddle Leaf Fig A.K.A. Ficus lyrata?

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a species of plant and tree that is native to the tropical rainforests of Western and Central Africa.34 Its scientific name is Ficus lyrata.

It is known to flourish naturally in countries like Sierra Leone and Cameroon.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig species is a flowering plant that is a part of the Moraceae family of figs and the Mulberry family. It is named after the “fiddle,” because of its broad leaves which resemble the shape of a violin.

Its leaves are typically 18 inches long and up to a foot wide.

The outdoor and tree species sprout figs as fruit under the right conditions, especially if nearby fig wasps pollinate it. The figs that may grow from a Fiddle Leaf Fig is not the same as the traditional fig plant.1

Figs borne of the Fiddle Leaf Fig feature leathery skin that is very difficult to peel and has a neutral or unappetizing taste.

Why does the Fiddle Leaf Fig require such attention? In its natural tropical and African environment, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is always living in near-constant survival mode.

It is also part of a scientific classification of trees called a Ficus subgenus Urostigima,26 or a Banyan Tree.

A Banyan Fig Tree is a type of plant that sometimes vies for limited real estate in tropical and lowland rainforests.4 Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants grow naturally on the tops of trees in Western and Central Africa.

This plant thrives in a moist, humid, and hot environment. It gains nourishment from the sun and regular tropical rainstorm downpours.

So, its seeds invade and germinate on the crowns of other trees to perpetuate themselves. The Fiddle Leaf Fig has been propagating its plant species like this for millions of years.

Its seeds blow from the tops of trees, and nourished by the humidity, heat, and tropical rain storms, grow in the soil near the roots and taproots of its host trees. It then slowly strangles its host roots as they grow.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy plant for urban and suburban dwellers who love the attention-grabbing appearance and how it creates a stark aesthetic addition to the interior decor as if it is a piece of irreplaceable furniture.5

When concerning Fiddle Leaf Fig care, knowing how to troubleshoot brown spots on leaves and the best under-watering and over-watering techniques it crucial. Then, you can refer to the accompanying FAQ for extra guidance.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, whether situated indoors or outdoors, is popular with houseplant fans but is notorious for its maintenance needs.23 It must be watered in particular ways, can grow tall relatively quickly, needs to be repotted regularly, must be resituated as local sunlight access conditions dictate, and craves wet, humid, and warm ambient conditions.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant, which is also known as the fiddle fig tree amongst other species varieties, is a very aesthetically popular plant native to Western and Central Africa.

They can grow as tall as 10 feet tall indoors and 50 feet outdoors. A Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant can be pollinated by Fig Wasps to bear edible fig fruits.28

However, these figs would be foul and unpleasant tasting.2 The most important thing to know is that this is a plant that needs attention.

It is a challenging plant to own because it prefers humidity and indirect sunlight, sunburns easily, is easily stressed and shocked when moved, and needs its soil and roots soaked in water without root rot occurring due to overwatering. A lot of troubleshooting, vigilance, and problem-solving are required to care for this plant.

Some plant owners will swear that this is not a fussy plant, but it will drop brown, yellow, or grey spotted leaves when stressed, over-watered, or sunburned.

Even though it craves and physically moves towards sunlight quicker than most plants, its leaves brown fade and die if left in direct sunlight too long. The Fiddle Leaf Fig’s need for water is intense, but it must be drained properly, or else the leaves will brown and drop while the roots rot.

There is a sweet middle spot of plant maintenance that must be maintained at all times. This isn’t a plant that you can forget about and neglect.

Related Reading: How Much CO2 Does a Tree Absorb?

This post was last modified on 24/10/2023 03:51

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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