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The fast-growing and exotic fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is one of the more common houseplants to grow in a large space, such as a vaulted foyer or a great room with tall ceilings. In its natural habitat—tropical regions of Africa—it can grow 40 feet or higher, but it usually tops out around 10 feet tall when grown indoors.
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The fiddle leaf fig isn’t a picky plant, but it does require soil that drains quickly to keep its roots from standing in water. Optimal soil drains well yet retains a modicum of moisture to keep the roots from drying out completely. Fortunately, some excellent growing mixes are available.
Keep reading to learn what to look for when choosing the best soil for fiddle leaf fig plants and to find out why the following products are some of the best-suited soils for growing healthy fiddle leaf figs.
- BEST OVERALL: Leaves and Soul Fiddle Leaf Fig House Plant Soil
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Indoor Houseplant Potting Mix
- BEST MOISTURE CONTROL: Perfect Plants Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil Mix
- BEST FOR AERATION: Mother Earth Coco Plus Perlite Mix
- BEST DRAINAGE: Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix
- BEST ECO-CONSCIOUS: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food Potting Soil
What to Consider When Buying Soil for a Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig prefers a soil mix that won’t compress or pack down but still has enough structural integrity to anchor the plant’s roots firmly. If the mix is too light, it can tip to the side as the plant gets taller, and its root ball can pull out of the soil. If the soil is too heavy, it can become dense. The dense soil can keep air from getting to the roots, which can stunt the plant’s growth or prevent water from draining, resulting in root rot.
Types of Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Several all-purpose potting mixes designed for growing indoor houseplants may be suitable for growing this plant. However, the best soil mix for fiddle leaf fig is often a growing mix designed specifically for the plant. Avoid planting it in garden soil, which is typically too dense.
While plant-specific mixes are similar in structure to all-purpose blends, they’ve been tweaked for the specific needs of the fiddle leaf fig. The best soil for indoor fiddle leaf fig plants likely contains one or more of the following:
- Bark: Chunks of fir or pine bark help prevent the mixture from compacting and encourage drainage.
- Moss: Sphagnum peat moss serves two purposes: It drains well but also absorbs water and releases it slowly, so roots don’t dry out.
- Perlite: A lightweight byproduct of volcanic glass, perlite helps create air pockets in the soil so oxygen can reach the roots. It also retains water to keep the soil slightly moist.
- Coconut coir: A fibrous layer between the fruit of the coconut and its outer shell, coconut coir helps keep the growing mix light and airy. It also absorbs water and releases it slowly.
- Charcoal: A product of charred wood or peat, charcoal absorbs salts and impurities in the soil while adding to the soil’s structure to help support fiddle leaf fig roots.
- Sand: Coarse sand offers stability in a potting mix, and it encourages drainage.
Drainage
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The most important consideration when choosing soil for fiddle leaf fig plants is to use a soil that drains well. This plant does not like ”wet feet.” If its roots stand in water, it may experience root rot. Poor soil drainage can cause drooping leaves or brown spots on them. If the leaves begin to drop, the plant may have root rot, and it may be too late to save it. The earlier that poor drainage is detected and the plant is repotted, the better the chance of saving it.
When watering the plant, look for water to run out from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Good-draining soil permits most of the water to run through, yet some is absorbed and retained to create a slightly moist environment.
Water Retention
Although it may seem counterintuitive for a soil to both drain well and still retain water, that’s the optimal combination for a fiddle leaf fig. Ingredients such as sand and large chunks of bark create air spaces in the mix and help promote drainage. Other components, such as peat moss, absorb some of the water and then release it slowly. Still other ingredients, such as coco coir and perlite, perform both functions.
In addition, some manufacturers may add small clay pellets that absorb water and then release it slowly. This is beneficial when growing larger fiddle leaf figs, and it can help anchor the roots firmly in the pot.
The pH Level
Fiddle leaf figs prefer soil with a near-neutral acid/alkaline balance between 5.3 and 6.7 on the pH scale, close to their native growing environment. A pH level lower than 5.3 may be too acidic and result in limp, yellowing leaves. On the other hand, a pH over 6.7 may be too alkaline, and the plant may develop red spots on the leaves and fail to grow.
Rather than trying to correct existing fiddle leaf fig soil with a pH that’s too high or too low, it’s better to repot the plant in new soil that’s better suited to its needs. If pH is a concern, inexpensive pH test kits are available for testing soil alkalinity and acidity.
Our Top Picks
As top picks, the following potting soils are suitable for a fiddle leaf fig’s growing and nutritional needs. Some are considered all-purpose indoor grow mixes, but they contain the ingredients necessary to ensure thorough drainage and moisture retention. Any one of the following mixes helps provide a healthy foundation for the fiddle leaf fig.
Our Verdict
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Fiddle leaf figs require a growing medium that drains well to reduce the risk of root rot and other symptoms resulting from soggy soil. The “Best Overall” choice, Leaves and Soul Fiddle Leaf Fig House Plant Soil, which contains added ingredients to help support the root structure of large, top-heavy plants, meets the needs of most fiddle leaf figs. On the other hand, the “Best Bang for the Buck” pick, Miracle-Gro Indoor Houseplant Potting Mix, provides everything that a smaller fiddle leaf fig needs to grow, and at an affordable price point.
How We Chose the Best Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
In our quest to find some of the best soil options for growing fiddle leaf figs, we extensively researched dozens of indoor potting soil products. Some fiddle leaf fig planting soil blends are labeled specifically for fiddle leaf fig plants. Others are designed for all-around growing purposes but contain the components necessary for healthy fiddle leaf fig growth. We considered brand reputation, sustainable production methods, and price, but ultimately, our choices came down to the most suitable products for growing this stunning houseplant specimen.
FAQs
Fiddle leaf figs are not considered a challenging houseplant for home growers, but they require well-drained soil to reach their maximum potential. Those who are new to growing this wonderful plant will likely have some questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about growing fiddle leaf figs.
Q. Can I use succulent soil for fiddle leaf figs?
In some cases, yes, but opt for a mix that contains less than 50 percent sand as well as ingredients that provide a measure of moisture retention, such as the “Best Drainage” pick in our lineup—Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix.
Q. How do you mix potting soil for a fiddle leaf fig?
A commercial product that drains well and retains moisture is usually better than a DIY soil, but a ratio of ⅓ perlite to ⅔ peat-type ingredients is suitable. For large fiddle leaf figs, consider adding a small amount of sand or gravel to help provide some structural integrity.
Q. Are coffee grounds good for fiddle leaf figs?
No. Coffee grounds can result in too much moisture retention, reducing drainage and increasing the risk of fungal diseases and gnat infestations.
Q. How long can fiddle leaf figs go without water?
When planted in optimal soil, fiddle leaf figs can do OK for up to 10 days between waterings.
Q. What does an overwatered fiddle leaf fig look like?
Too much water is the biggest enemy of the plant, and it can result in brown spots on the leaves, limp leaves, or dropped leaves.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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