Answer. A fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) with leggy or unstable growth usually indicates inadequate light. The entire plant may grow tall and weak, with a frail trunk. Leaves may be spaced far apart on long branches or this may happen only to the lower branches if they are blocked from sunlight.
Here are our 7 Steps to Make Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree grow bigger:
STEP 1: OPTIMIZE THE POT SIZE.
STEP 2: ENSURE EXCELLENT DRAINAGE.
STEP 3: FULL, REGULAR WATERING.
STEP 4: CHECK FOR GOOD SOIL AERATION.
STEP 5: DO AN ANNUAL SOIL TREATMENT.
STEP 6: FERTILIZE LESS, MORE OFTEN.
STEP 7: GIVE IT LIGHT!
How do you thicken fiddle leaf figs?
Why is my fiddle leaf fig tall and thin? – Related Questions
What does an overwatered fiddle look like?
Overwatering Symptoms: Brown spots or brown shaded areas in the middle of the leaves along with around the edges, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop (lower leaves often dropping first). Overwatering is one of the most common Fiddle Leaf Fig problems.
What happens if you cut the top off a fiddle leaf fig?
Cutting the top of the fiddle leaf fig will keep it short and encourage side branches to grow, creating a more compact look. Pruning it heavily on one side helps give a balanced look if the fiddle leaf fig is lopsided.
Do coffee grounds help fiddle leaf figs?
However, a fiddle leaf fig prefers soil with a pH around 6, and coffee grounds can tip this in the wrong direction. Overly acidic soil can cause leaf discoloration, so you don’t want to add something that can acidify your soil beyond a fiddle’s preference.
Can I put olive oil on my fiddle leaf fig?
While it might provide some temporary shine, these greasy products can clog the leaves’ “pores” and interfere with photosynthesis and respiration. Like dust and dirt, heavy oils on the leaves can effectively starve and suffocate your plant!
How do you encourage new leaf growth on fiddle leaf figs?
Notching Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Notching is a method of encouraging a Fiddle Leaf Fig to branch that doesn’t involve removing any height off the plant. Instead, small cuts or ‘notches’ are made up and down the stem or trunk to encourage new growth to form further down the plant.
What does shaking a fiddle leaf fig do?
It is believed that by *gently* shaking the trunk of your fiddle, you are simulating the wind in its natural environment and encouraging it to grow stronger to withstand these forces. Your fiddle will in turn thicken its trunk and strengthen its root system.
How do I know if my fiddle leaf is happy?
New growth is always a great sign of a healthy plant, and if the leaves on your Fiddle grow large and strong, that means your plant is thriving. However, if the new leaves grow in small and stunted, it could be a sign that your plant is lacking in nutrients.
What makes fiddle leaf figs happy?
Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of natural light and do best when placed directly in front of a window. Water thoroughly about once a week, allowing the top couple inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
When should you throw out a fiddle leaf fig?
If almost all of your leaves have dried out due to severe dehydration and several of your branches have died, you may be better off calling it quits and getting a new fiddle. Technically, you can revive your fiddle if part of the trunk or stem is still alive, but it will take a lot of time and care.
What season Should I repot fiddle leaf?
Fiddle Leaf Figs usually need to be repotted every two years, and spring is a great time to do this because weather conditions can help your tree recover from potential root shock. Warmer temperatures also mean it’s possible to repot your fiddle outside, which is especially helpful if your tree is large!
Should I trim lower leaves on fiddle leaf fig?
In order to shape your plant to look best for its location, you’ll want to remove lower leaves and branches that are growing too wide. Prune your plant toward a tree shape by removing the lower leaves.
Should I mist my fiddle leaf fig every day?
It’s a good idea to mist new leaf buds, but ONLY the lead buds, and not so much that water drips down the other leaves. Give your new baby buds a good misting a few times every week and use a clean, soft cloth to gently dab up extra water if you’d like. You can still raise a healthy fiddle leaf fig in a dry climate.
What does a healthy fiddle leaf tree look like?
You can tell if your plant is healthy if the fiddle leaf fig has new growth and the new leaves are larger than the old ones. The plant will also look good overall and feature vibrant, shiny green leaves.
Does fiddle leaf need full sun?
“Fiddle leaf figs need lots of indirect light and some direct sun,” he says. “Afternoon sun from a south- or west-facing window will be too strong.” So remember, just like the nourishing rays that filter down from the jungle’s dense canopy, your fig needs good sun in your home, too.
