How to Keep a Fiddle Leaf Fig Alive


If you follow us on Instagramย then you already know that I recently brought home this adorable ($14!) fiddle leaf fig, and I am very DETERMINED to keep himย alive. I bought one of these last year (around the same time actually) but sadly, I didn’t give it the TLC it deserved and it didn’t end well. RIP little guy.ย fiddle leaf fig survival tips

Thanks to You, This Time is Going To Be DifferentHow to Keep Fiddle Leaf Fig Alive

But this time it’s going to be different. I asked our amazing followers on Instagram what tips or tricks they use to keep their fiddle leaf fig plants alive and I was blown away by the feedback and unbelievable success stories! Someone shared that her fiddle leaf is taller than she is (!!) and several others noted that they have kept their beloved fiddle leaf plants alive for several YEARS. Needless to say, I took note of every. single. tip you guys had to offer because it was very obvious that many of you know what you’re talking about.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Survival Tips

Then I realized, why not share these simple + specific tips to the rest of the DIY Playbook team so that the rookies (like us!) can learn from the pros, and together we can all keep our plants alive… and thriving! Here’s what our Instagram experts had to say:

1-fiddle-fig-leafs-plants1.ย Perfectย Sun

Fiddle leaf plants need a lot of light but not necessarily direct sunlight. ย Display your fiddle leaf in a place that provides this bright light throughout the day.ย  ย 

2. Potsย 

Do NOT transplant your new fiddle leaf fig into a pot that is too big for it (btw here are some of our favorite indoor planters). This plant likes its roots to be root bound.ย  See below for more…

3. What The Heck is ROOT BOUND?

Root bound means that the plant’s roots fill the entire container. Keeping the plant in its original pot, for now, is good because you won’t disturb the cozy roots. Eventually, you can transplant the plant into a larger pot when it’s big enough, but keep in mind that the roots do not like a spacious container.

4. No Drafts

Fiddle leaf figs do not like being placed in a room that may have a draft but let’s be honest, who does?!

5. Watering Schedule

Water your plant one cup 1x per week. Someone on Insta mentioned that they water theirs every Friday and call it #FiddleFriday. I don’t always have the best memory when it comes to water plants so I really LOVE this idea. I plan on celebrating #fiddleFriday now and hope to never forget to give this cutie a drink. #FFbridget_fall_fiddle_leaf_family_room_light_plan

6. Rotate

Remember that bright light we discussed? Well, it’s important that ALL sides of the fiddle leaf see this bright light, so rotating the plant every few days is a great strategy in making sure this happens.

7. Dusting

Wiping off the top of the leaves with a damp cloth can work wonders to keep the leaves clean. But whatever you do, do NOT use this cloth to wipe offย the bottoms of the leaves because you could damage the leaf’s “veins”. I don’t know much about plants but damaging the veins sounds pretty darn serious to me!

Ikea Plant Master BedroomDid I miss anything?!

Like I said, all of these AMAZING tips were from our sweet and supportive Instagram friends and I cannot thank you guys enough for yourย words of encouragement and expertise! If I missed any important tips,ย I would LOVE to hear what works for you so that I can add it to the list.

bridget_fall_bedroom_plant_fiddle_leafSo far though…things are going well. #FiddleFriday and the rest of these genius tips have helped keep this little guy looking very healthy! Fingers crossed that this is still the case next time I pop in with a fiddle leaf update.

Bridget

P.S. For more rookie tips on indoor plants, check out this popular post!ย Or for those of you who are still hesitant, check out my FAKE fiddleย leafย that I’m equally obsessed with…

 

 

 

 


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.