How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs thrive with bright indirect light, weekly watering when soil is dry, and consistent humidity around 40-60%.

  1. Choose Bright, Filtered Light. Place your fiddle leaf fig near a bright window with indirect sunlight. East or west-facing windows work best. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the large leaves, and keep it away from heating vents or air conditioners that create temperature fluctuations. The plant needs at least 6 hours of bright, filtered light daily.
  2. Water Wisely, Drain Always. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This typically happens once a week, but can vary with seasons and humidity. Pour water slowly until it drains from the bottom holes, then empty the drainage tray after 30 minutes. Overwatering is the most common cause of fiddle leaf fig problems, leading to root rot and leaf drop.
  3. Create the Right Moisture Zone. Keep humidity levels between 40-60% around your plant. Group it with other plants, use a humidifier, or place a water-filled pebble tray nearby. Mist the air around the plant occasionally, but avoid spraying water directly on the leaves as this can cause fungal issues or water spots.
  4. Dust and Scout for Trouble. Wipe down the large leaves weekly with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them glossy. This helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently. While cleaning, check for pests like spider mites or scale insects, which appear as small spots or webbing on leaf undersides.
  5. Nourish Spring Through Fall. Feed your fiddle leaf fig with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring through early fall. Stop fertilizing in winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can cause brown leaf tips and excessive growth that weakens the plant structure.
  6. Remove Damage, Shape Sparingly. Remove any brown, damaged, or yellowing leaves by cutting them off at the stem with clean scissors. To encourage branching, you can notch or pinch the main stem, but do this sparingly. Fiddle leaf figs naturally grow tall and tree-like, so minimal pruning is usually best.