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Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is your go-to plant when you want a bold leafy statement indoors. They are one of the trendiest plants around, with impressively large glossy leaves. They can grow into quite tall plants and are ideal for filling a bare corner in a room with lush greenery and also make the perfect backdrop for smaller plants. Fiddle leaf figs prefer a brightly lit spot indoors, out of direct sunlight and away from cold draughts. You can also grow a fiddle leaf fig in a protected spot on a deck or patio.
How to grow fiddle leaf fig in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 300mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in a well-lit spot, away from direct sunlight.
- Partially fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Speciality Potting Mix Plants and Ferns.
- Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Help protect your plants against annoying fungus gnats by applying a layer of Yates Gnat Barrier to the top of the mix.
- Water when the potting mix is dry – insert your index finger to the first knuckle, if it’s dry, water and if it’s moist, leave watering for a few more days.
- Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Liquid Plant Food or use Yates Thrive Plant Food Spikes Plants & Ferns which feeds plants for up to 2 months.
Growing tips
- Fiddle leaf figs prefer humid environments and are typically fine with the ‘climate’ inside a home. However, if artificial heating or cooling is used, help increase humidity by misting the leaves on a daily basis with a spray bottle.
- Fiddle leaf figs are native to tropical rainforests in Africa, so they like humidity and will enjoy having their leaves misted with water when it’s hot and dry.
- Keep the potting mix only slightly moist. Fiddle leaf figs do not like to be overwatered or sit in a saucer full of water, as their roots can start to rot. Check moisture levels in the potting mix by inserting your finger into the top few cm of mix. If it feels dry or dusty, it’s time to re-water. If the mix still feels quite moist, leave watering for another few days.
- They can be left in the same pot for several years, but when you see roots starting to grow out of the base it’s time for a slightly larger pot. Re-pot plants in early spring into a larger container. Alternatively, you can keep it in the same pot, just prune back the roots – no more than 20 per cent of the rootball – and return to the same pot.
- Encourage straight, upright growth by turning the pot by 90-180 degrees every few weeks, so all sides of the plant are exposed to the maximum amount of light. And if your fiddle leaf fig does start to grow too tall, you can pinch out the top of the stem.
- Dust fig leaves regularly with a soft cloth. Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves and make it difficult for the leaves to function.
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