All About Fiddleleaf Figs

Big fan of big leafed house plants? You've come to the right place. Horticulturist Mary Kay Pope​ tells you all about one of their most popular houseplants - the Fiddleleaf Fig.

[@tigerlily7173]

One of the best videos on this plant..

[@sayywhiteboy5019]

Tiger Lily for real thooo,

[@meikazack3422]

Thank you for this video. I've watched at least 15 videos and visited dozens of sites and none of them had as good of information as this video.

[@sayywhiteboy5019]

Meika Zack TRUUU

[@ProximaCentauri88]

That grows WILD in my country. 😄🌱

[@Rose-gn1nl]

Up until now, the best video on this plant. I feel so much more confident now ❤️👍🏼

[@EmilyJohnsonServen]

This is EXCELLENT and such thorough information. Thank you!

[@StaticTremor]

The only video I trust. Actual useful information. Thanks, Mary.

[@ellymae00]

Thank you, Mary Kay. New subscriber here; I like your descriptions and you are easy to understand.

[@hpeteacher9445]

I always wanted to buy a fiddleleaf fig, but was afraid to spend a lot of money to have it die on me. Thanks for the knowledge on what to do to have it grow healthy.

[@DopestQueenD]

This is my first video of yours and I love it. I gotta watch more of your videos. You're very informative, straight to the point and my newly found plant mentor.... I didn't have one before but your video has won me over.

[@PleasantPrickles]

Thanks for the great info! I love my Fiddle.

[@jebbadiaha6636]

This is one AWESOME LADY!

[@_VICK_]

Straight and to the point just like i like it. Thank you!!

[@catherinemiles8021]

This is the best video I have seen on these plants thank you for sharing 🥰🤗

[@peggymalabuyoc9150]

Excellent video. Very informative and concise. Best video I’ve viewed in some time! Many thanks!!

[@rachelpetersrealestate1165]

This video is so informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@sunshiny_botany]

This video is so helpful and right to the point. Great video! 😀

[@Sandy-id5jt]

Excellent presentative, very imformative and the fiddle leaf figs behind you look soooo gorgeous and healthy..:)

[@kvorah]

You're amazing, thank you.

[@LilStampBug]

TYVM...great teacher and info...just got 2 baby fiddle leaf figs and excited for them to grow big, healthy and beautiful...like the ones you shown here. Stay safe and healthy out there everyone 🙏

[@debbielummus4637]

Thank you Mary Kay! 🌿💚

[@susanfordyce3493]

Outstanding video. Very well done!!!

[@margarcia1874]

Thanks Mary🌸very helpful!💕

[@tsukechick]

I just got a ficus liratus bambino and have been making sure I'm up to date with how to take care of it. I'm happy to know I'm set up for success and to have more tips and details than I did before!

[@tracyjohnson3596]

I have a fiddle leaf on order carnt wait for it to arrive your video was very helpful thankyou .

[@jillrulli8535]

This is SO helpful! thank you!

[@HauzPlant]

This video was amazing!!!

[@dianewalker9154]

Very easy information to process. Thank you! I just got my first fiddle leave fig, so will follow your instructions for my new baby, which is about 3 feet tall.

[@97ana]

How is your fiddle doing? Did it grow?

[@dancingdelilah1882]

Thank you for this video! I love fiddle leaf figs so much that I've bought quite a few & managed to kill every one of them!! I've been hesitant to ever buy one again but after watching this video, I think I know the mistakes I was making.

[@subsadventure]

Lovely. Thank you 🙏

[@sunithapa6574]

It was so much helpful.

[@felipequinto1648]

Sir You are so good!

[@RaisingSerge]

very informative, thank you.

[@mariewatson1174]

Very informative.

[@Smiles4Me2]

Awesome information

[@OneantasTossGreathouse]

Thank you I have two in an apartment S/E window so far so good

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

Pretty awesome video

[@silasd7348]

She's very right about them liking to be root bound. Mine was growing very well, and I repotted it it a pot that was too large and it hasn't grown at all in a one and a half months. They are finicky.

[@Stacyahmad99]

Gorgeous fiddles! So healthy and green. I bought a fiddle and the leaves seem hard. Yours seemed more supple. I have only had my fiddle for 2 months but the leaves were that way when I got him. Is there a way to make them supple? I must him everyday and he seems to like it. I think I need to report him, the dirt feels spongy not like dirt.

[@thefishylife6823]

There's a house in key west that has one of these growing in banyan form .... I believe it's inveloped A oak!!!! These do absolutely superb outside in the spring and summer considering you water accordingly and manage the amount of sunlight although I've never seen one burn up in the sun unless it's never watered

[@ExposedRoot]

You have a new subscriber!!

[@desiabri]

I wish I saw this when I first got my Fiddle Leaf Fig. We have been struggling since May :(It's like she's dying but still alive at the same time. And when I did repot, I went from a 14/15 inch to a twenty because I couldn't find 16 or 18 inch at the time. Ugh! If I would've known...

[@krestinaarquero4816]

verry nice

[@ChastidyDaniella]

I miss Mary pls bring her back

[@lorrainealexander1272]

Thanx!

[@Bigb713]

Thank god i found your channel. My plant has browing here and there on certain old leaves but 3 new leaves have also grown in what could be wrong with him? What should i try to prevent the brown spots

[@lb3724]

What a great video! Thank you so much for the concise and informative delivery. I have a question, I have a 6ft tall fiddle leaf fig that I brought home from the nursery and it is in a relatively small 12” pot. Should I still stick to the restriction of no more than 4” to pot it up or can I go a bit larger? (Also thank you for mentioning that it’s best to double pot them! I never would have thought of that!)

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

A 6" jump in pot size would be acceptable as well.

[@td4611]

I have a Giant and I mean Giant Fiddleleaf Fig tree. There is no way I could take it outside. It will not fit through the doors. If I sell the house, the tree has to stay. It’s actually out of control big but heck, I’m not going to cut it.

[@loricopsy4038]

good info

[@myakoob5711]

Also when I drenched it in water, the edges of the leaves started getting black, so I cut them off and I let it dry. And now I only water it when the top soil is dry. I give it enough water, not so much water that it drains. Please advice if I'm doing it right?

[@sayywhiteboy5019]

6:17 - 9:58 most informative parts of the video

[@sayywhiteboy5019]

Really is the best video on fiddle leaf figs

[@sayywhiteboy5019]

Have also been calling them Fiddly Figs .......

[@UrbanSoule]

Hahaha! That part of the video really gave you time to think about your fig tree.....

[@malindarayallen]

Agreed.

[@JRKA]

I have two FLF and I’ve never drenched them and their thriving. I usually 12-16oz of water every 10 days or so. Could I be missing out and growth? I was told to never drench them.

[@ohyeahyeah1711]

How long does it take to drain it completely, I’m a noob.

[@TripleMoon91]

Hi there I have a lot of my house plants that there leafs turn yellow any ideas

[@jasonsamuels7436]

what potting soil do you guys use in the green house

[@marialoftin8629]

I have a fiddle leaf fig plant that was given to me by someone that tried to care for it but wasn't able to do any work to make it happen :/ some of the leaves were turning brown. Anyway, it now has 3 or 4 new leaves and look nice and healthy. However I noticed this morning that the new leaves have brown little spots on the underside of the new leaves. Is this bad? is it a sign od disease? what am i doing wrong? HELP!!

[@hpeteacher9445]

Thank you! I watched your educational and enjoyable video about Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees awhile ago. I always wanted one, but never saw one that was healthy for the right price. My Home Depot had medium ones for $26. They were not very healthy looking. Last week, I had to pick up a new kichen sink undercabinet light and a guy was bringing in a cart of new plants. It had small FLFT that were gorgeous and healthy for $12. I bought one and brought it home. I just repotted it and was wondering what is the best soil to use? I used regular potting soil, cactus soil, orchid mulch, perlite and worm castings. Please let me know what you think. Thank you! Gerry 😎

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

Hi Gerry. The mix you made sounds like it will be well-drained, and you added some good components, so I am sure it will be fine. I especially like your use of worm castings! We usually recommend the Happy Frog potting soil, a Fox Farm product, as it has Mycorrhizae and humic acid. Any good, organic soil should be just fine. I hope your Fiddleleaf Fig does well.

[@hpeteacher9445]

Thank you for your reply and potting soil suggestions! Greatly appreciated! As for my Fiddle Lee, he is doing great so far. Enjoy your day! 😎

[@hpeteacher9445]

Why is my Fiddle Leaf Fig getting brown spots in the muddle of the leaves? I know if you get brown leaf tips is a sign of over watering. Please let me know. Thanks! Gerry 😐

[@belindaphillips2779]

@@hpeteacher9445 same

[@hpeteacher9445]

Try distilled water when you water your FLFT. So far that is working for me.

[@rowenalatorre4872]

What kind of fertilizer is best for flf? Tnx

[@longhairgetinthere]

Hi Mary Kay 😊

[@PureNaturalLuxuries]

Thanks for much for all this helpful info! I just rescued a 3ft fiddle leaf fig from the dumpster of my building and it had two stems but one was slightly shrivelled and brown so I trimmed it down. The other stem has about 4 big healthy deep green leaves on the top. one leaf had some browning on 2 of the edges of a leaf and all the leaves on the rest of the stem are gone. The plant smells so strongly of perfume. I washed and wiped down the leaves and now they don't smell like anything but the soil smells so strongly. I imagine it must be toxic to the plant, I'm wondering what to do. Should i water heavily for the next watering? Would it be too stressful to wash the roots and repot it with fresh soil? I really would love to save this guy. My place only has north facing windows so there's basically no direct sunlight so I have it sitting in the room that gets most light. It will only get very early morning sun for now until I move which will be months from now. The temp is typically 16C-19C and 45-60% humidity in that room. I have a hygrometer and a humidifier as well. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated :)

[@Rena0Dawn]

How did this guy turn out? I’m very intrigued!

[@karenmellc1558]

I'm curious too! :)

[@ChicquitaMBCrawford]

Does the Fiddleleaf Fig tree actually grow figs? I've never seen it with figs on it.

[@aamittaank1]

Hello Mdm your fiddle fig plant is beautiful I want too have like this but mine lyrata ficus Does not looking fit plz guide me to how to take care this

[@amymcdonnell6506]

Hi! First, thank you, this video is very helpful! I am a first time flf owner, I've had mine almost 1yr. I got lax in my watering and some of my leaves are brown😢. I see that you said it should recover, I'm just wondering, should i prune those leaves off, or just leave them? Some are even cracked down the seams/veins(?). Otherwise, I think it's doing well, I'm about top re-pot it as the roots are now growing up out of the soil. Do you have a recommendation for soil for the new pot? Thanks so much!

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

We use Happy Frog potting soil for our houseplants. Use a pot no more than 6" larger than the pot it is in, and use a plastic nursery pot that you can "double pot" into a ceramic pot. You can remove brown leaves as long as there are not a lot of them that still have green on them, as they can still photosynthesize.

[@amymcdonnell6506]

Backbone Valley Nursery thank you!

[@growinggracefully9518]

Amy McDonnell it’s always best to remove dying leafs this makes the plant focus on growing new and heathy growth

[@christopherrivera6611]

I have seen big happy, thriving fiddle leaf fig trees planted in ground soil under direct scorching sunlight here in the Philippines. I guess they like it better with direct sunlight? Maybe slowly introduce them from indirect sunlight to direct sunlight?

[@NOOOKevin]

My fiddle leaf has grown about 75% in the last 2years. I moved and dont have the same positioning at my new place. Its starting to struggle a bit and has gotten large red blemishes on the leaves. Im thinking its from too much direct sun? this is the first time ive ever heard about pot size! the pot i have my 1.7m tall fiddle is like 400mm tall :/ i might have to look at repotting it in a smaller pot

[@YOYO-0501]

On my tree some bottom leaves are turning yellowish and then brown and fall off. What am i doing wrong?

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

Are you taking it somewhere that you can water it thoroughly and let it drain well, or are you watering it "in place"? Most yellowing tends to come from keeping it too wet or allowing it to stand in water. If you think this might be the case, try the suggestions in the video about watering and see if you can halt the yellowing process! Good luck!

[@netta358able]

What soil is best for repoting a fig tree

[@annagarber9371]

My FLF suffered from a night of freezing temperatures when our heater failed in our all season room. It’s in a bad state with dark green/brown drooping leaves. Any advice on whether I can revive it over time.

[@isabelthomson5179]

Anna Garber maybe put it in a bathroom if you have one with adequate light the humidity and warm moisture will make it happy

[@mazarinem.5196]

I have about 15 plants, looking pretty healthy, and usually let them dry out in between watering's, and water them but not as much as I'd like to like you say drench them, is because I have a problem with fungus gnats.. my soil is clean, and I take good care, but every time I water there is an increase in gnats and i hate that. Please can you suggest what to do. I have used bonide to get rid of them, and organic sprays such as neem and liquid soap with apple cider to reduce them, but they work short term and then they're back. I'm now hesitant to water them.

[@marykaypope1398]

I use a product called "Mosquito Bits". They are labeled for fungus gnats and are a biologic control. www.summitchemical.com/mosquito/mosquito-bits/ You sprinkle them on top of the soil and water-in.

[@Snakebite420]

picked up one @ Walmart 3-4 feet tall. Month: March $21.00

[@sunshine-pn7gj]

Update

[@mohameddhaha3596]

Is it similar to normal figs,does it bear fruit is it edible

[@Mopargirl1980]

I have 2 fiddles one 3ft tree and a 1 ft bush, every time I water them they drop at least 1 leaf. The tree Im afraid is not going to make it, I have had it a yr and a half, absolutely no growth and has lost more than 2/3 of its original leaves. Any advice to help me save it? Ive been trying so hard and everything I do it just seems to keep getting brown spots and dropping leaves.

[@belindaphillips2779]

Too wet.let soil dry out between watering

[@myakoob5711]

I have it on a west facing window. And theres direct light hitting the leaves and it's doing great, it seems to love the direct light. Should I be concerened that it's getting too much direct light?

[@marykaypope1398]

If the plant is doing well do not be concerned.

[@janemcclure4029]

I am propagating a fiddle. The top leaves have become very soft. They're still green. bottom leaves are fine. What is happening with this?

[@wt3447]

Good information. What product should we use if there is fungus or some disease growing out due to improper water? Thank you

[@marykaypope1398]

It really depends on what the problem is. There is too much information to go over here. Here is some more good information: fiddleleaffigplant.com/brown-spots-on-fiddle-leaf-fig-leaves-2/

[@chico213]

Great, instructive video. Thanks!!! My question: I saved an old, dying lyrata stem 3 years ago. It grew fast and healthy, initially. Now, tho seemingly healthy, it's stuck at only about 3 feet tall and rather small ( 7-12 inch) leaves. Seems to be stunted. I wonder what I'm doing wrong???

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

Small leaves usually indicate the plant is root-bound. Also, leaves formed in the sun will be smaller than leaves formed in more shade. Check the root system, and move it up to the next size pot if it has a mat of roots on all sides. Look for healthy roots, which are white-tipped. Loosen the roots gently (just a little) or cut a slit down one side and across the bottom of the root ball 1" deep to stop the circling roots. Use a diluted fertilizer on healthy plants only, about once a month during the growing season.

[@Whathappentotheworldnow]

Excuse me! Please let me know whether fiddle leaf fig fruit is toxic or not. Thank you

[@lovedove7000]

This is need to know info if you own a fiddle fig

[@xyreyes]

If I was a Fiddle Leaf Fig, I would want my owners to watch this video.

[@Bigb713]

Also how often should this plant really be watered?

[@belindaphillips2779]

It depends

[@monicabitch6519]

HI MY DEAR ...I BOUGHT ONE I YEAR AGO ,,BUT I AM NOTICING ITS NOT SENDING OUT NEW LEAFS ..AND ITS NOT GETTING TALLER ..

[@hillyj1]

Does fiddle leaf produce a white sap?

[@TheLifeofRicky]

Why do leaves keep falling

[@JoeJoe-qy4vw]

Thank you . Recently i bougth one and not was on bad condition . Yellow leaves and with sun burns .. i have appartment with limited window .. what may i do to rescue my plant

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

Joe, this plant is not one which rehabilitates easily. Follow the watering and lighting instructions in the video, cut it back if it needs it, then be patient.

[@JoeJoe-qy4vw]

@@backbonevalleynursery7802 thank for advise ... This plants captivated me and i hope it to survive ..

[@2dardi]

Mine has brown edges around the leaves. I suppose I will have to give it a good shower and let it drain well.

[@juhikulkarni]

It needs humidity

[@hturtyada9435]

Hi 👋 I was stupid enough that I sunburned some leaves yesterday on my beautiful FLF😫😫 What treatment should I do other than move it back inside? Should I trim the burned part off? Or just leave it

[@marykaypope1398]

If it is only partially damaged you might leave it on until it falls off naturally. It really depends on how many other leaves the plant has to manufacture carbohydrates. If it has few leaves and there is still green on the damaged leaf, I would leave it . If it has many leaves and only one or two were damaged, you could remove them.

[@hturtyada9435]

@@marykaypope1398 I think I might keep them all, one leaf is a third burned and other several has burned spots. But thank you so much!!

[@TheSoulful12me]

My leaves are turning light green. Perhaps too much direct sunlight?

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

The leaves would most likely turn white or look "scorched" if they had received too much sun. Is it the new leaves, old leaves, or both? New leaves that are formed in the sun have thick cell walls that will tolerate sun. Older leaves, if formed in the shade, have cell walls that may be damaged by too much direct sun. I'm not sure what "light green" means, unless the new growth is lighter green. That may be related to low nutrient level.

[@wenweisu99]

so like strangler figs

[@marytal8236]

Does the tree produce figs

[@marykaypope1398]

In nature, it will produce a fruit, but it is not edible like the Ficus carica, our edible fig. It would not produce fruit when grown as a houseplant.

[@JIMKOR]

What is soften water?

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

In many areas, homes have "water softeners" which add chemicals to the water to reduce the lime content and "soften" the "hard" water. These chemicals are not good for plants. Outside faucets on homes equipped with "water softeners" are usually plumbed to be just plain water.

[@PatrickGregoryDaniels]

Way to cover a lot in little time

[@mariocean808]

Why do my leaves feel stiff and dull? Yours llof glossy and silky.

[@mary-catherineballard4238]

Hopefully you can help, I have noticed my FFL started to get these white spots/ patches on the leafs seems like overnight. The leaves have now started to curl and the newer leafs are quite flimsy. Any clue as to what is happening?

[@mary-catherineballard4238]

Backbone Valley Nursery thanks I don't think it was bugs or sun maybe a root issue the plant has gone south the leaves are a soft faint green/brown now and the viens look shaggy or raised. The leaves that were flimsy are a sickly brown and bright green, lifeless. All the leaves are turned in and dry not sure what really happened ;(

[@belindaphillips2779]

@@backbonevalleynursery7802 ive never seen insects on lyrata

[@backbonevalleynursery7802]

@@belindaphillips2779 I have had to treat FLF for spider mites and soft brown scale. I find that taking it outside when temps are between 65° and 80°F with low humidity, spraying with an Ultra-fine Horticultural oil, thoroughly coating it, will take care of most insects. Let it dry and bring it back in. Under fast-drying conditions, as I described, it suffocates the insects.

[@fignewton0000]

How can I increase the humidity without fucking up my HVAC system?

[@rachealrock3638]

What a mouth

[@realitybites1253]

Are you related to Terry Pope?

[@pahoboye]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2iopaSbZt-fqZY look how classy the fiddle leaves are in this

[@hibiscusangel7376]

So hard to care for. Mines limp

[@novanettle7497]

Yeah. Whenever I see a list of "easy to care for house plants" and the fiddle leaf is on that list; I don't trust a single entry on that list

[@pygiana16]

Well done, you’ve succeeded in putting me off getting these plants. They’re far too difficult and fussy. The should be called fiddly plants.

[@andyboyize]

I thought it was a guy... nice video

[@edithc7382]

This Lady speaks so low - that I hardly can understand.. A little closer to the microphone might help - or talking louder and less mumbling !

[@Kartonknig]

I understand her without any problems. Maybe it's your earbuds or speaker?