How to Repot a Fiddle-Leaf Fig

#fiddleleaffig #houseplants #howto #gardening #plants #diy
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Learn how and when to repot your fiddle leaf fig tree with Austin Lohin, Landscape Specialist at Bates Nursery and Garden Center. Austin covers when to repot, what soil to use when repotting, and methods to ensure that your transplanted fiddle leaf fig thrives in its new pot. Learn more from our plant experts here: www.batesnursery.com/blogs/ti...
Interested in getting the soil mix we used? Find out if a garden center near you carries EarthMix™: www.earthmix.net/findearthmix or visit Bates Nursery if you're near Nashville, TN!
Steps:
0:00 Introduction
0:11 Step One: Pick Out a Tree
0:25 Step Two: Pick Out a Pot
0:53 Pro Tip: Pick a Container with a Drain Hole
1:05 Step Three: Use an Indoor Potting Mix
1:43 Step Four: Have Access to Water
2:02 When is it Time to Re-Pot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?
2:35 The Potting Begins - First Soil Layers
3:39 Setting the Fig in the Pot
4:56 Packing the Dirt Around the Root Ball
6:15 Fertilization Needs
6:38 Crucial Step: Initial Watering
7:38 Pro Tip: Fill the Pot with Water, Let Drain, and Repeat 3-4 Times
Tags: repot fiddle leaf fig ficus lyrata how to

[@MicheleYeager777]

Thank you so much! You're so "down to Earth", no pun intended, which makes it really easy to watch you. You have an obviously love for what you do too and that makes all the difference.

[@mayarada2059]

Absolutely beautiful plant , and again you’ve done such a great job by repotting into a bigger pot , see you around

[@johnloyacano2029]

Great job of simplifying this part of plant care. More folks should watch this and embrace the techniques you demonstrated. Thanks for sharing!

[@taniatishchenko6989]

Extremely useful video, no BS, loved the tips too! Thanks a lot!!!

[@ruthselden8637]

I thought I was fairly well informed on plant care until I watched you today and realized how wrong I was. I really learned a lot and appreciated learning your expertise.

[@ashleywebber3588]

You were so succinct and didn't over talk it. Thank you for a great video!

[@jayjohnson7785]

Thank you so much for sharing. You addressed every concern of mine going into owning a fiddle leaf fig! So appreciative of this!

[@brandonbandstra226]

Epic demo. Thank you

[@danielpreilly77]

solid demo bro

[@sammibyrd6131]

Thank you!! I feel more confident in repotting my FLF. I would have definitely done it incorrectly before watching this video. Great job!

[@amaris7619]

Thank you!!!! Perfect video, So helpful! 🙂

[@emzsantillan1207]

Wow nicely plant🌲Sending full my supports👍🤩

[@Slothsandtacos]

So helpful!! Thank you!!!

[@tannercarley]

Clear and to the point! Thanks!

[@marshakamler956]

Thank you I’ve learned a lot today! I will be following you.

[@rleonardgreen78]

Thank You. I'm about to re pot my fiddle leaf tree and this helps alot. My leaves are growing, but I feel like its not getting taller. So hopefully this helps.

[@ca6177]

Thanks, very good tips I can totally do. I have one that probably needs repotting!

[@batesnursery]

Go for it! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@trishelleworks7402]

You are best one for me to understand not only this plant but all my plants thank you kindly

[@batesnursery]

That means a lot! Thank you

[@shushanikavagyan2315]

Excellent job! You're a true professional and you speak so well. Thank you. Greetings from Armenia!

[@habibmehdizade4150]

Very nice informafive video.thankyou.

[@milagroperez6053]

I learned a lot today thank you for the video

[@batesnursery]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@priscillacasas248]

Very helpful!!! Thank you.

[@patrobinson6943]

Can’t thank you enough. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@carlosb6205]

I water my fig every 1 day to 3 weeks. Been doing great so far. LOL

[@lynettedeschenes6206]

Thank you for the instruction, wish me luck 🌿💜🇺🇲

[@chrissyoz2496]

You made me excited to repot my fiddle leaf fig 😂

[@pinksofachatspart2252]

I feel the same way! 😁

[@caitlinemmons1514]

Thank you!! Remember figgy’s don’t like Tap water in some places.

[@davidshugart8873]

THANKS..very helpful..!

[@KingColeTV]

thanks bro! super helpful

[@taycasey93]

Thank you!!

[@lyndseymoore1818]

Thank you so much!

[@joelemmanuelmanalo]

Hello, would love to see an update on your fiddle leaf fig. Thank you!

[@batesnursery]

Thanks for asking! This planting was only done as a demonstration since the fig was part of our retail inventory, afterwards we removed it from the pot and returned it to its nursery pot where it was sold to a loving home. This potting method was done by a horticultural professional, and is the best way to ensure the success of your fig.

[@maremiralte9758]

I like Fiddle .

[@faith-dwoods]

learned what to do thanks

[@goodlights7729]

nice!

[@lavvy2585]

Wow, you are detailed. Too bad I found you after I repotted my tiny plant. I will rewater in the morning.

[@everythingandanything3045]

Great informative video thank you! Do you have any tips for colder climates such as the UK.

[@batesnursery]

We recommend bringing fiddleleaf figs indoors over the winter, as they are not cold-hardy. We did do a webinar on over-wintering houseplants and tropical plants, you can view it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn-YpYijap2DiLc

[@abrahamchampagne3083]

So if it has the spiraling top roots, when you repot, do you cover them with soil?

[@nubeing1130]

What to do if you over watered the plants and need to replant it ? Amazing video!

[@seageo4303]

If you over water a potted houseplant, I suggest making very sure the pot is draining well, and that air can get under the pot after you empty the catch. After the soil begins to dry out, it will start to feel solid. I would repot it at that time. If you find root rot has developed from all the excessive watering, I would remove putrid soil, and damaged roots, and I would water it after repotting, being very aware of not water it again until the soil is dry.

[@jojo-ef3vn]

Thank you for showing how to repot. Which fertilizer would you recommend?

[@batesnursery]

We recommend any all-purpose indoor plant food. There are a plethora of organic and synthetic options out there that folks have had great success with. Ask your local independent garden center/houseplant shop what they use, they typically have some good suggestions and may even be able to point you to something that is locally made in your area. Remember too that the soil matters-always use high-quality indoor potting soils when repotting, you'll see much better plant health in the long term.

[@tiffanyglasper1707]

Thai was a great video and very easy to follow in our own home. I do have a question - how do you repot this plant when you going to use for inside the home? To make sure we have drainage for the water ... one you have here the water goes straight out to the ground .. to avoid water to go onto the floor in the house. What’s the best way to repot effectively

[@batesnursery]

If you can't take it outside to water, use your balcony, bathtub, or shower using a faucet or watering can. Run the water through it a few times, let it all drain out, return the plant to its spot. Repotting needs to take place outside or on a tarp to contain the soil that might spill. Additionally, some plant shops might offer repotting services if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

[@napoleonbanzuela4263]

I HOPE YOU WILL HAVE A VEDIO ABOUT THOSE PALM TREE AT YOUR BACK HOW TO PLANT THEM ( propagation) thanks. I subscribe to your channel.

[@batesnursery]

We do have a video about general propagation of tropicals & other plants, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rImnpYetqd2Hq7s

[@Sirenyoga]

question: I had a ton of gnats in the home, i switched my fiddle leaf fig entire pot for a new soil and it lost all of the leaves! it went in shock, it was in the same place, same pot, but entirely different soil. Now I am stuck with a stick about 6' tall. How do I save her? the roots weren't very long either before, or could I have damaged it in the process?? help, it was a few years old and gorgeous after our gnats attacks (yes, we tried everything in the market prior to switching soil in our entire 20 + plants indoors)

[@aja8505]

Great demo, thank you! Now how do you bring a tree/pot with a drain hole like that inside the house? I have a fig I want to pot so I can bring it in but feel like water will be everywhere even if I use a tray underneath it

[@batesnursery]

The best thing to do is to repot outside and let it drain fully before bringing indoors. A bigger tray is the best option to ensure that water doesn't get on the floor when you water your indoor fig. Fiddle leaf figs don't like wet feet, so when you water be sure to drain the tray underneath it.

[@aja8505]

@@batesnursery thank you for the information and for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it very much 🙏🏻

[@apseudonym]

water it in the laundry sink or shower and allow it to drain before placing it in its usual spot

[@blueyedlady]

@@apseudonym yep, I do this too!

[@YaGirlDynasty]

Thank you for this video! I had mine repotted, and I only did one of those waterings (filling and letting drain)… and I was scared that that one was too much! After bringing her home from being repotted, all of the leaves are drooping. I’m hoping that she will recover. 😢

[@batesnursery]

Figs can respond poorly to sudden changes in temperature, if it was cold wherever it was repotted, it might have shocked the plant. As long as the pot drains well and you don't water again until the soil is dry, it won't ever hurt the plant to do multiple soakings. You're trying to get the water to saturate the entire root ball and not drain out from the sides.

[@batesnursery]

If it was happy where you had it in your house then leave it in that spot and cut back watering until you see it begin to regrow. It needs time to reacclimate.

[@YaGirlDynasty]

@@batesnursery thank you!! She’s bounced back!!

[@kennethryanmata5661]

Hello. Will fiddle leaf thrive in a bedroom with no direct or indirect sunlight? Only artificial light from my room light is available? And is it true that you should not move around your fiddle too often? Cos i plan to bring it from room to outside of the building balcony just to get a sunlight in case i decided to really get one. So in love with FLF 💚

[@batesnursery]

You'll absolutely need to give it mostly bright, indirect light with minimal direct sunlight from a south or east facing window ideally. Just the room light with no daylight won't be enough to keep it happy. In the summer it could be left on a porch as long as there's little to no direct sunlight and nighttime temperatures won't drop below 55 degrees. If you wanted to keep it in a windowless or dark room you'll need a grow light and a timer, it's recommended to run the grow light for 6-8 hours a day for fiddle leafs.

[@dianaw4072]

Great, helpful video!! All that water at the end seemed like a lot but it makes sense now after learning what I just learned from your video. My figgy is about half that size. Would I still water it as much as you did yours? Or would I adjust to half since mine's smaller? Thanks again:)

[@batesnursery]

We only suggest watering that much when you are initially establishing the plant in the pot, this ensures that the soil settles and the trapped pockets of air bubble out rather than being trapped in the soil. Regular watering would be filling the pot up and letting it drain a couple of times, so the roots get a drink. Remember that excessive watering is the number one killer of plants! There is a graphic in this video that shows you what an overwatered fiddle leaf fig looks like.

[@dianaw4072]

@@batesnursery thank you so much! I am about to repot my figgy that I got a few weeks ago. Roots are growing out of the hole in the bottom and its staying wet too long but I only water once a week and was doing about a cup to two cups of water each time.

[@batesnursery]

@@dianaw4072 I'm a little worried about the amount of water you're applying at one time! It might be too little We recommend giving it a good soaking when you water, the drain holes will take care of the excess water, just make sure you can let it drain out somewhere like a bathtub, sink, or floor drain. Water it again only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

[@hntrcrtr]

@@batesnursery Would you still recommend this much watering for a fig that had some root rot? I think I caught it in time, but I'm scared to continue to water it after the root rot. I've added much more drainage.

[@batesnursery]

@@hntrcrtr It sounds like you've treated the root rot issue. In case you haven't done that, lift the plant out of its pot, cut out the rotted roots, apply some cinnamon to the area (it's a natural anti fungal for plants) and replant the tree. If the roots are soaking wet, let it dry out before watering again. Fiddle figs absolutely need drainage. Full stop. Make sure your pot has holes and drains after watering. The reason Austin's watering so much initially is to settle the air pockets in the pot and soak the roots after planting. The drainage is key though, all the excess water needs to drain away or it will kill the plant. After that you don't have to water as much. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to your finger. Fill the pot up, let it all drain out. If using a saucer don't let it sit in water. Hope this helps!

[@chrissyoz2496]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jasonsamuels7436]

I live in michigan we dont carry that kind of potting soil. so what would you recammend we have fox farm potting soil for organic potting soil

[@batesnursery]

That would do the job

[@6155ish]

Would you say I should repot as soon as you bring home. I"ve had one about 10 days and it was wet and still is moist. I have not watered it, I only have sprayed it with Neem oil for any pets it may have had. It's in a plastic nursery pot, it's a medium size plant. I would like to repot it but don't want to shock it. It sits facing the east but .not directly in the window,.

[@batesnursery]

You can repot it when you have the time to do so. Make sure it drains well and has a chance to dry between waterings.

[@rqn2274]

I did the same stuff but with a soil that does not drain well.. within 2h my tree was close to death. I had to replant it again adding a lot of new dry soil. Make sure that the tree does not stand in water

[@batesnursery]

Absolutely! Well draining soil is a must, AND a container with drain holes.

[@tammylore8608]

I just bought one of these plants and it’s a lot smaller then this one but do I need to pull the lower leafs off to look like yours? I like that look but I don’t want to shock or kill the plant. And I’m fixing to re pot the plant in a better pot then the the one it came in so is this the time to do that or should I wait?

[@batesnursery]

You can remove some leaves without harming the plant. Repotting the plant can happen anytime spring through late summer.

[@granlex]

Greetings. How wan we work on strengthening and thickening the trunk and maintaining the plant at its desired height????

[@batesnursery]

To develop a thicker, stronger trunk for your fiddle leaf fig, we recommend placing it in a bright and sunny location where it gets strong indirect light. You can simulate the wind to strengthen the trunk by wiggling the trunk around on occasion, or by placing it outside in the summer months when the temps are warm (even at night). This is a process known as "hardening off" that a lot of vegetable gardeners do to strengthen young vegetable seedlings. This process strengthens and may thicken the trunk. A fiddle leaf fig in its native environment grows to be a large tree, and given the right conditions, there is no way that we know of to limit its growth. It wants to be a tree. However, if your fiddle leaf fig seems leggy and the trunk is weak, most likely it needs more sunlight to flesh out and to really thrive. You can also prune a fiddle leaf fig to maintain desired height and shape, just be sure you're not pruning more than 20-30% of the tree. There are a number of good videos available (Garden Answer has one on fiddleleaf fig care and pruning) that show best practices for pruning fiddleleaf figs.

[@granlex]

@@batesnursery great info. Thanks

[@joellechiara]

So good. I don’t know if you’ll see this it’s been so long but I have an older fiddle that literally has A SUPER THICK trunk (I’m talking like a hand-around thumb to first finger) with several super thick branches but there aren’t an abundance of leaves. The leaves are also kinda small even though it’s near a window. I thought maybe it needs to be repotted. It’s been about three years? I have two other fiddles that are as happy as a fiddle but this guy is literally all bark and no bite. 😢

[@batesnursery]

Seen it! Send us some photos of your sad fiddle to [e-mail] and we will take a look and get to the bottom of it!

[@kohort1]

How can I just re pot in the same pot to change up some of the soil? Is it ok to do?

[@batesnursery]

Absolutely! We recommend doing that about once per year--it keeps the soil fresh and helps to avoid issues with soil compaction/structure. You can repot into the same pot using the techniques outlined in this video. We do recommend potting into a larger pot if you are seeing a lot of circling roots when you remove your plant from its original container.

[@scriptflips]

I only somewhat "mastered" not killing my fiddle leaf by having a pot where you water the plant at the bottom. Watering it on top caused the roots to rot with the roots holding in too much moisture. Also by the roots having to reach downward for water causes it to grow exponentially!!!

[@batesnursery]

Responding to root rot issue, those figs love to go really dry between waterings, and if your plant has matured and is mostly roots, it will likely need to be refreshed or repotted, otherwise there will be less soil to hold moisture to keep it happy, hence more waterings. Watering from below is a great method, it's true!

[@lisaberendsenkane9440]

What if you didn’t pot it firmly the first time? Do you start over?

[@batesnursery]

Without looking at what you've done we can only advise you to press down on the soil around the root ball firmly to pack the soil in and water deeply to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Top up with more soil if it settles below the root ball. If that doesn't resolve, it won't hurt the plant to redo it.

[@TheWaterlily18]

I saw a vid that said to gently remove the root ball until only the roots are mostly exposed and then place in new pot with new soil. What are your thoughts about that approach?

[@batesnursery]

We recommend loosening up the soil around the roots and fluffing the roots up a bit so that they grow outward, and not in a circular pattern. Unless you are dealing with a soil pathogen, removing all of the soil from the roots is not necessary.

[@TheWaterlily18]

@@batesnursery Thank you!!! I repotted it last week and it seems to be doing well for now! Keep the tutorials coming please!

[@amirhoseinghods]

Is it okay that the new pot is a lot bigger...? You said too much bigger pot can contain too much water for the plant.

[@batesnursery]

You are correct. He went with about as big as he wanted to go, we could have gone smaller.

[@dawnadavis9682]

How do I re-pot if I have a root rot I need help with that

[@batesnursery]

Here's the solution for dealing with root rot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJabqJKrjad4jdU After cutting back the roots, re-pot with fresh soil and cut back on water to let the plant go dry between waterings.

[@joannamartinez3379]

Is it ok to repot in a pot with just one drainage hole ?

[@batesnursery]

Yes! If the hole is too small you can add some rocks or looser material to the bottom two inches, so even if it drains slowly the roots won't have a chance to rot.

[@heyelpaso8210]

I just rescued an extremely dry fiddle leaf fig from Target. All the leaves are drooping down and it is really, really dry. There are two brown, crispy, curled leaves on the bottom. I gave it a soak last night by letting it stand in water for 30 minutes since it is in a state of preferential flow but today it's seeming pretty dry again. I also noticed there are aerial roots at the base of the plant (above the soil). Should I just repot this poor plant? I'd appreciate any advice!

[@batesnursery]

Definitely repot her! All of those signs point to a stressed plant, and new (high quality) soil will do wonders for helping your new plant recover. If the leaves fall off don't fear-fiddle leaf figs are resilient and will often bounce back even if their leaves fall off. Repot in good soil, in a well-draining pot. Sometimes rescue plants are the most rewarding ones!

[@toniacassetta5766]

Is it okay to mist your fiddle leaf fig everyday?

[@batesnursery]

We would recommend a humidifier for even humidity without the droplets staying on the leaves, which could lead to fungal issues. It's ok to lightly mist new budding leaves to prevent cracking and splitting. If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier would be a good addition for any tropical plants you might be growing. Fiddleleafs enjoy 30-65% humidity. The average humidity in an air conditioned home is 35-45%.

[@Richard-oo6pc]

What size is the new pot?

[@batesnursery]

This one is 16 inches wide, You will want a pot that is 2-4 inches bigger than the one your fiddle leaf is currently in.

[@roncee9631]

Is that cocopeat?

[@batesnursery]

All EarthMix® products are made with coconut coir, a more sustainable alternative to peat moss. EarthMix® Proganix-I™, which Austin uses in this video, is a balanced mix made with coconut coir, compost, perlite, added mycorrhizae fungi, and added organic fertilizer. It's a great mix!

[@apseudonym]

I need to repot my FLF but I chose a terracotta pot only one size up from its nursery pot because I am a coward

[@batesnursery]

It will survive. Embrace the learning experience!

[@jocerod123]

I chopped the top off my fiddle to encourage sprouting but nothing has happened on 3 weeks 😭

[@batesnursery]

It could forreal take up to several months! Don't give up yet.

[@jocerod123]

@@batesnursery thank you… yesterday I saw two buds growing!!!!! 💃🏽

[@Heatherwalkr]

The leaves keep falling off my flf. 😢

[@batesnursery]

We'd love to help! Is it getting enough sunlight? How much are you watering? Is it close to a vent that might be drying out the leaves?

[@Heatherwalkr]

@@batesnursery I wait until the soil is dry to water. She’s not near a vent.

[@batesnursery]

@@Heatherwalkr what about the location in your home? They do best in bright light. Also, have there been any sudden temperature changes? Are there signs of pests like aphids or spider mites? With spider mites, the leaves can look like there's a lot of yellow whiteish dots specked all over.

[@Heatherwalkr]

@@batesnursery no signs of pests. I’m thinking I wasn’t watering it enough. Also I still had it in the pot I bought it in. I just repotted it and it’s on my patio in the shade. I’m hoping this helps. Thank you for your help.

[@elviragerasimova8702]

Thank you so much! So helpful!!

[@wendyxiao9411]

Thanks！ very helpful!