Last year I told myself, “I need to get my hands on a fiddle leaf fig tree.” The key word being ‘need,’ of course. So, I searched high and low. I asked friends to keep an out for me. I looked at home stores, grocery stores, IKEA and more. Nothing, nada, zilch.
Nevertheless, I did not give up. I was talking to Ashley from Little Glass Jar and she mentioned that The Home Depot sold the Fiddle Leaf Fig on-line. Now that peaked my interest, friends.
Why was I so obsessed with getting a fiddle leaf? Well, they’re awesome, beautiful and a perfect addition to home decor (and photos). The fiddle leaf fig tree photographs beautifully and is very popular among interior designers.
Now, I’m far from being a designer, but I do love decorating my home and adding pieces that contribute to the aesthetic. The fiddle leaf does just that!
Tips for Caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Tips for Caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
So, guess what I did? I ordered a Ficus Pandurata Bush in Pot (also known as the fiddle leaf fig tree) from The Home Depot.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was nervous. I chatted with a customer service representative on-line to ask about the guarantee, etc. They assured me that returning the plant to my local store would not be a problem if the plant should arrive damaged.
However, the plant arrived in beautiful condition. I was giddy, friends!
I thought I would share a few tips on how to care for the fiddle leaf fig tree. These tips will come in handy if you should decide to purchase one. I didn’t have a clue! After asking my friend Debbie from Refresh Restyle a couple of questions, I figured I had a 50/50 chance. Haha.
I found this FABULOUS basket on clearance at Target — and while it seemed a bit big for my baby fiddle leaf fig, I knew it would grow.
And that it did. It’s been almost a year since I purchased my ficus plant, and I think it’s doing great.
Tips for Caring for your Fiddle Leaf Fig:
Bright Light. Your fiddle leaf fig tree needs bright, indirect light. It’s said that if in an eastern facing window, direct light will work too. I noticed my plant was leaning towards the light, so I rotate mine every so often to keep it from leaning too much (and not being able to support itself). Avoid dry heat and drafts.
Wiping the leaves with a damp soft cloth is suggested to remove dust, allowing the leaves to get as much light as possible.
Watering. I water when the top inch of soil is dry and use a small watering can. Use your finger to test the dryness of the soil. In the winter, it’s suggested that you mist the leaves on occasion to create a bit more humidity.
Be sure not to over water or your plant could potentially get root rot.
Repotting. Try to repot each year, using a larger pot each time until the plant reaches a desired size or the container is no longer manageable.
Temperatures. Keep the plant in temperatures between 60 – 75°F. During the summer months, the plant could be placed outdoors.
Debbie from Refresh Restyle mentioned that her fiddle leaf fig tree loves coffee grounds. On a couple of occasions, I placed some used coffee grinds on the top of soil when watering — would you believe that when I did that, new leaves started to grow in? So, there might be something to feeding it a bit of coffee. I’m no plant expert, I’m only sharing from my experience.
If you’ve been eyeing the fiddle leaf, now just might be the time to take the plunge. Buy a couple to add some extra charm to your home! Gift one to a friend… or mom.
*additional purchasing options are available on Amazon as well.
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Mary o says
I’ve ordered this plant twice from Home Depot. Both times they came in perfect condition but unfortunately within 6 mo. both plants dropped their leaves and bit the dust. I guess I don’t have a green thumb when it comes to fiddle leaf figs!
Debbie says
If you get another one and the leaves drop, put it outside and follow Kelly’s tips for watering. My first one did this and after I place it outside, it started growing new leaves.
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
THANK YOU!!! I, too, have searched for a fiddle leaf for years! I am going to the HD site right now to order one! Thanks for the growing tips too!
Kelly Rowe says
Woo-hoo! I’m excited for you — you’re going to love it!! Thanks for stopping by. HUGS!
Marty Spence says
You can order FLFs on Amazon for $29. and shipped free. I ordered mine in May and it arrived in perfect shape. Has grown five new leaves!
Annie says
Do you have an update on your FLF plant?
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Annie!! My FLF is doing GREAT, thanks for asking. I couldn’t be happier. Do you have one?
Jessica says
Your fiddle leaf fig is looking so good! I love how fiddle leaf figs look planted in baskets (including yours!) so I went on the hunt for the perfect one.
Heather says
Wow, that fiddle fig leaf looks lovely, and the basket you got is so cute. I definitely want to get one of these for my home even though they’re known to be finnicky, but the steps you described sound pretty simple. Thanks for sharing!
Rhonda says
Hi Kelly,
I recently inherited a very tall Fiddle Leaf Fig from the old office we were working in. I would like to shorten it. Can I lop off the top? Can the top be rooted?
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Rhonda
Madison says
Where did you get the basket for your fiddle leaf?! I have been searching high and low for cute plant baskets.
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Madison. I got that basket at Target awhile back, it’s from the Nate Berkus line. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Lisa Avellino says
My fiddle fig doesn’t seem to be doing well, its leaning quite a bit and the leaves seems droopy. Its by a window and we get morning sun but its been pretty gloomy for the last week so not much sunlight has been coming in. Any tips for bringing it back to life.
Kerst says
Where is the planter from? It’s so cute!
Kelly Rowe says
Hi there! The basket planter is from Target 🙂
Diana B says
Hi, I reallllllly want a fiddle-leaf tree but I kind of have a black thumb. I was wondering, do you have your tree in a nursery container placed in the whicker basket? When watering, what do you do? Do you take it out, water and let it sit somewhere to drain? Sorry for the newbee question… just want to make sure I don’t kill my tree! TIA!
Samantha says
Did you plant the tree in that wicker basket or put it in another pot then place it in the basket for show?? I have one I just bought and wondering how to replant it???
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Samantha! Yes, I planted it in a plastic pot before placing it in the basket. Hope that helps. Cheers!