Fiddle leaf fig care
Ficus lyrata — also called FLF. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Very bright indirect. Tolerates bright. Several hours of gentle direct sun is ideal near an east or south window. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 8 days in summer, every 14 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 40%, happiest near 55% |
| Temperature | 65–80°F. Cold damage below 50°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~30 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Milky sap irritates skin, mouth and stomach. |
What people get wrong about fiddle leaf fig
Dark brown spots starting at the leaf CENTER or base usually mean root rot. Dry, tan, crispy patches at the EDGES usually mean underwatering or sun scorch. The location of the damage is the diagnosis.
It hates being moved and will drop leaves for weeks after relocation. Pick a spot and leave it.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, scale, thrips, mealybugs. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterFiddle leaf fig FAQ
How often should I water a fiddle leaf fig?
Roughly every 8 days in the growing season and every 14 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Water thoroughly and consistently. It punishes both drought and sogginess, and it punishes inconsistency most of all.
Is fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Milky sap irritates skin, mouth and stomach. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?
Very bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with bright. Several hours of gentle direct sun is ideal near an east or south window.
Why does my fiddle leaf fig have brown tips?
Fiddle leaf fig is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for fiddle leaf fig?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.