How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?

A fiddle leaf fig does best in very bright indirect light. It will survive in bright, and on direct sun: several hours of gentle direct sun is ideal near an east or south window.

What those words actually mean in a room

"Bright indirect" is the most misused phrase in houseplant care, so here is the plain version. The test that matters is not how bright the room feels — your eyes adjust and a plant's leaves do not — it is how much sky the plant can see from where it sits.

• Bright indirect — a big, unobstructed view of sky, without the sun's disc landing on the leaves for long. Right beside an east or north window, or set back a few feet from a south or west one.
• Medium indirect — a partial view of sky: a few feet into the room, or beside a window with a tree or building in the way.
• Low — survivable, not good. Well back from the only window, or in a room whose window faces a wall. Most "low light" plants merely tolerate it; almost none prefer it.
• Direct sun — the sun's disc visibly on the leaves. A few species want this; for most it scorches, and the ones that take it need acclimatising to it gradually rather than being moved straight out.

Reading the plant instead

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.

Light also decides how often this plant drinks — the same fiddle leaf fig in brighter light dries out faster and wants water sooner. If you are moving it, expect the watering interval to move with it: how often to water a fiddle leaf fig.

Full fiddle leaf fig care guide · Light · Watering

General horticultural guidance, not a diagnosis of your specific plant.