Let’s be real—there’s always that one plant that makes you believe you can actually do this whole “plant parent” thing. The one that doesn’t immediately shrivel up and die under your care.
For me, that plant was a fiddle leaf fig.
I still remember the moment. It was winter, I was impatient (as usual), and I decided to order one off Amazon. Yes, you read that right. A fiddle fig. In the middle of winter. Online.
That’s how badly I wanted one.
Her name was Beatrice, and she was the it-plant at the time. If you were into home decor, you neededa fiddle leaf fig. And let’s be honest—I loved their big, glossy, dramatic leaves. I wanted one. I had to have one.
Now, this was before they were in every big box store. Before you could grab one casually while picking up groceries. No, back then, they were kind of elusive. So, Amazon it was. Prime shipping, a prayer, and a dream.
And guess what? She survived.
Against all odds—against my own inexperience—Beatrice thrived. And that’s when I realized… maybe I wasn’t a plant killer after all.
That little tree changed everything for me.
So, if you’re standing on the edge, wondering if you can keep a fiddle fig alive, or if you’ve already killed one (or two, or five) and need redemption, this guide is for you.
Let’s talk lighting, watering, soil, cleaning, and pots—and let’s do it in a way that makes sense.
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Fiddle Leaf Figs: A (Super Quick) Backstory
Before they were Instagram-famous, fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) were chilling in West Africa, growing in lowland rainforests under the shade of much bigger trees.
This means two things:
✔ They love bright light, but not necessarily direct sun all day long.
✔ They get tall—like, really tall in the wild (we’re talking 40+ feet).
Okay, backstory over. Let’s get into how not to kill one.
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Light: The Make-or-Break Factor
Grow Lights: Your Secret Weapon for Happy Fiddle Figs
If there’s one thing fiddle figs are dramatic about, it’s lighting.
They don’t do well in dark corners, north-facing rooms, or anywhere that looks like a cave. If your first fiddle fig dropped all its leaves within a week, low light was probably the culprit.
Best Lighting for a Fiddle Leaf Fig:
✔ Bright, indirect light is ideal—think near a big window, but not getting blasted by the sun all day.
✔ They can handle some direct sunlight, but if you’re moving them into the sun, do it slowly to prevent sunburn.
✔ Grow lights can be a total game-changer if your home is a little dim.
Let’s pause on grow lights for a second.
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Watering: Finding the Sweet Spot
If you’ve ever had a fiddle fig turn brown, crispy, or just sad, odds are… watering was the issue.
They are not the kind of plant you can just water whenever you remember. Nope. They want consistency, but not overkill.
How to Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig (Without Killing It)
✔ Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Stick your finger in to check.
✔ Use well-draining soil (more on that in a sec).
✔ Less water in winter, more in summer. Growth slows in colder months, so don’t drown it.
✔ Bottom watering works wonders. Letting it drink from the bottom helps prevent overwateringand keeps roots strong.y
✔️ To keep your fiddle leaf fig happy and thriving, feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during spring and summer, then scale back to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth slows.
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Cleaning the Leaves: Don’t Skip This Step
Fiddle figs are dust magnets. Their big, beautiful leaves collect dust like nobody’s business, which blocks light absorption and can actually slow their growth.
How to Clean Your Fiddle Fig’s Leaves
✔ Wipe them down with a damp cloth every couple of weeks.
✔ Use a bit of diluted neem oil if you want extra shine and pest prevention.
✔ Avoid harsh leaf shine sprays. They clog pores.
Your plant needs clean leaves to thrive. Treat it like skincare.
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Soil: The Underrated Key to a Thriving Fiddle Fig
Soil matters more than people think. Bad soil = root rot, slow growth, and sadness.
Fiddle figs love aerated, well-draining soil— I sell a really good blend in my booth If you’re local & in my online store if you’re not local. VintageTreasures1955.com
What Makes Good Fiddle Fig Soil?
✔ Well-draining – No heavy, soggy mess.
✔ Airy – Perlite, bark fines, and horticultural charcoal help.
✔ Nutrient-rich – A little organic matter keeps it thriving.
Your plant’s roots deserve better than basic potting soil.
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Terra-Cotta Pots: Not Required, but Kinda Magical
I’m just gonna say it—terra-cotta pots are amazing.
Are they necessary? No.
Are they worth it? Absolutely.
Why I Swear by Terra-Cotta for Fiddle Figs:
✔ Prevents overwatering – The clay absorbs excess moisture so your plant’s roots don’t sit in a swamp.
✔ Encourages stronger roots – Because water evaporates faster, the roots grow deeper and healthier.
✔ Regulates soil temperature – Cooler in summer, warmer in winter.
Only downside? They dry out faster. But honestly? That’s a good thing if you’re prone to overwatering.
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Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Grow a Fiddle Leaf Fig!
If I—someone who once ordered a tropical plant off Amazon in the middle of winter—can successfully grow a fiddle fig, so can you.
Your Quick Success Checklist:
✅ Bright, indirect light (or a grow light)
✅ Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
✅ Wipe those leaves down regularly
✅ Use well-draining, airy soil 👉VintageTreasures1955.com
✅ Terra-cotta pots are amazing, but not a must
And finally—if you’ve ever owned a fiddle fig, tell me: did you name yours?
PS: Welcome to the Recovery Group You Didn’t Know You Needed
So, you just got a plant. Maybe from my booth (yay!), maybe from somewhere else (that’s okay, I won’t take it personally). Now what?
If you’re staring at your new green baby and thinking, “Oh no, I really don’t want to kill this one,” or if you just want a judgment-free space to share your plant wins (or, let’s be real, plant struggles), you need to be in my Plant Killers Anonymous: The Recovey Group.
🌿 Got a droopy leaf? Post it.
🌿 Unsure if you’re overwatering? Ask away.
🌿 Just want to show off your thriving plant like a proud parent? We live for it.
Whether you’re a first-time plant parent or a recovering serial plant killer, this is your safe space for aftercare, support, and celebrating those tiny victories (like keeping a plant alive for more than a week—huge win).
Come join us! We’d love to have you. 👉 Plant Killers Anonymous: The Recovery Group
PPS: If I didn’t link something you’re looking for, check out my favorites list—I probably have it there!
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