How to care for a potted fiddle-leaf fig? Growing methods and precautions
The leaves of the fiddle-leaf fig are very lovely, so many people like them. The most common growing method is as a potted plant, but there are many things to pay attention to when cultivating it. Below, the editor introduces the cultivation methods and precautions for potted fiddle-leaf fig, and hopes they will be helpful to everyone.
Potted cultivation methods for the fiddle-leaf fig
1. Potting soil: When planting in a pot, choose a relatively large pot. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring. Place a tile over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with the curved side up, first put a layer of old potting soil on it, then add a new mixture of garden soil, peat soil and a small amount of sand; the soil should be slightly acidic.
2. Fertilizing: The fiddle-leaf fig has broad leaves and needs a large amount of fertilizer, so during the growing season liquid fertilizer or granular compound fertilizer must generally be applied every 1 to 2 weeks to promote plant growth and green leaves; generally no fertilizer is applied in late autumn and winter. From the emergence of new leaves to mid-August, fertilize once every 10 days, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer. When growth is vigorous, more fertilizer can be applied; when growth stops or during dormancy, do not fertilize.
3. Watering: The amount of water given to the fiddle-leaf fig should depend on the temperature of the surrounding environment. Water demand is high in spring and summer. During dormancy, reduce the amount of water to keep the soil moist. In summer, you can shower it or give it light rain to promote growth. Spraying with warm water regularly will make it grow better; the water should also be slightly acidic. Excessive short-term temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight are not good for growth. If the plant is watered too much for a long time at low temperatures, the plant may die.
4. Light: The fiddle-leaf fig is highly adaptable to light and can grow well under bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight in summer; if it is outdoors, it must be shaded, and in winter it should receive more light. It is suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment; avoid direct sunlight in summer so the leaves do not burn and lose their luster. However, if the light is too weak, the plant will grow weakly, so brighter light must be provided for growth and sturdiness. During the growing season it generally does better under 50% shade.
5. Temperature: Compared with other figs, the fiddle-leaf fig has weaker cold tolerance. Its growing temperature is 25°C to 35°C, and it goes dormant at around 15°C. It can overwinter safely at 5°C. To improve its cold resistance, in addition to controlling the amount of water in late autumn and winter, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can also be added one month before winter.
6. Disease prevention: After the plant becomes diseased, the fiddle-leaf fig should be moved quickly to a ventilated, sunny place with sufficient light; do not spray water on the leaves, and severely diseased leaves should be cut off. Slightly diseased leaves can have some healthy tissue cut away, then spray with Dodo liquid protectant, or spray with 80% Dysen zinc wettable powder 500-times solution, 25% metalaxyl WP 500-800-times solution, etc. Be careful to rotate the chemicals.
Leaf growth habits
These leaves are native to Sierra Leone in West Africa and belong to the lowland rainforest. They are widely planted in the tropics, subtropics, greenhouses and conservatories. In China, they are mainly produced in Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Fujian, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Zhejiang and other places. It enjoys a warm, humid and sunny environment. The growing temperature is 25°C to 35°C, and it can overwinter safely at around 15°C or above. Its water requirement is to stay dry.
Precautions for fiddle-leaf fig cultivation
Choosing a flowerpot
To choose a suitable flowerpot, do not choose one that is too large. Small plants can choose a pot with a diameter of 20-25 cm. Larger plants can choose a pot with a diameter of 30-35 cm. Note that the bottom of the pot should have drainage holes. Drainage is very good.
The issue of moving the pot
In fact, the fiddle-leaf fig is quite particular about its home and does not like being moved around, so do not move the pot frequently. For indoor potted plants, you can rotate it 90 degrees each week so it can fully receive sunlight.
Leaf protection
The most noteworthy feature is its unusual leaves, so be sure to protect them. Usually pay more attention to cleaning to avoid dust accumulation; they are very thin and not easy to block sunlight, and you can spray some water to clean the leaves.
Pruning management
When you repot it each year or move it indoors in late autumn, you need to prune it. You can change it into different shapes according to your appreciation needs, making it more classical and beautiful.
The onset of leaf problems
The fiddle-leaf fig plant should be moved quickly to a sunny, well-ventilated area. Be careful not to sprinkle water on the leaves, and we need to cut off the diseased leaves.
This is the propagation method and precautions for the fiddle-leaf fig. Isn't it complicated? It feels like it is time to grow a beautiful fiddle-leaf fig at home.