Fiddle Leaf Figs are beloved for their large sculptural leaves. But these viola-shaped beauties take a lot of energy for your plant to produce! Many owners find that when they bring their Fiddle Leaf Figs home the leaves that they produce outside the nursery aren’t as full. This can be due to not receiving the right light or water, but it is most likely due to not being fertilized.
Your home can never perfectly rival the natural environment of these plants, but you can still come close! In the wild these plants are able to grow to a staggering 40 feet tall because of the abundance of nutrients found in their soil. While we can’t hope for such statuesque houseplants we can strive towards keeping them as healthy as possible. By using the right fertilizer you give your plant the nutrients it needs to reach new heights and grow healthy leaves.
Nourish your plants with this specially-formulated organic liquid plant food. Our Boost Vitaminé is made with potent nutrients from nature to help your plants grow and thrive all year long, and is great for Fiddle Leaf Figs.
Fiddle leaf figs, with their large, gorgeous leaves, are one of the most popular houseplants But to keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and encourage it to grow tall, you need to feed it the right nutrients Fertilizing is crucial for any container grown plant, and especially fiddle leaf figs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to properly fertilize your fiddle leaf fig.
Why Fertilizer is Essential for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs have very large, heavy leaves that require a lot of energy to grow and maintain Unlike plants growing in the ground, container grown plants don’t have an unlimited supply of nutrients from the soil. The nutrients in potting mix become depleted over time.
Without proper fertilization your fiddle leaf fig won’t get the nitrogen phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients it needs to support lush foliage and new growth. Signs of nutrient deficiency include
- Smaller leaves
- Yellow or browning leaves
- Little to no new growth
- Leggy growth with sparse foliage
Fertilizer gives your plant the nutrients required for healthy leaves and steady new growth.
How to Choose the Right Fertilizer
Not all fertilizers are created equal when it comes to fiddle leaf figs. It’s important to choose one specifically formulated for these plants. Here’s what to look for:
N-P-K Ratio
The N-P-K ratio refers to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer. Fiddle leaf figs do best with fertilizer that has a ratio close to 3-1-2.
Liquid or Granular
You can choose between liquid fertilizers that you mix with water, or granular fertilizers that slowly release nutrients into the soil. Liquid is easier to control the concentration. Avoid combining liquid and granular.
Ideal pH
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a soil pH between 6-7. Using a soil pH meter helps ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
Micronutrients
In addition to NPK, fertilizer should contain essential micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Made for Ficus Plants
Look for fertilizer specially formulated for ficus or fiddle leaf figs in particular.
A balanced liquid fertilizer designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs, like Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food, is your best bet.
When and How Often to Fertilize Fiddle Leaf Figs
Follow the label directions for frequency of fertilizing, as it varies by product. Here are some general guidelines:
- Fertilize at half strength a month after repotting.
- During active growth, fertilize every 2-4 weeks.
- In winter, scale back to once a month or stop fertilizing.
- Resume regular feeding in spring when new growth appears.
Step-By-Step Guide to Fertilizing
Follow these steps exactly when using liquid fertilizer:
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Mix the fertilizer with water according to label directions. Generally you’ll use 1 tsp per gallon of water.
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Water your fiddle leaf fig thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures nutrients reach the entire root zone.
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Pour leftover fertilizer mix onto your other houseplants. Don’t let it go to waste!
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Wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again. Never water on a set schedule.
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During the growing season, fertilize your fiddle leaf fig every 2-4 weeks.
That’s all it takes to properly feed your plant for robust growth and gorgeous leaves!
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Fertilizer Problems
With the right care, fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig will be smooth sailing. But sometimes problems pop up. Here’s how to get back on track:
Overfertilization
Signs: Dry, burnt leaf tips, yellowing leaves, mineral crust on soil.
Fix: Flush the soil by watering thoroughly several times to dissolve and drain excess fertilizer.
**Underfertilization **
Signs: Small leaves, lack of new growth, yellowing lower leaves.
Fix: Resume fertilizing at the proper dilution and frequency.
Nutrient Deficiency
Signs: Distorted leaves, leaf spots.
Fix: Switch to a balanced fertilizer that contains micronutrients.
pH Imbalance
Signs: Poor growth, leaf discoloration.
Fix: Test and amend soil to reach the ideal 6-7 pH for fiddle leaf figs.
With the right fertilizer and care, your fiddle leaf fig will reward you with vigorous growth and huge, beautiful leaves!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing Fiddle Leaf Figs
Q: Can I use Miracle-Gro to fertilize my fiddle leaf fig?
A: Yes, Miracle-Gro products can work as long as you choose one with the ideal 3-1-2 NPK ratio. Start with 1⁄2 the recommended strength to be safe.
Q: Should I use coffee grounds to fertilize my fiddle leaf fig?
A: Coffee grounds provide some benefits, but they can make the soil too acidic. Small amounts are ok, but don’t rely on coffee grounds alone.
Q: I overfertilized my plant. What should I do?
A: Flush the soil by watering thoroughly until it drains several times. This will wash away excess fertilizer so it doesn’t burn the roots.
Q: How can I make my fiddle leaf fig’s trunk thicker?
A: Give it bright light so leaves grow densely to support the trunk. Avoid removing lower leaves. Let it spend time outside if possible so wind strengthens the trunk.
Q: When should I start fertilizing a new fiddle leaf fig?
A: Wait about one month after bringing your plant home before beginning fertilizer. If you recently reported it, wait 1-2 months for roots to recover.
Give Your Fiddle Leaf Fig the Nutrients it Needs to Thrive
Now you have all the knowledge you need to select the ideal fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig and use it properly. Pay close attention to the NPK ratio, fertilizer form, concentration, and how often it should be applied.
With the right fertilizer and care, your fiddle leaf fig will grow big, gorgeous leaves on a strong, tall trunk! Just be sure to dilute the fertilizer correctly and flush the soil in between applications.
If you have any other questions about properly feeding your fiddle leaf fig, leave a comment below!
How to Use Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizer
Every fertilizer will be a little different, so make sure to follow the directions on the bottle to make sure you’re using it correctly! (I know we keep saying that, but it’s true! Don’t just dump fertilizer on your plant and expect good results!) Liquid fertilizer will usually need to be diluted into your plant’s water, and granules will have recommended doses as well.
We recommend adding 1 teaspoon of Fiddle Leaf Fig Food per cup of water. Simple as that! You can do this whether you water from the top or bottom water your fiddle leaf fig. (If you bottom water, just add 1 teaspoon per cup of water in your container.)
It’s also a good idea to double-check your measurements to be absolutely positive that your fiddle is getting the right amount of fertilizer. You can’t be too careful. We’ve learned this from experience!
What NPK Ratio Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Need?
Fertilizer Terminology can be confusing if you’ve never encountered it before. NPK stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Every plant needs a different blend of these nutrients, which is why you can find plant specific fertilizers.
Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2. This is because they have the high-nitrogen content that these plants crave.