There are many reasons you may consider pruning your fiddle leaf fig tree. Perhaps it has grown lopsided over the last several months, and you haven’t rotated it once since it graced you with its presence. It could be that some leaves have developed unattractive brown spots and you’re considering removing these damaged and possibly infected areas. Or maybe you just have a very happy tree that, with so much new growth, is about to hit the ceiling. Whatever the case, know that pruning a fiddle leaf fig is actually quite simple and nothing to be afraid of. Follow these simple tips on how to prune a fiddle leaf fig tree and you will enjoy this structural beauty for years to come.
Can I Prune Fiddle Leaf Fig in Winter?
Fiddle leaf figs are popular houseplants known for their large violin-shaped leaves. With proper care, these trees can grow quite tall and may need occasional pruning to keep them healthy and looking their best. But when is the right time to prune a fiddle leaf fig? Can you cut back a fiddle leaf fig in winter? Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of winter pruning for fiddle leaf figs.
The Benefits of Winter Pruning
There are a few potential advantages to pruning fiddle leaf figs during the winter months
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Winter dormancy – Fiddle leaf fig growth slows in winter when kept indoors. Pruning during dormancy removes fewer developing leaves and shoots than during active growth periods.
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Preparing for spring – Pruning congested branches in winter can allow the fiddle leaf fig to direct energy into new bud growth when light increases in spring.
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Reduced sap flow – Pruning during winter may result in less sap dripping from cut branches This helps keep the plant tidy and clean after pruning.
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Assess structure – When the plant loses leaves in winter, its branch structure and form are more visible. You can better identify areas that need corrective pruning.
The Drawbacks of Winter Pruning
However, there are also some drawbacks to pruning fiddle leaf figs in winter:
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Less energy production – The fewer leaves on the plant, the less able it is to generate energy through photosynthesis. This can slow growth.
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Fewer budding sites – Removing leaves eliminates some potential sites for new growth until spring arrives. The plant will have fewer nodes to leaf out from.
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Slow wound healing – With slower plant processes in winter, pruning wound closure happens gradually. This allows more time for possible disease infection.
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Shock – Over-pruning in winter can shock the plant, causing leaf yellowing and drop. Prune conservatively, removing no more than 20% of foliage at once.
Best Practices for Winter Pruning
If you determine winter is the best time to prune your fiddle leaf fig, follow these tips:
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Wait until late January or February when daylight is increasing.
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Assess branch structure and congestion. Target crossing and dense branches.
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Clean tools with alcohol to prevent spreading disease. Make cuts at 45 degree angles just above nodes.
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Remove no more than 20% of foliage at one time to prevent shock. Space out multiple large cuts.
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Apply diluted tree sealant to prune cuts to protect from infection.
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Keep the plant slightly drier after pruning to help cuts heal over.
Alternatives to Pruning
If winter pruning seems too risky, consider these alternatives:
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Groom only – Selectively remove damaged leaves/stems. Save major pruning for spring.
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Refresh potting mix – Repot in early spring to provide fresh growing medium.
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Clean leaves – Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.
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Increase humidity – Mist plant frequently to keep leaves perky.
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Offer optimal care – Ensure adequate light, water, humidity and temperatures.
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Rotate plant – Turn occasionally for even light exposure.
With proper care, fiddle leaf figs can sail through winter ready for vigorous regrowth in spring. If pruning is needed, carefully weigh the benefits against the drawbacks before cutting back your plant in winter. With the right approach, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving all year long.
The benefits of pruning
Just like we cut our hair or groom our pets, our indoor plants need an occasional trim as well. Not only does this generally improve their appearance, but it also contributes to the plant’s overall health. Some benefits of pruning your fiddle may include:
- Space – In prime conditions, fiddle leaf figs can grow like crazy and you may notice your fiddle becoming “crowded”. Cutting down some leaves and branches will allow better airflow for your plant.
- Sickness- If some leaves are developing brown spots or signs of illness, prune these areas immediately. Not only does your plant use a lot of energy to treat these distressed areas, but these leaves could infect others nearby and spread quickly all over the plant.
- Shape- Whether your tree has uneven growth or you’d simply like to improve its shape, pruning your tree can help you attain that picture-perfect look you’ve been longing for!
The best time of year to prune
Light trimming and removal of dead or dry leaves is fine all year long. However, if you’re planning on doing major reshaping or removal of larger stems or branches, it’s best to wait until spring or early summer. Most indoor plants go dormant during the winter, and shorter days mean less light for your plant. Cutting them back during this time not only risks shocking them but also makes it harder for them to heal and form new growth. That’s why the best time of year to prune is during the spring or early summer. And when pruning, remember! Never remove more than 10% of your plant at a time.
Photo credit: General Store
How-To Best Care For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) Over The Winter! #FiddleLeafFigCare
FAQ
Can I prune my fiddle leaf fig in the winter?
Winter pruning is the best time for FLF. You can shape it the way you want it to look. Don’t prune more than 1/3 of plant. Take off all damaged leaves. In a few weeks you will see new growth. Your plant looks healthy in this picture. You are on the right path with the bugs. You have to really stay on top of them.
What happens when you cut the top of a fiddle leaf fig?
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Encourages Branching:When you cut the top of a fiddle leaf fig, the plant responds by sending out new shoots from the nodes below the cut, leading to lateral growth and a bushier shape.
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Prevents Top-Heaviness:Tall, leggy fiddle leaf figs can become unstable and top-heavy. Pruning the top can help redistribute the plant’s weight and prevent it from falling over.
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Stimulates New Growth:Pruning can also encourage new growth lower on the stem, filling out the plant and creating a more visually appealing appearance.
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Propagating:The cut stems can also be used for propagation, allowing you to create new plants from the cuttings.
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Timing:The best time to prune a fiddle leaf fig is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.
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Tools:Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to make the cut, and cut at an angle.
What to do with fiddle leaf fig in winter?
You also want to be careful to water a little bit less in the winter because although the air is very dry and the leaves can dry out, the soil takes longer to dry out. A lot of people tend to overwater their plants in the water, but the soil takes a long time to dry because there’s less light and it’s cooler.
How far back can you cut a fiddle leaf fig?
Yes, you can cut the top off your fiddle-leaf fig. In fact, doing so will encourage vigorous new growth to create a fuller, bushier plant. Where do you cut fiddle-leaf figs for new growth? If you want your fiddle-leaf fig plant to grow bushier new branches, the best place to cut is at the top of the main stem.