Misting is popular with fiddle leaf fig owners as a way to replicate humidity. After all, fiddles are rain forest plants and they LOVE humidity.
There’s lots of debate about misting your fiddle leaf fig, so we’re going to weigh in.
Fiddle leaf figs, with their large, vibrant green leaves, have become a hugely popular houseplant in recent years. Native to tropical rainforests, they thrive in warm, humid conditions This has led many fiddle leaf fig owners to wonder – should I be misting my plant?
In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of misting fiddle leaf figs and look at some best practices to follow
The Benefits of Misting Fiddle Leaf Figs
Since fiddle leaf figs originate from tropical climates, they appreciate high humidity Misting is one way to artificially raise the humidity around your plant and more closely mimic its native environment.
Some key benefits of misting fiddle leaf figs in the correct way include:
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Increased humidity – This helps the leaves stay perky and not crisp or brown around the edges. The increased moisture prevents the leaves from drying out.
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Washing dust off leaves – Gently misting can clean off any dust that has accumulated on the large leaves. This allows more light to reach the leaves for photosynthesis.
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Helping new growth – Very gently misting new, furled leaves as they emerge can help prevent them from sticking together and tearing as they unfurl.
So in moderation, misting can be beneficial for fiddle leaf figs. However, there are also some risks with improper misting.
The Dangers of Over-Misting Fiddle Leaf Figs
While occasional, gentle misting can help raise humidity, overdoing it can actually damage your fiddle leaf fig. Here are some of the top risks:
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Mineral buildup on leaves – Using tap water or hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that block the leaves from absorbing light and moisture properly.
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Spreading bacteria and fungus – Wet leaves are more prone to bacteria and fungi growth. The misting action can spread it from leaf to leaf.
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Attracting pests – Wet leaves also attract more insects and pests like fungus gnats or spider mites.
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Causing root rot – Too much moisture from misting can lead to root rot, one of the most common causes of fiddle leaf fig decline.
So misting definitely needs to be done carefully and in moderation to avoid these hazards.
Best Practices for Misting Fiddle Leaf Figs
If you do want to mist your fiddle leaf fig, follow these tips to do it safely:
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Use filtered or distilled water – To prevent mineral buildup, use purified water rather than tap. Rainwater or distilled water works best.
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Mist gently – Use a very light misting motion that just slightly dampens the leaves. Avoid heavy streams of water.
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Mist 1-2 times per week – Any more frequently than this risks overwatering. The leaves should fully dry in between sessions.
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Focus only on new growth – Only mist newly emerging leaves, not the mature leaves.
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Mist in the morning – This gives leaves time to fully dry before nighttime when cooler temps increase risk of fungi growth.
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Check for pests first – Avoid misting plants with existing pest problems since the moisture can make it worse.
Following these misting guidelines will minimize risks and allow your fiddle leaf fig to benefit from the added humidity. But there are also alternatives to misting that can safely increase moisture too.
Alternatives to Misting for Fiddle Leaf Figs
If you decide misting isn’t for you, consider these other options to provide humidity without getting the leaves wet:
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Use a humidifier – Humidifiers are great for raising moisture levels in the whole room around your fiddle leaf fig.
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Group plants together – Having your fiddle leaf fig near other houseplants can create a natural humid microclimate.
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Use a pebble tray – Placing your pot on a water-filled pebble tray creates evaporative humidity right around the plant.
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Put it near other moisture sources – Situate your fiddle leaf fig near things like aquariums or frequently used showers that will add ambient humidity.
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Check your home’s humidity – Get a hygrometer to monitor the existing moisture level and determine if added humidity is even needed.
Misting fiddle leaf figs can help provide added humidity that mimics their native tropical habitat. However, over-misting poses significant risks like pests, bacteria/fungus spread and root rot. Follow the best practices outlined here for misting safely in moderation. Or consider using passive humidity sources like humidifiers, pebble trays and simply having more plants nearby. This will allow your fiddle leaf fig to thrive without the dangers of soaking the leaves too frequently. With the right balance, your fiddle leaf fig will grow big and strong!
Two good alternatives: Humidifiers and pebble trays
Humidifier
This is a great option, especially if there’s also a gentle fan running in the room to increase airflow around your plant. That way, your fiddle gets the humidity it loves without the risk of fungal growth.
If you choose this option, set up a humidifier (we like this one!) about 5 feet away from your fiddle for the perfect amount of humidity.
Pebble tray
This option works especially well for smaller plants like young fiddles or bambinos, and it’s a less bacteria-spreading way to give your plant a little humidity because the humidity travels up the leaves instead of dripping down.
To make a pebble tray, find a wide, shallow bowl or tray wider than the base of your plant and fill it with pebbles and water.
Then sit your plant’s pot on the tray. As the water in the tray evaporates, it will travel upward around your fiddle and create a little humidity.
Of if you’d like to purchase your pebble tray, try this one!
Bonus: More plants!
Another way to boost the humidity in your home is to just have more houseplants! As plants respire, they raise the relative humidity in their environment. Just be careful to keep an eye out for bacteria, fungus, or insect infestations that can spread from plant to plant.
Misting comes with risks, so it might not be the best option to increase humidity.
Reason #1: Misting can cause buildup that interferes with photosynthesis.
Misting your fiddle leaf fig with regular tap water can cause a buildup of minerals on the leaves (hard water deposits) which prevent the plant from absorbing moisture.
Sure, you can clean these spots off, but it’s tricky to do and they make your leaves look dull and dirty. If you do choose to mist, make sure to use filtered water (NOT water from a water softener, because the salts can also harm your leaves).
Reason #2: Misting can spread bacteria and fungus.
Misting your fiddle leaf fig also can also spread disease if you aren’t careful.
When you mist your fiddle, bacteria and fungal spores can drop from leaf to leaf, which can spread fungal infections like powdery mildew. This can also exacerbate bacterial infections, which are very difficult to cure. If your fiddle leaf fig has an infection, try our Root Rot Treatment today. Also consider using our Houseplant Leaf Armor to protect your plant from bacteria, fungus, and insects; this product also helps your plant’s leaves retain moisture!
Wet leaves are also much more susceptible to fungal growth, especially if the leaves are crowded or if your fiddle is in a spot with poor air circulation.
Why You SHOULD NOT Mist Your Fiddle Leaf Fig | Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Center
FAQ
How often should you mist your fiddle leaf fig?
He loves bright light, but not strong sunlight. Try to keep him out of cold draughts. He loves humidity, so mist him every few days. Clean his leaves to keep them lush and shiny.
Do fiddle leaf figs like to be spritzed?
Fiddle leaf figs appreciate higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing a tray of water nearby, or using a humidifier.
Do fiddle leaf figs like their leaves wet?
No matter which method you choose, here are a few things to remember: The water should be at room temperature and chemical-free. Avoid wetting the leaves and the trunk to prevent disease issues. Remove excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Do fiddle leaf figs like full sun?
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Natural Habitat:In their natural environment, fiddle leaf figs grow in tropical regions and receive bright, filtered sunlight, not intense, direct sunlight all day.
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Acclimation:If you’re moving a fiddle leaf fig from a shaded area to a sunnier location, you need to acclimate it gradually to prevent sunburn.
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Signs of Sunburn:Sunburn on fiddle leaf fig leaves can appear as light brown or bleached spots, or leaves with red or yellow coloring.
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Optimal Light:Fiddle leaf figs do best with bright, indirect light, which can be achieved by placing them near an east-facing window or using curtains or blinds to filter sunlight from south- or west-facing windows.
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Benefits of Sunlight:While they need light, too much direct sunlight can damage leaves, so it’s important to find a balance.
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Outdoor Placement:If you choose to place your fiddle leaf fig outdoors, it’s important to acclimate it to the outdoor environment gradually and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.