It is important to know what can affect your fiddle leaf fig. Learn more about seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig.
This time of year, the seasons are changing in most places. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you’re well into autumn. If you’re in the southern hemisphere, you’re enjoying spring and heading into summer!
The changing of the seasons is an exciting time, but it can also introduce environmental changes that can mess with your fiddle if you aren’t aware of them.
At this time of year, fiddle leaf fig owners all over the world are suddenly dealing with a plant that’s overwatered or underwatered, or leaves that are drying out or turning black, even though nothing about their care routine has changed.
We all know that fiddles love consistency, but this is the one time when consistency could be a problem.
After all, a fiddle’s watering needs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, and those factors tend to change when the temperature and light changes with the seasons. (Which is frustrating, because those temperature and light changes can cause issues all by themselves.)
Seasonal changes can hurt your fiddle leaf fig. Here are the different seasonal factors you’ll want to watch out for and what they can mean for your fiddle.
Caring for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig in Low Temperatures: A Complete Guide
The fiddle leaf fig is known for its large, vibrant leaves and tall, tree-like stature. But this tropical plant can be sensitive to low temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters or keep your fiddle leaf fig outdoors, low temps can damage its leaves and slow growth.
With some preparation and adjustments to care, you can help your fiddle leaf fig thrive even when the mercury dips. This article will cover everything you need to know about growing fiddles in low temperatures.
Ideal Temperature Range for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs prefer warm conditions. They originate in tropical West Africa so they grow best with
- Daytime temps: 65°F to 80°F
- Nighttime temps: 55°F to 70°F
Temperatures lower than 50°F can injure leaves or stunt growth. During winter or in cold climates, extra steps are needed to keep the plant warm.
Outdoor fiddle leaf figs in zones 10-11 can stay outside year-round In cooler zones, they should come inside or be sheltered when it’s cold Indoor fiddles may need protection from drafty areas.
Signs of Cold Damage in Fiddle Leaf Figs
How can you tell if low temps are affecting your fiddle leaf fig? Watch for these signs:
- Black or brown spots on leaves
- Curled, shriveled leaves
- Slow growth
- Leaf drop
- Brown leaf tips/edges
- Wilting or drooping
- Damaged stems and new growth
If you notice these issues, the temperature around the plant may be too cold. Taking quick action can prevent further damage.
Causes of Cold Damage
There are a few ways that chillier weather can harm your fiddle leaf fig:
Drafty Areas: Cold drafts from open doors, windows, or vents can freeze your fiddle leaf fig. Avoid placing your plant in drafty spots.
Low Nighttime Temperatures: While fiddles can handle cooler days, nighttime temps dipping below 50°F can damage leaves. Move plants indoors at night.
Sudden Temperature Drops: A sudden cold snap or plunge in temperature can shock and injure your plant. Help fiddles gradually acclimate to avoid stress.
Outdoor Conditions: Fiddles left outdoors overnight or unprotected from cold winds can experience leaf burn and dieback. Bring them inside when it gets cold.
How to Care for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Cold Conditions
If temperatures start dropping, take these steps to protect your fiddle leaf fig:
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Gradually transition indoors – If moving a fiddle inside, do it gradually over 7-10 days so it can adjust.
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Provide warmth – Keep indoor fiddles away from drafty areas and maintain indoor temps above 55°F.
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Give winter sunlight – Ensure fiddles get several hours of direct sun in a south-facing window during winter.
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Use a grow light – Supplement natural light with a grow light 12-14 hours per day.
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Mist frequently – Low humidity can dehydrate leaves. Mist 1-2 times per day.
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Water less – Allow soil to dry out more between waterings since plants grow slower.
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Insulate pots – Wrap pots in burlap or foam insulation to retain warmth in the soil.
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Use a heated mat – Place pots on a heated propagation mat set to 70°F.
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Monitor for pests – Check often for pests like spider mites that thrive in dry air.
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Avoid repotting – Repotting in winter can shock the plant. Wait until spring.
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Check for drafts – Keep fiddles away from drafty windows, doors, vents, and space heaters.
With a little preparation, your fiddle leaf fig can thrive beautifully even when temperatures drop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning Fiddles Indoors
As fall approaches, follow these tips to help outdoor fiddle leaf figs adjust to indoor life:
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Begin acclimating the plant in early fall – Gradually move the pot to a shadier area in September.
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Prune leaves – Remove any large, damaged leaves and prune to reduce transpiration.
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Check for pests – Inspect closely and treat any infestations before bringing indoors.
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Give the plant a thorough watering – Water deeply before moving to ensure enough moisture.
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Select an ideal indoor spot – Choose a warm spot near a sunny south-facing window.
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Move the plant inside – Transition indoors over 7-10 days. Start by keeping it inside for just 1-2 hours.
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Help it acclimate – Slowly increase the time indoors over the course of a week or two.
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Provide supplemental lighting – Use a grow light to make up for lost sunlight in winter.
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Mist frequently – Mist the leaves daily to provide needed humidity.
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Monitor watering – Water a bit less since plants grow slower. Check soil moisture often.
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Watch for leaf drop – Expect some leaf drop as the plant adapts. Damaged leaves will regrow.
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Don’t repot or fertilize – Avoid these stresses until spring when growth resumes.
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Check temps – Ensure temps stay above 55°F. Address any drafty or cold areas.
With attentive care, your fiddle leaf fig will transition back indoors and stay healthy through the colder months.
How to Revive a Fiddle Leaf Fig After Cold Damage
If your fiddle leaf fig has already sustained damage from low temperatures, take these steps:
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Remove any shriveled or black leaves to prevent rotting.
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Move the plant to a warm spot (65°F to 80°F) with indirect sunlight.
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Water thoroughly and mist frequently to hydrate damaged tissue.
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Avoid repotting or fertilizing until you see new growth.
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Keep dry leaves pruned so energy goes to recovery.
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Ensure no drafts or vents blow on the plant.
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Use a humidifier or pebble tray to provide needed humidity.
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Wait for signs of new growth to resume fertilizing.
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Monitor watering carefully and adjust to avoid stress.
Be patient! It can take weeks or months to rebound from cold damage.
With attentive care and optimum conditions, damaged leaves should be replaced with new healthy growth.
Key Takeaways on Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Temperatures
Caring for a fiddle leaf fig when it’s cold outside requires preparation:
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Keep temps above 55°F at night for healthy growth.
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Watch for curled, spotted leaves as signs of cold damage.
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Provide ample warmth, humidity, and light during winter months.
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Move outdoor plants inside before fall temperatures drop.
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Help indoor plants gradually acclimate to avoid shock.
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Prevent drafts and sudden temperature changes.
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Adjust watering to suit the plant’s slower winter growth.
Take the needed steps to protect your fiddle leaf fig from cold snaps and low wintertime temperatures. With attentive care, it will thrive indoors and resume energetic growth each spring.
Common Questions about Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Temperatures
If you’re concerned about dropping temps and your fiddle leaf fig, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How cold is too cold for a fiddle leaf fig tree?
Temperatures below 50°F can damage a fiddle leaf fig. Keep them above 55°F for healthy growth.
Should I bring my outdoor fiddle leaf fig inside for winter?
Yes, in any area with cold winters, bring fiddle leaf figs inside before nightly temperatures drop below 50°F.
What happens if a fiddle leaf fig gets too cold?
Low temps can cause leaf damage, slow growth, leaf drop, and branch dieback. Prevent cold exposure.
How can I keep my fiddle leaf fig warm in winter?
Provide ample warmth by keeping it away from drafts, maintaining temps above 55°F, and using grow lights.
What temperature do fiddle leaf figs prefer?
Fiddles thrive in warm conditions between 65°F and 80°F during the day and 55°F to 70°F at night.
Can a fiddle leaf fig survive 40 degree temperatures?
Temperatures near 40°F can severely damage or kill a fiddle leaf fig. Keep the plant warmer for a healthy fig tree.
With preparation and attentive care, your fiddle leaf fig can stay happy and healthy even when the weather outside is frightful. Protect those big leaves from cold damage by following the tips above.
Seasonal Changes That Can Hurt Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
We all know that fiddle leaf figs love light! This presents a challenge in the autumn when the days shorten and the sunlight we do get tends to be less bright or comes down at a steeper angle.
The sun also changes position in the sky as the seasons change, so a fiddle that’s been happy in a certain window all summer may suddenly get a sunburn if the sun has shifted to shine directly on it in the fall, or if the light has decreased and your plant doesn’t get enough.
Be mindful of the quality of light in your fiddle’s window. If you notice the sun shifting so that it shines directly in the window (this especially happens with south-facing windows in the northern hemisphere and northern facing windows in the southern hemisphere) you may need to move the plant.
Conversely, if the sun shifts away from a window, watch your plant for signs that it’s not getting enough light.
If this seems to be the case, you may want to supplement with a grow light during the darker months.
One of the most noticeable seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig is shifting temperatures.
In the spring, temperatures get warmer and fiddles are usually happy. The real challenge comes in the fall when temperatures drop! Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures no lower than 55 degrees fahrenheit at night. If you have outdoor fiddles, you’ll need to bring them in at night once temperatures drop.
If you live in a cold climate, you might also experience lower temperatures in your home during the fall and winter. This can reduce your fiddle’s need for water, so keep a close eye on the moisture level of the soil. If you notice that the soil takes longer than usual to dry out, scale back on the amount of water you give your fiddle, but keep the same schedule.
While we’re talking about temperature, let’s talk about one of ficus lyrata’s LEAST favorite things: drafts. This is another one of the seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig
Even if the general temperature in your home is moderate, be mindful of doors and drafty windows near your tree. Repeated bursts of cold air from a door opening and closing or sitting by a cold window all day can freeze your fiddle, causing leaves to turn black!
If your fiddle lives by the door for most of the year, it’s time to find a better place. If your fig’s window is drafty, you may want to move the tree or look into weather sealing for the window.
This is one of the sneakiest seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig.
When temperatures change, we turn on the AC or heat in our homes to make us more comfortable, and these things can help make your fig more comfortable if they vents far enough away from your plant.
But a nearby vent emits extremely dry air, which can dry out your fiddle’s leaves and cause them to crack.
If your fiddle is near a vent or space heater, it’s time to find it a better place.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Guide! // Garden Answer
FAQ
How cold can a fiddle leaf fig handle?
Fiddle-leaf figs flourish in warm temperatures, typically between 60–75°F during the day and no lower than 50–55°F at night. Consistency is key—rapid temperature changes can shock the plant and cause leaf drop.
What temperature is too low for a fig tree?
Figs thrive in areas where winter temperatures do not drop below 15° F. Young trees can be damaged by early fall frosts when the temperature is 25-27° F.
When to bring a fiddle leaf inside?
Temperature changes
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants and prefer warm temperatures no lower than 55 degrees fahrenheit at night. If you have outdoor fiddles, you’ll need to bring them in at night once temperatures drop.
Can I bring my fiddle leaf fig outside?
Fiddle Leaf Fig plants can go outside for “summer camp”. They make a beautiful accent to your patio and porch. However, they must be acclimated to the sunlight.Mar 23, 2022