Caring for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Cold 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:

• Gradually transition indoors – If moving a fiddle inside, do it gradually over 7-10 days so it can adjust.

• Provide warmth – Keep indoor fiddles away from drafty areas and maintain indoor temps above 55°F.

• Give winter sunlight – Ensure fiddles get several hours of direct sun in a south-facing window during winter.

• Use a grow light – Supplement natural light with a grow light 12-14 hours per day.

• Mist frequently – Low humidity can dehydrate leaves. Mist 1-2 times per day.

• Water less – Allow soil to dry out more between waterings since plants grow slower.

• Insulate pots – Wrap pots in burlap or foam insulation to retain warmth in the soil.

• Use a heated mat – Place pots on a heated propagation mat set to 70°F.

• Monitor for pests – Check often for pests like spider mites that thrive in dry air.

• Avoid repotting – Repotting in winter can shock the plant. Wait until spring.

• 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:

• Begin acclimating the plant in early fall – Gradually move the pot to a shadier area in September.

• Prune leaves – Remove any large, damaged leaves and prune to reduce transpiration.

• Check for pests – Inspect closely and treat any infestations before bringing indoors.

• Give the plant a thorough watering – Water deeply before moving to ensure enough moisture.

• Select an ideal indoor spot – Choose a warm spot near a sunny south-facing window.

• Move the plant inside – Transition indoors over 7-10 days. Start by keeping it inside for just 1-2 hours.

• Help it acclimate – Slowly increase the time indoors over the course of a week or two.

• Provide supplemental lighting – Use a grow light to make up for lost sunlight in winter.

• Mist frequently – Mist the leaves daily to provide needed humidity.

• Monitor watering – Water a bit less since plants grow slower. Check soil moisture often.

• Watch for leaf drop – Expect some leaf drop as the plant adapts. Damaged leaves will regrow.

• Don’t repot or fertilize – Avoid these stresses until spring when growth resumes.

• 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:

• Remove any shriveled or black leaves to prevent rotting.

• Move the plant to a warm spot (65°F to 80°F) with indirect sunlight.

• Water thoroughly and mist frequently to hydrate damaged tissue.

• Avoid repotting or fertilizing until you see new growth.

• Keep dry leaves pruned so energy goes to recovery.

• Ensure no drafts or vents blow on the plant.

• Use a humidifier or pebble tray to provide needed humidity.

• Wait for signs of new growth to resume fertilizing.

• 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:

• Keep temps above 55°F at night for healthy growth.

• Watch for curled, spotted leaves as signs of cold damage.

• Provide ample warmth, humidity, and light during winter months.

• Move outdoor plants inside before fall temperatures drop.

• Help indoor plants gradually acclimate to avoid shock.

• Prevent drafts and sudden temperature changes.

• 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.