Fiddle leaf figs are one of the most popular houseplants prized for their large, vibrant green leaves that resemble violins. But these tropical trees can be finicky, especially when it comes to repotting. Is winter an okay time to repot your fiddle leaf fig? Or is it better to wait until spring?
Why Repotting is Stressful for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs don’t like change. Repotting means disrupting their root system, which can send the plant into shock. Signs of shock include:
- Drooping or wilting leaves
- Leaf drop
- Slowed growth
- Brown crispy leaf edges
Repotting also changes the soil environment that the plant has adapted to This sudden change causes more stress
Additionally, fiddle leaf figs partially dormant in winter, conserving energy as light and temps decrease. Repotting uses energy the plant would otherwise store for spring growth.
For these reasons, repotting in winter risks shocking fiddle leaf figs. It’s generally better to wait for spring.
When Repotting in Winter is Okay
However, repotting in winter is sometimes recommended for the long-term health of your fiddle leaf fig:
The Plant is Pot-Bound
If roots are circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes, the plant needs more space. Leaving it pot-bound over winter limits growth in spring. Repot it into the next size pot.
You Just Brought it Home From the Nursery
Nursery pots often lack drainage. Repotting into a pot with drainage prevents overwatering issues like root rot over winter.
It Has Root Rot
Repotting into fresh, sterile soil gives rotten roots a clean start. Remove all mushy roots before repotting.
It’s Infested With Pests
Repotting removes pests that overwinter in the soil. Spray off roots before using new soil.
With proper care after repotting, these reasons can boost your fiddle leaf fig’s health over winter.
How to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig in Winter
If repotting your fiddle leaf fig over winter is necessary, follow these tips for a successful transition:
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Pick a warm, sunny day, above 60°F. Avoid cold, overcast days.
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Use warm water, not cold, on exposed roots.
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Keep the plant indoors, away from cold outdoor temps.
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Use a sterile, sharp tool to cut away circling and damaged roots.
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Choose a potting mix with good drainage, adding perlite or bark.
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After repotting, allow soil to dry completely before watering again.
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Provide bright, indirect light. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Mist often to increase humidity around leaves, preventing leaf drop.
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Avoid fertilizing for a few weeks to allow roots to recover.
Signs Your Fiddle Leaf Fig is Too Stressed After Repotting
Monitor your plant carefully post-repotting. If you see significant leaf drop, wilting, or drooping, it’s going into shock. Other signs of stress include:
- Brown crispy leaf edges
- Slowed growth
- Leaf spots or yellowing leaves
- Loss of upright form
If you see these, provide bright indirect light, warmer temps around 70°F, plenty of humidity through misting, and limited watering. The plant will need time to recover from the disruption. Don’t fertilize or make other changes until it bounces back.
When to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig in Spring
Early spring is ideal for repotting fiddle leaf figs. Wait until daytime temps are consistently above 60°F and new growth emerges. Signs your plant is ready include:
- New leaves unfurling
- Longer stem internodes
- Branch tips swelling with growth
Repotting in spring gives your plant the whole growing season to recover before going dormant again in winter. The active growth period also means quicker recovery than winter.
How Often to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Most fiddle leaf figs only need repotting every 2-3 years. The exception is younger, actively growing plants that may need yearly repotting until maturity.
If your plant seems happy in its current pot with no signs of being rootbound or unhealthy growth, don’t feel obligated to repot on a fixed schedule. Let the plant’s cues guide you.
While risky, repotting fiddle leaf figs in winter is sometimes necessary. If your plant is clearly suffering in its current pot, the benefits likely outweigh the stress. Otherwise, wait for the growing season to make the change. Take steps to minimize shock by providing ideal recovery conditions after winter repotting.
To Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Not: Is It Worth the Root Shock to Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?
One of the most common questions to plague fiddle leaf fig owners is when to repot a fiddle leaf fig and when to let your tree be.
The first rule of fiddle leaf fig care is that these trees don’t like change.
They like to settle into a routine and location where they can grow and thrive, and any disruption to their preferred routine and environment carries the risk of shock, often followed by droopiness and leaf drop.
But sometimes, our poor fiddles face larger threats than root shock. The rule of thumb is to repot a fiddle leaf fig only when NOT repotting would be more dangerous.
Of course, it’s hard to tell when that’s the case.
We’ll discuss when to repot a fiddle leaf fig and when should you just leave your tree alone?
When to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig…and When to NOT
If it’s been a year or so since upgrading your tree’s pot, if you see soil pulling away from the edges of the pot, or if you notice roots popping out the top or bottom, it’s time for a new pot.
The good news is, a growing tree is a healthy tree, so your fiddle should be strong enough to make the transition with no more negative consequence than a little temporary droopiness and a dropped leaf or two.
We love our furry friends, but sometimes they can mistake our fiddle’s pot for a bathroom! In this case, the chemicals in the animal’s urine pose a serious risk to the roots. The best mode of action is to repot a fiddle leaf fig right away, rinsing as much of the contaminated soil out of the root ball as possible. In the future, try covering the surface of the soil with pebbles to deter pets.
Classic bacterial leaf spot on a fiddle leaf fig, with multiple spots throughout each leaf.
You don’t want to mess with a bacterial infection, because it spreads quickly and can kill your plant. Start by removing all the affected leaves (which can shock the tree in itself) and placing in a spot with excellent light.
If you notice more spotting, repot the tree. Your tree’s chances are 50/50 at this point, so it’s well worth the risk to repot.
Root rot is a FLF owner’s worst nightmare! Root rot can do our trees in, but sometimes a tree can recover without being repotted.
If your pot has good drainage and you simply overwatered, your plant might be able to recover with good light, root rot treatment, and a chance to dry out.
If the spotting isn’t doesn’t continue or isn’t severe, you probably don’t need to repot. If the spots get worse despite treatment, it’s time to repot.
If your pot has poor drainage, your tree is unlikely to dry out before root rot takes hold, and the problem is likely to continue. Your tree will be better off in a new, well-draining pot and a fresh start.
If you do have a case of root rot on your hands, here’s some required reading:
Fiddle Leaf Fig Repot
FAQ
When should I repot my fiddle leaf fig?
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Signs of Root-Boundness:If you see roots circling the bottom of the pot or popping out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot.
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Plant Not Thriving:If your fiddle leaf fig is not growing well, is dropping leaves, or is showing signs of stress, repotting can help.
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Outgrown Pot:If the plant’s roots are filling the pot, or the soil is drying out quickly, it’s a good indication that it needs a larger pot.
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After a few years:Generally, fiddle leaf figs need to be repotted every 1-2 years.
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Spring is the best time:Repotting during the spring, when the plant is actively growing, allows for easier root establishment in the new pot.
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Avoid repotting in winter:Fiddle leaf figs are dormant in the winter, so repotting during this time can stress the plant.
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.
Do fiddle leaf figs like big pots?
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Ideal Pot Size:When repotting, aim for a pot that’s only a few inches larger in diameter than the current one, allowing for healthy root expansion without being too large.
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Why Large Pots Can Be Problematic:Large pots hold more soil, which can stay wet for extended periods, leading to root rot, a common issue for Fiddle Leaf Figs.
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Signs of Root Rot:If your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves start turning yellow or brown, and the plant appears to be wilting, it could be a sign of root rot.
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Proper Drainage:Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
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Soil Mix:Use a well-draining potting mix that allows for good aeration and water flow to the roots.
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Watering:Water thoroughly but allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again.
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Bottom Watering:Consider bottom watering, where you place the pot in a tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb water from the bottom, which can help prevent overwatering.
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Monitor and Adjust:Regularly monitor your plant for signs of overwatering or underwatering, and adjust your watering and potting practices accordingly.
Should you remove old soil when repotting fiddle leaf fig?
I use Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, which is good for a wide variety of container plants. Always use fresh potting soil when transplanting as old potting mix tends to be soggy and depleted of nutrients. The pot is filled about a third of the way up.