It’s no secret that fiddle leaf figs are all the rage in the decorating world. Whenever Home Depot or Ikea gets a new shipment the social media lines fire up sharing the news. We’ve had ours for at least ten years and I think I’ve figured out the secret to keeping it alive.
When we first got our tree, it was quite large. Because it is actually two trees in one pot it provides lots of prolific green leaves which I think is what we all love about them. Take a look at these images to see how fiddle leaf figs add that nice organic element to a room. And really, every room could use a touch of green, no?
Here is my fiddle leaf fig.
Would you believe me if I told you that about 6-8 weeks ago this tree was down to one leaf? It’s true! I was about to kick it to the curb, but decided to move it outside onto the deck instead. Each year as soon as the temperatures are warm enough, I move our houseplants outside. Last year, for whatever reason, I did not move the fiddle leaf outside and it had a near death experience. On the deck it receives indirect sunlight all day. I generously water it with the garden hose 2-3 times a week and that is all. See how happy it is now? If your fiddle leaf is struggling, it might be happier outside in the shade this summer. Just a thought.
***I’ve accidentally left mine in the direct sun before and the leaves burned. Be careful!
oooooh i am trying this! i am horrible with mine!
We move our fig outside every summer and do some pretty aggressive pruning, then by the end of the summer the tree looks fabulous and full of new growth. It is such a good idea!
I should have mentioned that I did some much needed pruning too.
I have one that I moved outside for the summer, it's hanging in there! I have two more inside that I couldn't bear to move out, I love looking at them! 🙂
I know what you mean. Our house looks so sparse when we move the plants outside for the summer.
I tried moving my dying tree outside but fear I was a bit late…it bit the dust! 🙁 So far…no luck with this beautiful plant, but I will try again!
Oh no, sorry Laura. Thankfully they cost less now.
This is quite a success story, Rene. And contrary to everything the nursery guys have ever told me about fiddle leaf figs! They say only water twice a month, they don't like much water….blah blah blah. Just goes to show, I think every fiddle leaf has a mind of it's own.
Case in point…..I have one that's about 3 years old now….it's going strong and gets a ton of direct sunlight indoors in the afternoons (which they are not supposed to like) and I only water it about 2-3 times a month. Weird, right?
I think mine can handle the water now because it is in the southern summer heat all day (and night). If it was inside this would be a different story. You are right though, whatever works :). Congrats on keeping yours alive!
i had one that i was about to throw away…it had 4 little leaves left. as soon as it started getting warm(late april) i put it outside and that crazy thing has risen from the dead! i'm so amazed and every day go out and look for more new leaves. i'm so glad i didn't give up on it…apparently it loves the atlanta sun/heat!
I'm with ya Hannah! Thank you for sharing your story!
Great advice, mine will be moving outside this afternoon! Can you tell me what kind of moss you use on top of the soil? Is it for looks only, or is there an added benefit? I like the idea of covering up the soil. – Rebecca
Rebecca,
I hope your tree enjoys the outdoors! The moss is just sheet moss. No benefit other than I just like the way it looks.
Thanks Rene! – Rebecca
YEP! I took mine out of my kitchen and put it on my covered patio…sure enough it's doing so great.
I definitely need to try this! Mine is down to three leaves and looks pitiful!
10 years?! Wow! maybe I will try one!
What about bugs in soil when u bring it back inside? This is my worry! Thx
I haven't had a problem, but you might find this article useful if you're concerned. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/articles/bring-houseplants-indoors-but-not-bugs