After having so many options for pots, it might be hard to pick the best pot for the fiddle leaf fig plant. Moreover, it’s natural to want to give your fig plants extra beauty by adding a gorgeous pot.
However, choosing an aesthetically pleasing pot will not suffice. Overwatering is a major problem for fiddle leaf figs, hence it’s important to choose one with good drainage.
Additionally, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a pot for your plant besides drainage. Pot size, pot types, and pot materials are all important considerations.
So in this article, I will explain how to choose a pot for fiddle leaf fig in detail. Also, I have revealed the best fiddle leaf fig pots at the end of this article, so don’t miss it.
With that said, let us begin
What to consider when choosing the right pot for fiddle leaf figs?
If you are tempted by the looks of a fiddle leaf fig pot, wait and consider the other factors before buying. When selecting a pot for fiddle leaf figs, there are a few more factors to take into account.
Here are a few things you should consider.
Size of the pot
While selecting a size for your fig pot make sure that the size of the pot is not too small or too large for your needs.
However, if you want to re-pot the fiddle leaf fig, you should pick a pot that is larger than its current pot. A larger pot will allow the space to grow. Select a pot 3-4 inches wider and 1-2 inches taller than the one in which the figs are currently grown.
Make sure the pot you choose is not too large. Your pot should not be 6 inches or larger than your current pot. Because the pot larger than 6 inches or more will not drain well. As a result, it may lead to root rot.
In the case of purely decorative planters, pick ones that will conceal the functional pots. At both the top and bottom, it should be at least 2 inches larger than your functional pot.
Additionally, it should be taller than the functional container.
Ensure proper drainage
Figs need good drainage to stay healthy. When planting a tree in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes. If the root ball does not receive adequate drainage, it will remain too wet, which will cause root decay.
You don’t have to give up the pot you love just because it doesn’t have drainage holes. You can use it as a decorative pot with a functional pot inside.
Determine whether you want an indoor or outdoor pot
Depending on whether your plant will be indoors or outdoors, make your choice accordingly. However, you can choose a pot that can be used indoors and outdoors so you don’t have to purchase two for different environments.
Type of fiddle leaf fig pot
There are several types of fiddle leaf fig pots available. Pick the one that fits your plants and your needs.
Also, there’s no denying that ceramic pots are beautiful, but they can be expensive. However, get a resin planter or a basket if you need to move the tree.
In case you are unsure which type is best suited to your needs. Don’t worry! Toward the end of the article, we will learn more about the types of pots in detail.
A Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Best Pot Size
Choosing a container that’s too big for your Fiddle Leaf Fig can lead to overwatering. It happens because a big container holds too much soil, and it takes a long time to dry out.
You have to keep the right ratio of roots to the soil so your Fiddle Leaf Fig gets enough water, but also dries out before you water it again.
Choose a new pot that is one size larger (typically 2-4 inches larger in diameter) when repotting a Fiddle Leaf Fig that has outgrown its current container.
Type of pot for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Functional pots
- They are pots to house your plants and should have drainage holes.
- Functional pots keep your plant healthy, but they aren’t always pretty.
Decorative pots
- Decorative pots are prettier than functional pots, but not always the best.
- Many decorative pots don’t have drainage holes.
- With a functional pot inside, they can be used as decorative containers.
Baskets
- Baskets are categorized as decorative planters.
- Fiddle Leaf Figs should not be planted directly in a basket.
- Use the basket as a decorative container and plant your tree in a functional pot.
Garden nursery pots
- Your plant comes in this pot when you buy it. As they have large drainage holes, they seem an excellent choice for functional pots.
- In nurseries, plants are watered every day, but you won’t do that at home. Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will dry out too fast in garden pots, so you will need to buy a new one.
- Repot your plant after you get it home in a functional or decorative pot.
Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will most likely come in an unattractive plastic nursery pot when you purchase it. Despite their cheapness and lightweight, nursery pots are not always the most aesthetically pleasing place for Fiddle Leaf Figs.
However, nursery pots have plenty of drainage holes and can be used for mature plants as well. You can hide unattractive plastic planters by using the cache pots, described below.
Cachepots
Perhaps you found the perfect planter that matches your decor perfectly, but it doesn’t have drainage holes! Usually, this happens. If such a situation arises, you can drill drainage holes in the pot.
Drilling holes in the container would allow proper drainage. When drilling, wear protective gear, and drill slowly. Make sure you use the right bit for the material.
Another option is to place a layer of gravel or styrofoam under the soil so that any excess water will drain through it and collect at the bottom. However, this method is not recommended since it is too easy to make a mistake.
What does a cachepot do?
cachepot is just a decorative pot that hides a less attractive but functional container. Just put your plant in its nursery pot inside the decorative container without drainage holes. Regardless of whether the cachepot is watertight, I usually use a saucer to catch the water inside.
A saucer is much easier to empty than a heavy ceramic pot. Also, it is essential to use a saucer if the cache pot is made of metal, unglazed ceramic, wood, or any other material that allows water through.
Additionally, you can easily change the appearance of your Fiddle Leaf Fig with a cachepot, and a lightweight plastic pot is the best choice if you have a larger Fiddle Leaf Fig.
In material, planters made of terracotta are popular. Because they blend in with a wide range of decor styles, and they develop a patina with age that many people appreciate. They are beneficial to plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs which are sensitive to overwatering since the porous clay absorbs some water and promotes air circulation. Yet, Fiddle Leaf Figs can be quite large, so moving the terracotta container could be challenging.
Similarly, ceramic pots suitable for Fiddle Leaf Figs tend to be heavy and expensive. Make sure ceramic pots have drainage holes before buying them.
Pots that are best for fiddle leaf figs
Rivet Mid-Century Ceramic Planter
It is an attractive piece on its own. This round stoneware planter is two-toned pale green and white. Along with holding plants, it also makes a mid-century style statement.
It’s made of stoneware and has an iron base. An attractive pot designed for house plants, but also works as a decorative piece by itself. However, it does not have holes for drainage
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy iron base. The pot is ceramic and deep. An elegant, mid-century modern planter. | The planter does not have drainage holes. The legs of the pot could scratch your floors. The pot doesn’t fit snuggly into the stand. |
Natural Craft Extra Large Size
This piece is handwoven by a Vietnamese artisan with love and care. Contains 100% sustainably grown seagrass.
This product is made of seagrass and has a natural yellow color without painting or chemicals. It comes in four sizes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for a large Fiddle Leaf Fig. The basket hold at least a 13-inch inside the pot. Gorgeous golden color. Inexpensive decorative pot. It is soft and pliable so you can stretch it to fit over a basic pot. | You can expect some variation since these are handmade. A saucer or plastic tray is needed underneath the plant. |
In Boho style, the ceramic planter consists of premium clay heated at a high temperature, glazed with sand, and finished with white dots. It is a beautifully embossed and hand-painted piece of art
| Pros | Cons |
| The cutest boho style It comes with a drainage hole so you can directly plant your fig tree in it. You can also plug the drainage hole and use it as a decorative pot. Your floors will be protected by the wooden stand included. | It has a smaller size than other pots. Suitable for Fiddle Leaf Figs of small to medium size. Trying to move the plant may cause the stand to fall apart. |
Artera Woven Seagrass Plant Basket
The Artera Woven Plant Baskets are hand woven in Vietnam using sustainable seagrass. This basket is durable and long-lasting.
| Pros | Cons |
| Plastic liners protect floors from water damage. Suitable for a large Fiddle Leaf Fig. It will hold a pot 10 inches in diameter. A cheap option for hiding ugly pots without having to re-pot or buy ceramic pots. | You might get mold or mildew inside your plant that stays moist. Under your plant, you will need a saucer or plastic tray. |
Classic Home and Garden planter
This resin planter has a pottery-like finish. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Moreover, it is weatherproof and UV coated to prevent color fade.
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s a good choice if you need to move your fig tree around. Suitable for small Fiddle Leaf Fig trees. Value for money; inexpensive. | For direct planting in a pot, you need to drill drainage holes. |
A few questions on the best pot for fiddle leaf figs
Do fiddle leaf figs need a big pot?
It’s better to choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches wider than its current pot. There are two reasons for this. The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers pots that are snug. Additionally, if they are given a much larger pot, these plants will often spend much of their energy filling it.
Is a draining pot necessary for fiddle leaf figs?
It is essential for a fiddle leaf to drain well. Thus, it is important to have a hole in the bottom of your pot so that water can drain out and stop the roots from rotting.
What pot is best for a fig tree?
Terracotta pots are perfect for fiddle leaf figs, although it’s important to keep an eye on their moisture levels. Terracotta absorbs moisture faster than other materials, causing the soil to dry out more rapidly than in plastic or ceramic pots.
Conclusion
For choosing the best fit for your fiddle leaf fig, you should consider a few factors. Such as the pot size, proper drainage, and type of pot.
While selecting the size for the plant make sure you do not choose a larger pot. It should not be larger than 6 inches than your current pot. Otherwise, it will not drain well. Additionally, good drainage is one of the essential factors when buying pots for fig plants.
You can get various types of pots for fiddle leaf fig. However, it is best to use a pot made of terracotta. Terracotta pots blend well with a variety of decor styles.
Moreover, figs are sensitive to overwatering, so they benefit from the terracotta pot. Because terracotta pot absorbs water and promotes air circulation.
However, you may have trouble moving your fiddle leaf fig if you are using a terracotta pot. Nevertheless, there are several options available to you, so you can find the one that best meets your needs and those of your plant.
Leave us a comment below to let us know which pot you recommend for fiddle leaf fig.
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