The best soil for fiddle leaf figs is the key to keeping them thriving. After all, the soil is a big part of your fiddle leaf fig tree! Roots live there and absorb nutrients and moisture.
The soil you choose can affect whether your fiddle gets enough water or not. For your fiddle leaf fig to thrive, the soil is essential as it provides support for roots and stores nutrients.
Also, how your fiddle’s roots absorb nutrients depends on the pH balance of your soil, which has a substantial impact on its health.
But how do you choose the best soil for your fiddle leaf fig? Let’s explore everything you need to know about how to choose the best soil for your fiddle leaf fig.
What is the best soil for fiddle leaf figs?
The ideal soil for fiddle leaf figs is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and pH 5.5 to 7.0. To ensure a successful fiddle leaf fig, you need good aeration, moisture retention, drainage, gaseous exchange, and nutrient storage in your soil.
Also, it is extremely important to select the right soil for your plants to ensure their health. Fig roots are the lifeline of the plant, so they must be established in the best possible conditions.
The amount of water and nutrients you give to your fiddle leaf fig will affect its health. If your plant is out of balance, it becomes much more susceptible to illness. Overall, it won’t survive.
Even though caring for fiddle leaf figs can be difficult, choosing the right soil is one of the easiest. Hence, in the next section, we are going to take a closer look at fiddle leaf fig soil consideration.
How to choose the best soil for your fiddle leaf fig?
It is best to choose a soil mix that is noncompressible and has the sufficient structural integrity to anchor the roots.
If the mix is too light, the plant’s root ball can pull out of the soil as it grows taller. Also, having too much soil can make it dense. When soil is dense, it can prevent air from getting to the roots, stunting growth or preventing water from draining, causing root rot.
Types of soil for fiddle leaf figs
Many indoor houseplant potting mixes may work for growing this plant. However, it is often best to use a growing mix designed for fiddle leaf figs. Also, don’t plant it in garden soil, which is usually too dense.
Unlike all-purpose blends, plant-specific mixes are tailored to fiddle leaf figs’ specific needs. In the best soil for indoor fiddle leaf fig plants, you will likely find:
- Bark: Adding chunks of fir or pine bark prevents the mixture from compacting and promotes drainage.
- Moss: Sphagnum peat moss drains well, absorbs water slowly, and releases it slowly, so roots do not get dry.
- Perlite: Perlite is a lightweight volcanic glass byproduct that creates pockets of air in the soil, allowing oxygen to reach the roots. Additionally, it retains water to keep the soil moist.
- Coconut coir: Coconut coir is a fibrous layer between the coconut fruit and its outer shell that helps the plant in growing. Also, it absorbs and releases water slowly.
- Charcoal: Charcoal is made from charred wood or peat and absorbs salts and impurities while adding to the soil’s structure.
- Sand: Coarse sand improves drainage and provides stability in potting mixes.
Choose a soil that drains well for fiddle leaf figs
When choosing soil for fiddle leaf fig plants, make sure it drains well. If its roots are wet, it will suffer from root rot.
In the case of poor soil drainage, leaves can be drooping or have brown spots on them. When the leaves begin to drop, the plant may have root rot and can no longer be saved. It is best to repot a plant as soon as poor drainage is detected.
During watering, look for water draining out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Soil with good drainage allows most water to pass through, but some are absorbed and retained to maintain a slightly moist environment.
Water-retention capacity of soil
Fiddle leaf figs require soil that drains well and retains water, which may seem counterintuitive for soil. By adding sand and large chunks of bark to the mix, air spaces are created and drainage is enhanced. Other components, including peat moss, absorb some water before slowly releasing it. Additionally, coco coir and perlite perform both functions.
Furthermore, some manufacturers may add clay pellets that absorb water and release it slowly. If you are growing larger fiddle leaf figs, this will help anchor their roots.
Soil pH level
In their native environment, fiddle leaf figs grow best in soil with a pH balance between 5.3 and 6.7.
When the pH level falls below 5.3, the leaves become limp and yellow. If the pH is higher than 6.7, the plant may have red spots on its leaves and fail to grow.
If your fiddle leaf fig soil has an unsuitable pH, you should repot it in new soil that meets its needs, rather than attempting to fix it.
You can test the alkalinity and acidity of soil with inexpensive pH test kits if pH is of concern.
Some of the best soil for fiddle leaf figs:
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil by Perfect Plants 8QTS
- Fiddle Leaf Fig House Plant Soil Premium All Purpose Blend
- Miracle-Gro Tropical Potting Mix
- Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix
- Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix
The best fiddle leaf fig soil mix recipe
An ideal Potting soil for fiddle leaf fig must include both inorganic and organic components that enhance aeration, drainage, and water retention while maintaining an ideal pH level between 5.5 and 7.0.
Furthermore, fiddle leaf fig soil should be rich in organic matter so that it can provide nutrients.
It might sound contradictory, but when mixing the perfect soil for your fiddle leaf fig, water retention and drainage are two of the most important factors to consider.
A lack of aeration can cause your soil to become waterlogged and clumpy. Because of this, you should avoid pre-made potting mixes that might not suit the needs of your plant. Instead, you can make your own soil that mimics a fiddle leaf’s natural environment.
Using the easily available components, you can make your fiddle leaf fig soil. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Components of fiddle leaf fig soil recipe
Sphagnum peat moss
- This is a natural material that retains water and drains it.
- Besides providing your plants with water, peat moss aerates the soil as well.
Coco coir
- It is made from fibrous coconut husks.
- In terms of texture and properties, it is similar to peat moss, although it compacts a little more with time.
Perlite
- Improves the aeration and drainage of soil mixes.
- It is a type of volcanic glass that has been heated to expand.
Organic potting soil
- Typical ingredients include compost, peat moss, and bark.
- In addition, it may contain bone meals and blood meals, both of which contain nutrients.
- To find soil that’s right for you, sample a few before choosing one.
The steps for making Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Mix
This potting mix is great for aeration and drainage while also providing nutrition for your fiddle leaf figs. Over time, you may need to tweak this recipe a bit since organic potting soils vary.
The mix contains the following ingredients:
- 2 parts organic potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part sphagnum peat moss OR coco coir
Step 1: Choose a large container for mixing your materials.
Step 2: Mix the three materials according to the ratio listed above.
Step 3: Add a little bit of water so the soil mix is moist but not wet, then mix it up.
Step 4: Fill your pots with plant soil after all of the ingredients have been mixed well.
What is the best pH for fiddle leaf fig soil?
A fiddle leaf’s soil pH level determines its ability to access nutrients. For a fiddle leaf, a healthy pH range is 5.5 to 7.0. This most closely simulates its natural environment. Also, with the right soil materials, soil pH can be regulated.
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a pH level close to neutral. A pH value below 7 is considered acidic, while one above 7 is considered alkaline. These plants are native to Western Africa, where moisture, humidity, and adequate rainfall make their soil slightly acidic.
In your soil mixture, you can recreate these conditions relatively easily by combining the right ingredients (as described above). However, you may not always be able to determine this yourself, especially if you purchase your fiddle leaf fig already potted.
To determine if there is an imbalance in the soil before transplanting your fiddle leaf, use a pH meter. Perhaps your soil is perfect for you. If not, you can alter your fiddle leaf fig’s pH levels by adding certain materials.
You can increase your pH level by adding limestone. If you want to lower them, you can add sulfur. If this seems a bit technical, try adding coffee grounds to your fiddle leaf fig as a well-known remedy.
Not working? Re-pot your fiddle leaf fig in a good soil mix or feed it a nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Why choosing the best Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig matters.
The purpose of soil goes beyond keeping plants in place. Plants thrive on soil, which is important for their health.
It is important to choose soil that provides the following nutrients for your house plant:
- Access to the right amount of water.
- Keeping the roots and plant at the right temperature.
- Contains an adequate amount of nutrients.
- A place to anchor.
- Exchange of gases and proper aeration.
As each plant species differs, you should research what type of soil is best for each one. A fiddle leaf fig tree is no exception.
Signs you are using the wrong soil for your fiddle leaf fig
Using the wrong soil may result in yellowing, drooping, crinkling, falling, or brown spots on your fiddle leaves. If your fiddle leaf fig shows these signs, you may have a nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or underwatering.
It is not difficult to tell when fiddle leaf figs are unhappy. Here are some signs that your plant may be rooted in the wrong soil.
Yellowing leaves on a fiddle leaf fig
Generally, yellowing leaves indicate nutrient deficiencies in fiddle leaf figs. There may not be enough organic matter in its soil or it may receive too little or too much water. Also, check your soil’s pH level to make sure it’s not too acidic or too alkaline.
Drooping leaves on your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Dropping leaves may be a sign of too much or too little water. Even if you are watering at regular intervals, the wrong soil mix can cause trouble.
Your plant may sit in water for days if your mix does not provide good drainage. Eventually, the roots will rot, preventing plants from getting water.
Alternatively, if you are using a dry soil mix, your plants will have difficulty absorbing water.
Your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves can also droop due to poor light conditions. If your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves are past prime or decaying, you might need to prune them too.
Brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig
It is never a good sign to see brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig. The spots can indicate a variety of problems, from disease to pest infestations to bacterial infections. Most often, waterlogged soil causes root rot.
Whenever you notice dark brown and widespread spots, you may need to transplant and repot your fiddle leaf fig to remove fungi.
Fiddle leaf fig’s leaves falling off
Fiddle leaf fig leaves falling off can also indicate a nutrient deficiency or illness. You may notice this first if your fig isn’t growing new leaves. Be sure to check for signs of mold and sogginess in your soil as soon as possible.
A few questions on Fiddle Leaf Figs Soil
What kind of soil does a fiddle leaf fig need?
Figs need well-draining soil high in organic matter. For fiddle leaf figs, peat-based soil with some perlite is ideal. For good reason, this is standard fare in indoor potting mixes. Yet, it would be a good idea to use about 2/3 peat and 1/3 perlite as a basic recipe.
How do I mix soil for a fiddle leaf fig?
Add 1 part of an aerating substance, such as vermiculite, to 1 part of a nutrient-rich substance, such as peat moss or coco coir, to make fiddle leaf fig soil. Next, add two parts of organic potting soil. It should regulate water retention and keep your pH level high.
Is cactus soil good for fiddle leaf fig?
Cactus soil drains quickly and works well for fiddle leaf figs, but the nutrient content isn’t always suitable for ficus trees. Once you repot your fiddle in the cactus mix, fertilize it regularly with Fiddle Leaf Fig Food.
Are eggshells good for fig trees?
Yes. Eggshells are also relatively high in phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, and sodium, all of which can help your fig tree flourish.
Do fiddle leaf figs like peat moss?
Yes, figs enjoy peat moss. Fiddle Leaf Fig trees thrive in soil mixes with a pH of 5.5-7.0. For best results, use a soil mix containing one part peat moss/coco coir, one part perlite, and two parts organic compost.
Conclusion
Good soil is key to growing any plant, including the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, so be sure to pick the one that fits your plant’s needs.
It is essential to choose soil that is well-draining so that your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree has proper drainage and aeration to flourish.
You can also make your own soil using the recipe mentioned above. It is easy to do and the ingredients are readily available.
Alternatively, you can purchase the fiddle leaf fig soil from a store if you don’t have time. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has a high water retention capacity.
Furthermore, your fiddle leaf fig will show you the signs that you are using the wrong soil. So, make sure you keep an eye out for drooping leaves, brown leaves, and falling leaves.
So, what is your secret ingredient for the best soil fiddle leaf figs? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Related Articles
- Scale on Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Deal with Them
- How to Prevent & Treat Fiddle Leaf Fig Bacterial Infection
- Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Diseases & Pests (and How to Deal With Them)
- How to Care and Grow for a Fiddle Leaf Fig – A Complete Guide
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Fruit – Everything You Need to Know
- Can I Put My Fiddle Leaf Fig Outdoors | Everything You Need to Know
