Dwarf fiddle leaf figs are an excellent choice if you want some greenery in your living area but don’t have much space. Almost 3-6 feet in length, they grow rapidly.
Despite their size, these beauties have the same charm as their larger counterparts, making them perfect for the modern plant parent.
However, keeping this little fig healthy and happy can be a bit challenging at times, so we have got you covered.
Throughout this post, you will learn everything you need to know about dwarf fiddle leaf figs, from how to grow them to how to take care of them.
About Dwarf fiddle leaf fig
| Botanical Name | Ficus Lyrata Bambino |
| Common Name | Bambino, Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, F. Bambino |
| Native | Western Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Height | 3-6 feet |
| Location | East or west-facing window |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Soil | Standard commercial potting soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0-6.5 |
| Water | Once the soil’s top two inches are dry, water it. |
| Fertilizer | Once a month during growing season |
| Humidity Range | 60% or higher |
| Toxic | Yes toxic to pets and humans |
| Common Pests & Diseases | spider mites, brown tips, gnats, scale insects, yellow leaves, root rot, mealy bugs, drooping leaves |
How to grow dwarf fiddle leaf fig tree
A Fiddle Leaf Fig dwarf can be grown by stem cuttings. To make sure your plant continues to thrive after being transplanted, it is recommended to propagate it in the early spring.
It is possible to grow stem cuttings in the soil as well as in water. Let’s look at both methods below.
Stem Cuttings In Soil
Step 1: Take a sharp pair of scissors and make a clean cut through a robust area of the plant. On a cutting, there should be a few leaves and nodes.
Step 2: Fill a container or pot with moist soil and place the nodes of the stem there. You can either tighten the ground around the stem or use wooden skewers to prevent it from moving. As it might be detrimental to roots if they move too much.
Step 3: Next, put your container next to a window so it gets strong, indirect light. Make sure the soil stays moist.
Step 4: In two to three weeks, you should see new growth. If a new shoot appears, your cutting has been effective in producing roots.
Stem Cuttings In Water
Step 1: Once you have got a good cutting, cut off the lower leaves from the stem.
Step 2: In the glass of water, soak a cutting. Ensure that no leaves are lying below the water level to prevent rot.
Step 3: Place the cutting in an area that is well-ventilated and that has good indirect light. In order to improve the health of the plant, consider placing a humidifier nearby.
Step 4: If the water appears cloudy, start with fresh water. Moreover, keep the nodes immersed constantly to speed up root development.
Step 5: Upon reaching the appropriate root length, plant the cutting in soil that is clean and has adequate ventilation. If you keep the soil moist, the roots will benefit.
Dwarf fiddle leaf fig care
In terms of light and water requirements, dwarf fiddle leaf figs differ slightly from their larger cousins. Due to their slower growth rate, they don’t need as much water or sunlight. However, it’s still important to feed your dwarf fiddle leaf fig regularly to make sure it thrives.
Now, let’s take a closer look at fiddle leaf fig care
How often to water dwarf fiddle leaf fig
A dwarf fiddle leaf fig should be watered every 7 to 10 days. Due to their size and sensitivity to root rot, dwarf fiddle leaf figs need less water than standard varieties. However, once the top inch of their soil has dried, water them.
Moreover, owning a fiddle leaf fig with root rot isn’t fun, so try to keep them away from pooled water. A simple way to avoid bigger problems with your bambino fiddle leaf fig is to check the top inch of soil while watering.
During the colder months, you may want to water your fiddle leaf fig less often. You can check the moisture level of your soil with a fingertip or a moisture meter. If you notice brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves, or your soil feels waterlogged or dense, reduce watering.
Dwarf fiddle leaf fig light requirements
Dwarf fiddle or bambino needs 8-10 hours of indirect light every day. Additionally, the best window for them is one that faces east or west.
Moreover, a scorched leaf indicates too much light for your dwarf fig. You may also notice drooping if your plants aren’t receiving enough light.
Therefore, it’s best to keep your Bambino away from direct sunlight which may severely damage it or even kill it.
Additionally, to create a light shade, place a sheer curtain in front of a south-facing window to protect the plant from direct sunlight.
Ideal temperature and humidity
It is best to keep your dwarf fiddle at temperatures between 60 °F and 85 °F. Moreover, if you wish to keep your plant happy, try to mimic their tropical climate.
Furthermore, your fig doesn’t like fluctuations in temperature. Through their leaves, they will let you know whenever the temperature suddenly changes. Additionally, a sudden change in temperature can shock or even kill your baby fig.
As a preventive measure during winter, close the window and seal up places where cold air could get in. Furthermore, avoid placing the plant next to things that give off heat.
In terms of humidity, dwarf figs need at least 60%.
Whenever you notice brown edges on your plant leaves, or if you are concerned about the humidity, you can purchase a humidifier and place it near your plants.
However, invest in a humidifier if the relative humidity of your plants is too low or if you see browning around the margins of your plants’ leaves. Adding a humidifier to your Bambino’s room will greatly improve its health.
The best soil for fig
It is best to use commercial potting soil for dwarf fiddle leaf figs. Ideally, your soil should have a pH of 6.0-6.5. Most commercial potting soils fall within this range. To determine the soil pH, use a soil moisture meter that also serves as a pH tester.
To achieve an aerated soil mixture, use peat and perlite in an appropriate ratio. Also, by keeping the soil well-drained, you can prevent root rot and other diseases.
If you are looking for the best soil for fiddle leaf figs, check out the blog Best Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs to Thrive – Amazing Guide
When to fertilize fiddle leaf fig
Fertilize your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig in the spring and summer when it is growing. This time of year, give it a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. It’s okay to skip fertilizing in the winter because many fiddles go dormant at that time.
How to prune dwarf fiddle leaf
The pruning method you use depends on whether you are pruning to shape or encourage new growth. If you want your plant to reach higher, you can remove its lower leaves or trim the top of the stem. And to encourage new leaves cut just above the node.
If your dwarf fiddle leaf fig isn’t growing new leaves or is growing too slowly, snipping the tip of its stem can encourage it to grow new branches. On the other hand, if you would like a taller, leaner plant, remove its lower leaves. Moreover, you can create new growth pathways by pinching off new buds and making light notches above existing nodes.
Spring and summer are the best times to prune your fiddle leaf so that it has ample energy to grow.
You don’t need to worry when pruning dwarf fiddle leaf figs because they respond well to regular pruning. However, no matter how unhealthy your plant appears, do not prune more than 30% of it at a time. Lastly, keep your pruning tools clean and sterilized at all times.
For step-by-step instructions on pruning, visit our blog Pruning Fiddle Leaf Fig – When, Why, and How (Ultimate Guide)
When to Re-pot dwarf fiddle leaf fig
For this plant, you will need to re-pot it every two years due to its rapid root growth. To re-pot Bambino, use new potting soil that is enriched with essential nutrients.
Also, check our blog on Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig – When, Why, and How to Re-pot
Is fiddle leaf fig dwarf toxic?
There’s a problem with the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig. It’s poisonous to humans and animals, including cats and dogs. If you eat this plant, expect vomiting, drooling, and stomach discomfort. A lot of times, this plant won’t kill you. But it can cause mild skin irritation.
The most common problems with dwarf fiddle leaf figs
Sadly, dwarf fig is not disease-resistant. The following are some common diseases, pests, and problems, along with treatments.
Spider Mites
The damage caused by spider mites appears as brown or yellow spots on leaves. There may be a slowdown or a stoppage in growth on your plant.
Treatment:
To remove spider mites, wash figs with a sink nozzle, pressure sprayer, or garden hose. Ensure the undersides of the leaves are covered with insecticidal soap.
Additionally, spider mites can be killed naturally by ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles. While these bugs eat spider mites, they won’t harm your plants.
Also, check Spider Mites Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Treat!
Mealybugs
If you see a white puff on your houseplant’s leaves, you will know it has been infested with these tiny parasites.
Treatment:
Put Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball. Apply it to leaves and stems. Additionally, neem oil diluted with water is an effective preventative spray.
Learn in detail about Mealybugs On Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Treat!
Scale
Unlike other bugs, mature scale insects stick to plants. On stems or petioles, armored scales appear as brown lumps.
Treatment:
Mix a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water to dilute it, and spray it on leaves to get rid of these pests.
Gnats
A fungus gnat infests Bambino Fiddle Leaf Figs. In tropical environments, their larvae can wilt and stunt the growth of tropical plants.
Treatment:
The solution to fungus gnats is bottom-watering. Additionally, a plant-safe chemical called hydrogen peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae.
Leaves with brown tips
If you notice that the tips of your dwarf Fig leaves are browning, you should check many aspects of the plant’s environment.
Treatment:
Check your home’s humidity level to ensure it is not too low. In case of strong sunlight, you can diffuse it by hanging sheer curtains.
A large amount of fertilizer can also cause brown leaf tips. If this occurs, water the plant thoroughly, letting the water run through the soil for a few minutes until excess minerals and salts are removed.
Root Rot
Overwatering or compacted soil can cause root rot in dwarf fig. By properly watering, root rot can be prevented.
Treatment:
Be sure to water only the top 3 inches of soil before you water. In potting soil, porosity allows air to pass through and help dry the soil out. You can make porous pots with clay, terracotta, unglazed ceramic, or concrete. Ensure it has holes in the bottom to drain water.
Yellowing of leaves
Lack of light, too much or too little watering, or even incorrect nutrition can cause fiddle leaf fig yellow leaf.
Treatment:
You will need to troubleshoot to find out what’s wrong. Initially, cut back on your watering and then test other variables.
Falling leaves
You may need to increase humidity in your environment if your Bambino leaves are drooping.
Treatment:
Humidifiers can provide much-needed relief to your plants. An excessive amount of exposure to intense light may also cause leaves to curl downward. In this case, simply relocate the plant so it isn’t directly exposed to light or heat.
A few questions on Dwarf fiddle leaf fig
Q1. How big does a dwarf fiddle leaf fig get
Ans. During spring and summer, the dwarf fiddle leaf fig plant grows the fastest indoors, reaching 2-3 feet.
Q2. What is a Bambino plant?
Ans. Bambino plants are dwarf fiddle leaf figs or Ficus lyrata bambinos. This is not a hybrid, but a smaller variety of a fiddle leaf fig. The main difference between a fiddle leaf and a bambino is height.
Q3. Which is the best soil for dwarf fiddle leaf fig plants?
Ans. Light, well-draining soil is required for this plant. Dwarf figs need moist soil, but not water compacted around the roots. Also, it’s best to mix potting soil with succulent, orchid, and succulent soil mixes (look for peat and finer bark mixes).
Conclusion
When it comes to fiddle leaf figs, dwarf varieties are great indoor options. Even though they don’t grow very quickly, their smaller stature is what attracts many.
You don’t have to worry that they will outgrow your space when you use them as feature plants on shelves or tables. Additionally, it is easy to propagate them through the stem cutting method.
Once, your cutting is starting to root you need to take good care to keep your baby fig thriving. Water your fig every 7-10 days. Also, make sure to place them in a warm area where they can get at least 6 hours of light. Be careful not to mess up the consistency of the figs, as they are finicky about their care.
Spread the word about this article to your friends and family so they can grow their own dwarf fiddle leaf fig.
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
