Did you know fiddle leaf figs grow 2 feet a year? Furthermore, if you give your fiddle leaf fig plant the right conditions, such as water, light, drainage, and aeration, it will grow faster.
When allowed to grow freely, these plants can reach a height of 6 feet or more. Factors that are typically associated with promoting steady growth include:
- Lighting
- Soil treatment
- Proper watering
- Pruning
- Repotting
There are also a few things that help fiddle leaf figs grow. In this post, I will go over all the factors that promote fiddle leaf fig growth rate.
Also, I will tell you about the signs of growth. However, don’t be discouraged if your fiddle leaf fig does not show growth signs. Because I’m also going to tell you how to get your fiddle leaf fig to reach a certain height fast.
Thus, let’s find out what makes fiddle leaf figs grow fast.
How fast does a fiddle leaf fig grow
Fiddle leaf fig trees grow around 2 feet each year. However, the growth of fiddle leaf figs depends on their health, age, and where they are located.
Moreover, if you take good care of fiddle leaf fig plants, they can grow very tall. It is possible to expect fiddle leaf figs to grow to 6 feet high in favorable conditions.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Growth Signs
Signs#1: New leaves are appearing on your fiddle leaf fig
You should see your fiddle leaf fig producing new leaves in addition to growing taller.
If your fiddle tree isn’t producing many leaves but instead getting long and leggy with lots of space between leaves, it might be thirsty for light.
So, get as much light as you can for your fiddle. Light gives plants energy to grow!
Signs#2: The trunk of your fiddle is thick and strong
Another indication that the fiddle leaf fig is growing is that the trunk is quite thick and strong. However, if your plant has a skinny, overly flexible trunk, it might need a little support.
Even though it seems tempting to stake your fiddle when it can’t stand, this does not make the tree stronger. So, if you wish to encourage your tree to grow stronger trunks, set up a fan nearby or wiggle it regularly to simulate strong winds.
Signs#3: Fiddle leaf fig growing each year
Each year, a healthy fiddle tree grows a foot or two. A fiddle tree that doesn’t grow taller or has new leaves might be experiencing some problems.
However, if you are not noticing such signs don’t worry! In the next section, I will walk you through the fastest method to grow fiddle leaf figs.
The fastest way to grow fiddle leaf figs
1. Provide adequate watering
If you are watering your plant, water the entire soil area, not just one section. Because the branches and leaves of a plant need water to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Furthermore, the presence of dry patches in the soil indicates that your plant isn’t getting enough water, resulting in ill health. Whereas a fiddle leaf fig that is shiny and green, rather than dry and withering, has enough water.
To determine if your plant needs watering, stick your finger in the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry to the touch, give your plant a good drink. Otherwise, don’t.
Moreover, add water until you see it coming out of the drain holes if the soil feels dry and crumbly. Once you have poured out the excess water, repeat the process.
Also, read When, How Much, and How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig to make sure your fig does not get overwatered and grows well.
2. Give fiddle leaf fig at least 8 hours of light
Give your tree at least eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day to ensure it grows and looks its best.
Typically, fiddle leaf figs do best in east-facing windows because they receive bright sunlight throughout the day. Moreover, fiddle trees that aren’t accustomed to full sun can have their leaves scorched by direct midday or afternoon sunlight. In case your fig is scorched by the sun, read Fiddle Leaf Fig Sunburn – How to Identify, Treat & Prevent it
For optimal fiddle growth, a north-facing window is probably not sufficient. However, don’t despair if your plant doesn’t get enough natural light! Invest in a grow light.
3. Maintain sufficient humidity
In dry conditions, your fiddle’s new baby leaves may shrivel up and fall off before they reach full size. However, your fiddle’s leaves will remain soft, supple, and healthy with adequate humidity, especially the new ones.
Additionally, a steamy, sunny bathroom is ideal for a fiddle. It is also possible to set up a humidifier near the fiddle or other plants to create more humidity as they breathe. Also, misting is another good option.
4. Don’t forget to fertilize
If your fig plant isn’t showing growth signs as described above, then fertilizer may be needed. Adding fertilizer to the soil can help maintain its nutrient balance.
However, while applying fertilizer always read the instructions to apply the right amount of fertilizer dosage. This will prevent the plant from overstressing and burning.
Fig plants prefer nitrogen-rich fertilizers. For figs, a ratio of 3-1-2 NPK is ideal. Later on, your plant may require potassium.
Also, read Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizer – When and How to Fertilize (Essential Tips)
5. Ensure that soil is treated annually
Soil treatment is not the same as fertilizer; it refers to replacing the current soil where the plant is growing. If you don’t fertilize the plant, all the nutrients will be used up by the plant. When they run out, you will need to replenish them.
 Therefore, at least once a year, change the fiddle fig leaf’s soil, preferably before summer. Additionally, avoid removing all the soil from the soil ball when placing the plant in new soil. Moreover, soil plays important role in the growth of fig plants. Therefore to choose the best soil for fiddle leaf click here.
6. Regular Repotting
Your fiddle’s roots will love repotting! As it refreshes compacted soil and drains it nutritionally.
Moreover, each time you repot your plant, increase the pot size to allow the roots to stretch out. As the roots stay hydrated and use nutrients properly, the root ball grows and supports a larger plant, both physically and nutritionally.
I have written a step-by-step guide on repotting fiddle leaf fig. Click here to learn the easy steps to repot fiddle leaf fig.
7. Pruning
As mentioned earlier, your fiddle leaf fig can grow two feet a year, and its branches can reach four feet in length. So, if your home is small, this can make it feel crowded. So, by cutting some of the leaves and branches, you can improve airflow to the plant and assist its growth.
Additionally, there is a possibility that fiddle leaf figs may end up with brown spots, the dropping of leaves, pest infestations, or common plant illnesses at some point. However, you can prevent infection by cutting off stressed leaves and other parts of your plant.
Without pruning, a fiddle leaf fig will become very bushy. Also, pruning your plant is essential if you wish to keep it slimmer or shaped in a particular way. However, there is a specific time when your fiddle leaf fig responds well to the pruning.
To learn more about that check our blog on Pruning Fiddle Leaf Fig – When, Why, and How (Ultimate Guide)
8. Choose the correct pot
For your fiddle leaf fig, choose a pot that supports drainage and regular watering. Having drain holes on the bottom of the pot will allow water to drain quickly after it has been filled.
Additionally, you might consider putting some pebbles or gravel on the bottom of the pot to prevent the soil from clogging.
While choosing the right fit for your fiddle leaf fig make sure to read our blog on How To Choose the Best Pot For Fiddle Leaf Fig (Size and Type)
Few questions on fiddle leaf fig growth
Q1: How Tall Can fiddle leaf fig Grow Indoors?
Ans. Indoors, they usually reach about 6 feet in height. Under ideal conditions, they can reach a height of about 8 feet.
Q2. What is the ideal pot size for a fiddle leaf fig?
Ans. An inch or two bigger than its root bulb is perfect for a fiddle leaf fig. Every year or two, scale up the pots if your plant continues to grow. For larger fig plants, pot sizes can go up to 18 to 20 inches.
Q3. What is the best way to promote branching in fiddle leaves?
Ans. Pruning is the easiest and most reliable way to branch your Fiddle Leaf Fig! Cut your Fiddle Leaf Fig stem at the height you would like branches to grow.
Q4. Does shaking the fiddle leaf fig plant make it grow faster?
Ans. You should not shake your house plants. Fiddle leaf figs don’t need to be shaken to stay upright as they grow. Moreover, there’s really no need unless you are planting them outdoors.
Q5. What is the growth rate of fiddle leaf fig leaves?
Ans. From bud to fully-formed leaf, fiddle leaf fig leaves grow within a week. Usually, buds are small outgrowths covered in a papery brown covering. As soon as the leaves are unfurled, they are flimsy, light green, and small. Once they reach full size, they will become dark, waxy emeralds.
Conclusion
You are in luck if your fiddle leaf fig is growing new leaves, thick trunks, or growing one foot per year. In case this isn’t happening, don’t worry! By providing proper care to your fig plant, you can increase the fiddle leaf fig growth rate.
Just make sure you water it, light it, and keep it humid. Furthermore, if you give your fig plant a good soil treatment and re-pot it annually, it will benefit from it.
Additionally, picking a good pot plays an important role. When selecting a pot, be sure to consider the drainage hole and its size. It takes only the right care for fiddle leaf figs to grow.
What questions do you have on the fiddle leaf fig growth rate? Feel free to ask in the below comment section.
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