Did you know that the fiddle leaf fig plant is one of the most popular indoor plants that has been named after the violin or fiddle-shaped leaves which is a type of tree? Also, did you know keeping a fiddle leaf fig plant at home can give some amazing physical and mental health benefits?
In a tropical rainforest with 75-95% humidity, fiddle leaf figs grow best. But you may not have as much humidity in your home. So, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig between 40-60% humidity. Also, to maintain the fiddle leaf fig humidity levels, some people often mist it. But, does mist your fiddle leaf fig help?
Well, misting fiddle leaf figs increases humidity around the plant and cleans the dust on the leaves. However, frequent misting can lead to fungal infections and pest attacks. You can use alternatives like a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants to increase the humidity.
Today, let’s learn more about the fiddle leaf fig’s humidity requirements and whether it needs to be misted! But first, let us know the ideal humidity requirements for fiddle leaf fig plants!
What is the ideal humidity for fiddle leaf fig?
A tropical rainforest provides 75%-95% humidity, ideal for fiddle leaf fig growth.
Also, it’s no wonder that fiddle leaf figs love humidity as they get a lot of it in their natural habitat. Additionally, fiddle leaf fig plants grow faster at higher humidity levels.
However, in the winter, fiddle leaf figs struggle to maintain humidity naturally. Thus, misting and other methods of providing humidity are used.
Fiddle leaf fig humidity requirements!
As mentioned above fiddle leaf figs grow best in a tropical rainforest with 75-95% humidity.
However, your house may not be able to provide as much humidity. So, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig at a humidity level of 40%-60%. With this range of humidity, you can still grow a healthy fiddle leaf fig.
If you live in a colder region, the humidity level remains low throughout the year regardless of the season. And figs suffer from stress in low humidity.
Also, getting cold drafts will damage your fiddle leaf fig, so consider moving it to a warmer location. Moreover, in winter, keep the plant away from the window.
Fiddle leaf figs in front of the AC will dry out, so it’s best not to place them there. You can place your plant in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement, where the humidity is higher than in other rooms.
In case there is no other option, mist the fiddle leaf fig or place it on a pebble tray.
Also, it’s possible that your plant already receives enough humidity. So, before you mist your area, it is important to check its humidity level. Toward the end of the article, we will discuss how to check humidity levels. Now let’s learn about misting fiddle leaf figs!
Misting fiddle leaf fig plant!
While some plant owners find misting beneficial, others have reported that misting has resulted in various problems.
So, let’s take a look at both.
1. Advantages of misting fiddle leaf fig
Misting your plants is an easy way to add humidity to them. Also, it helps to keep the leaves of the plant clean by misting them.
As fiddle leaf figs have big leaves with a large surface area, keeping them clean helps enhance their ability to absorb sunlight.
While misting the plant, add neem oil to keep pests away. Fiddle leaf figs benefit naturally from neem oil solution, a natural pesticide.
2. Disadvantages of misting fiddle leaf fig
Misting your fiddle leaf fig with tap water will cause harsh minerals to accumulate on the leaves and prevent the plant from absorbing moisture.
Another problem misting can cause is a fungal or bacterial infection. By misting the leaves, fungus or bacteria can spread from one leaf to another.
When leaves remain wet for a long time, they are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal infections. It can happen if your plant is placed in a damp environment and doesn’t get enough light.
If you want to prevent these problems, use filtered water to mist your plants instead of regular tap water. Furthermore, insecticides can be used to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
Also, you risk damaging the leaves of the plant if you mist it when humidity levels are already suitable for it. So, check your area’s humidity level before misting it.
Moreover, when the plants are misted in arid conditions, the water droplets quickly evaporate, making the humidity inadequate.
Let us check out some quick questions about misting given below!
Do fiddle leaf figs need misting?
Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer a humidity level between 40% and 60%. It may be necessary to provide your plant with extra humidity if you live in a very dry climate by misting it or providing a humidifier. Also, it’s best to avoid placing your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree close to a heater vent since it could dry out.
How to mist fiddle leaf fig plants?
Fill a spray bottle with water and leave it next to the plant. This way, you can regularly mist it with room-temperature water. Also, if you have dusted your plant’s leaves, be sure to mist them.
How often should I mist the fiddle leaf fig plant?
You should mist new leaf buds, but only the lead buds, not the rest of the leaves. Give your new baby buds a good misting every few weeks, and use a clean, soft cloth to gently dab up extra water. Despite a dry climate, you can still raise healthy fiddle leaf figs.
How to check the humidity of fiddle leaf fig?
Using a hygrometer, you can determine the humidity level.
Other factors can influence your house’s humidity. Depending on where you live, the season, temperature, etc., your home’s humidity can vary. Additionally, room humidity can vary.
Generally, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements have higher humidity levels. Whereas bedrooms and living rooms will have lower humidity.
You can relocate the fiddle leaf fig to rooms with higher humidity during the winter months.
And by using a hygrometer, you can monitor humidity levels and act accordingly.
Signs your fiddle leaf fig requires more humidity!
If you notice any of these signs in your fiddle leaf fig, your plant needs more humidity.
- There are holes in the leaves
- Leaves wilting
- Leaf scars
- Leaves that are crispy and dried
Having one of these signs means your fiddle leaf fig is not receiving enough humidity.
Whenever you see these signs, mist the plant. However, if humidity levels are low in your area, you will have to choose another option. A neem oil solution can be used to mist the fiddle leaf fig.
Moreover, it will be necessary to take more care of the plant if there is more damage. As well, make sure that the signs mentioned earlier are due to lack of humidity as they could be caused by other things.
How to increase the humidity level for fiddle leaf fig?
There are some other options you can consider if the fiddle leaf fig doesn’t get enough humidity and misting doesn’t help.
Here are a few ways to increase the humidity in fiddle leaf figs.
1. Rooms with high humidity
Typically, kitchens and bathrooms are more humid than other rooms in your house. As long as lighting conditions are ideal, they are the best bet for improving conditions.
2. Use a humidifier
A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity inside a home. By using a humidifier, you can adjust your room’s humidity level according to your needs.
In case you don’t know the humidity level, use a hygrometer. If the humidity is low, consider using a humidifier.
3. Pebble tray
The Pebble tray is an easy and effective way to provide humidity to plants. It helps indoor plants get moisture.
There are two components you need for making a pebble tray: a tray and pebbles or rocks. Fill a tray with pebbles. Then fill the tray halfway with water.
Put the fiddle leaf on top of the stones or pebbles. Make sure the drainage holes are submerged in water. In this way, the plant will be able to retain humidity.
Whenever the pebble tray’s water level drops, add water. As the water evaporates, the humidity around your fiddle leaf fig plants increases, which boosts their growth.
4. Grouping tropical plants
Keeping tropical plants together can increase humidity. Plant transpiration releases moisture that adds to humidity for fiddle leaf figs.
However, check the plants for pest infestations, as this will spread the infection to all plants. From time to time, check on your plants.
5. Aquariums
In addition to adding beauty to your house, aquariums also increase humidity. Your fiddle leaf fig will get plenty of humidity if you keep it near the aquarium.
Also, you can add the old aquarium water to the plants whenever you change the aquarium’s water. This acts as a natural fertilizer and promotes plant growth.
Few questions on fiddle leaf fig humidity!
Q1. Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig like humidity?
Ans. Fiddle leaf figs are fussy plants. Although they like humidity, they do not like being wet all the time. There is a risk of root rot if they are too wet.
Q2. What’s the best place to put a humidifier for Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Ans. You can move the humidifier around to suit your fiddle! Give your tree a good dose of humidity by setting up a humidifier about 5 feet away. Moreover, you can find humidifiers easily and for a reasonable price.
Q3. How often should you run a humidifier?
Ans. Humidifiers should only be used for about 8-12 hours a day. Although there isn’t a strict rule, humidifiers can create too much moisture in the home, which can be problematic.
Conclusion
In our home, it is not possible to maintain an ideal humidity level. Nevertheless, you can maintain 40-60% humidity at your place.
Or you can place your fiddle leaf fig plant in an area with high humidity. Like a bathroom or kitchen. Furthermore, fiddle leaf figs can be humidified using several methods. The best options for you are humidifiers, pebble trays, and grouping plants.
However, you should mist your plant whenever you notice it needs more humidity. Alternatively, if that doesn’t work, you can use other methods.
Be sure to pay attention to the pros and cons of misting your fiddle leaf fig plant before you mist it. Your fiddle leaf fig will flourish as long as you are aware of its humidity requirements.
So, how do you increase fiddle leaf fig humidity? Please leave a comment. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family!
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