No doubt indoor space is enriched with beauty when fiddle leaf figs are present. However, what if I told you that you can move your fiddle leaf fig outside?
There is no doubt that you can bring your indoor fiddle leaf fig outside. All you have to do is take care of a few conditions like watering, lighting, and temperature. It is because the conditions inside differ from the outside. As we know, fiddle leaf figs do not like changes to their care. Nevertheless, your fig plant can thrive outdoors if you gradually adapt it to outdoor conditions.
Therefore, I am going to discuss every aspect regarding fiddle leaf figs outdoors in order for your plant to have the same beauty as yours indoors.
Now, let’s explore outdoor fiddle leaf figs in depth.
Can I put my fiddle leaf fig outdoors
Yes, of course! You can put your fiddle leaf fig outdoors. However, you should provide your fig plant with the same tropical or semi-tropical conditions they find in their natural habitat.
Fiddle leaf figs need a lot of light, enough water, the right temperature and humidity levels, and the perfect balance of nutrients. I will discuss these care requirements in detail in the later part of the article. First, let’s look at how to move your indoor fig outside.
How to move indoor fiddle leaf fig outdoor
It can be challenging to move an indoor fiddle leaf fig. Moreover, for outdoor figs to thrive, they need special conditions. So, consider the following factors before moving indoor fiddle leaves, either temporarily or permanently.
1. Change Watering Schedule
Fiddle leaf figs’ watering needs vary greatly when they are outside. Also, their summer needs differ from their winter needs. Therefore, change your watering schedule after moving your fiddle leaf out.
2. Keep the temperature warm
Temperatures vary much more outside than inside. Hence, prior to moving your fig outside, make sure it is warm enough during the day and night.
3. Provide enough light
In the rainforest, fiddle leaf figs grow in the shade of more gigantic trees. Due to their tolerance of low light levels, they make excellent houseplants. However, they prefer full sun to partial shade.
Also, having grown indoors, it will not be a good idea to transplant the fiddle leaf fig into full sun. Moreover, sudden changes in light levels may shock the plant.
So, when relocating your fiddle leaf fig outside, consider how much light it will receive during the day.
4. Choose the right place
Choosing the right place for your fiddle leaf fig is important. Let it rest for a while after moving it. They dislike being dragged about a lot.
How to care for fiddle leaf fig outdoors
Location plays an important role in the growth of an outdoor fig plant. Also, you will need to pay attention to water frequency, temperature tolerance, pest control, and more. Below I will describe how to care for a fiddle leaf fig outdoors in detail.
What is the best place to plant fiddle leaf figs outside?
It’s best to place your fiddle leaf fig under a shade to avoid direct sunlight. However, if you have a big tree or a wall beside your house, you can place the fiddle leaf fig underneath it.
Additionally, during the day, the south-facing side of the plant receives the maximum amount of sunlight, which is helpful for indoor plants, but not if you intend to place it outdoors since you don’t want it to get intense sunlight.
In order to make things easier for you, look for the following qualities when choosing a spot to plant your fiddle leaf fig outside:
- A spot that is protected from the wind. As breeze may be too drying for fiddle leaf figs since they prefer humid conditions. It is also easy for strong winds to damage their branches.
- To grow, they need bright light. Hence, choose a spot that receives enough bright light.
- Direct sunlight can damage plants. Therefore, provide a sunshade for midday.
- Keeping a fiddle leaf fig potted in a sunny spot for optimum fig growth.
How often should I water outdoor fig plant
Water requirements don’t always remain the same, so it’s difficult to decide an exact amount. Also, there will be changes in water requirements as the weather changes.
Therefore, it is essential to check the soil regularly to determine if you need to water your fiddle leaf fig. When the soil feels cold and dry, you water your plant, but if the soil is still moist and wet, you wait to water it.
Additionally, you shouldn’t water your plants when the soil is already wet, as this can cause root rot and fungal growth.
Also, read When, How Much, and How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig
How much light do outdoor fig plants need
Fiddle leaf figs are generally happy with medium bright sunlight as houseplants. Every day, they need at least 6-8 hours of bright light.
If you move it outside, make sure the lighting is not too harsh. If you don’t want direct sunlight to reach it, you can cover it.
Fiddle leaf figs do not adapt well to direct sunlight. Sunlight that is too harsh, especially in the afternoon, can scorch the leaves of the plant and cause it to dry out.
Additionally, if you are moving the plant outdoors for the first time, consider placing it under shade such as a tree or canopy.
Choosing soil for outdoor fig
All you need is well-draining soil for fiddle leaf fig. Also, a pH range of 6-7 is ideal for growing fiddle leaf figs. For testing the pH of soil samples, you can purchase a test kit or use baking soda and vinegar.
Add sulfur, compost, or manure to your soil if its pH level is too alkaline. You can add lime to your soil if it is too acidic.
The best fertilizer for outdoor fiddle leaf fig
It is best to fertilize fiddle leaf fig plants with organic liquid plant food. Also, make sure the product has a 3:1:2 NPK ratio.
To learn more about fiddle leaf fig fertilizer click here.
The best time to feed your outdoor fiddle leaf is during the spring and summer. At that time it needs all of the nutrients it needs to thrive. However, if you live in a cool climate, don’t fertilize your outdoor fiddle leaf figs during the fall and winter.
Moreover, it will grow faster and more significantly if you apply compost once a year or if your garden soil is rich and healthy.
How much temperature fiddle leaf fig can tolerate
Figs cannot survive frost or temperatures below 50°F. When temperatures consistently exceed 60°F, you can start transitioning a fiddle leaf fig outdoors.
As far as heat goes, fiddle leaf figs are quite hardy. Temperatures above 95°F trigger heat stress in them. As a result, their leaves droop, turn yellow or brown, and fall off.
It is best to grow fiddle leaf figs between 65 and 85°F. Even at 60°F, they can cope.
Fig trees that are large, mature, and have been planted for a long time can survive outside temperatures between 15°F and 20°F during winter.
Learn in detail Fiddle Leaf Fig Temperature Tolerance (Tips and Care)
Pruning outdoor fiddle leaf fig
To maintain the desired size and shape, outdoor fiddle leaf figs need to be pruned. Also, outdoor fiddle leaf figs grow faster than indoor ones, so pruning is more frequent.
By pruning your fiddle leaf fig, you will keep it looking good and encourage new growth. Taking off the main growing tip and removing the old, dead leaves will encourage the plant to produce more branches and bushes.
The best time to prune a fiddle leaf fig is in the spring. If you are pruning a fiddle leaf fig, use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears. Don’t let the latex from the fig get on your hands, wear gloves!
From the stem, cut the leaves at a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind that if you chop off more than five to 10 leaves at once, fiddle leaf figs can go into shock.
If you want to prevent your fiddle leaf fig from becoming too tall, cut off the top of the central growth stalk. Cut off the top bud to encourage new top growth.
When to re-pot outdoor fig plant
Fiddle leaf figs should be repotted every year outdoors. Ideally, they should be moved into a pot that is a bit wider than their current pot. However, no more than 2 inches.
Outside, fiddle leaf figs grow faster than inside, since they get more light. As a result, they need to be repotted more often.
The fiddle leaf fig is a fast-growing plant. As their leaves grow, their roots grow as well. Additionally, it is possible for them to develop problems if they become root bound.
Therefore, a fiddle leaf fig should be replanted every so often to prevent becoming root-bound.
Also, check Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig – When, Why, and How to Re-pot while repotting fiddle leaf fig.
Common problems in fiddle leaf fig
Just like an indoor fiddle leaf fig, an outdoor fiddle can succumb to pests and diseases. While commercial insecticides can help, I will share some all-natural prevention options as well!
Watch out for these pests and diseases:
Spider mites:
The little pests feed on your fiddle’s leaves by sucking sap juices. On the leaves, look for tiny brown dots.
Treatment:
The best way to prevent them is to plant chrysanthemums in your yard.
It is one of the most common pests to attack your plants. Therefore, do check Spider Mites Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Treat!
Aphids:
This insect eats fiddle leaves as well. Be on the lookout for small holes, honeydew, yellowing, and wilting in the leaves.
Treatment:
Ladybugs can help control aphid populations.
Powdery mildew:
The disease is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation between the leaves.
Treatment:
Powdery mildew can be treated effectively with baking soda. Mix baking soda with water. Only spray plants thoroughly, as the solution will kill only the fungi it comes into contact with. Another home remedy is milk spray.
Bacterial infection:
Airborne pathogens and insects can cause this.
Treatment:
Remove any medium-brown spots you see on the leaves to prevent the spread. Try giving your potted tree a little more light if it is in the shade.
In addition to this, there are other problems as well. Do check out 19 Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Problems and How to Deal with Them
How to protect outdoor fig in winter
You shouldn’t need much additional protection for your fiddle if you live in zones 9-11. All you need to watch out for are unusually cold temperatures.
However, when temperatures drop below 50 ℉ at night, there are a few things you can do. You can bring your fiddle plant inside if it is in a pot outdoors. If your fiddle is in the ground, you can cover it with plastic if it’s small enough.
The best thing you can do for a big tree in unseasonably cold weather is to provide water and nutrients when needed. By doing so, the tree will be able to cope with rough conditions temporarily.
A quick care guide for outdoor figs
Here is a quick guide to caring for outdoor fiddle leaf figs. You can ensure your fiddle leaf fig’s outdoor survival by following the instructions below.
A new pot should be provided with a fresh soil mixture for transplanting the fiddle leaf fig.
Move the plant outdoors for only 3-4 hours a day at first. Moreover, don’t expose them to direct sunlight. Bring the plants inside before dusk by placing them under some shade. Every other day, increase the duration by a few hours.
For a week, follow this schedule and monitor the plant’s health. During the week after planting, place them under a shade for a few hours each morning and evening. Keep following this schedule for another week and see what happens to your plant. Leave the fiddle leaf fig outside if everything seems okay.
After putting the fiddle leaf fig outside, water your plant every two to three days to ensure it stays healthy. Provide enough fertilizer to help the fiddle leaf fig grow outdoors. Once a month, spray neem oil or pesticide to keep bugs away. Lastly, on bad weather days, be extra cautious.
Can I move fiddle leaf fig outdoors in the summer
It is absolutely fine to move your potted fiddle leaf fig tree outside during the warmer months. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure the plant is in a sheltered location without wind or heavy rain buffeting it.
Also, with temperature fluctuations, Fiddle Leaf Figs drop leaves with still air and hot or cool drafts. They will grow back if they drop a few leaves during the move.
Let it adjust to the sunlight for a while. If moved straight into direct sunlight, the leaves may burn and fall off as a result of the indirect light. After it adjusts to the outside light, you can give it more sunshine as it adapts to a shady spot.
How to transplant fiddle leaf fig outside
You can transplant your fiddle leaf fig tree outdoors if your climate is appropriate.
To start with, you must know what temperature it requires. There shouldn’t be a temperature below 50°F at night, and a temperature above 95°F during the day for a fiddle leaf fig tree.
It also needs a humid environment. Consequently, it’s hard to find an ideal location in the US, since many of our humid climates get too cold or too hot.
In a sheltered spot where it gets good filtered sunlight and near-ideal temperatures, you can transplant away.
Slowly transition your plant. After a week or two, gradually expose it to more sunlight. Give it proper nutrition and soil in its new location. When it doesn’t rain, water it a couple of times a week to keep it from drying out.
When can I bring my outdoor fiddle leaf inside
It is best to grow fiddle leaf figs in a warm climate. As a result, they will thrive during the summer, spring, and early fall months.
Cold weather and low temperatures are not ideal for fiddle leaf figs.
It is therefore best to bring the plant inside before winter arrives, which means by late fall. If not, the cold drafts and low temperatures will harm it.
Few Questions on fiddle leaf fig outdoors
Q1. Should I rotate the outdoor fig plant?
Ans. Yes, you should rotate outdoor fiddle leaf fig. Light-filled, bright areas are ideal for fiddle leaf figs. However, if they do not receive even sunlight, they will grow and leaf out lopsided. It’s therefore a great idea to rotate your fiddle leaf figs. Give your house plant a 1/4 or 1/2 turn every two weeks to help it grow evenly. Your tree will end up being beautiful and full this way.
Q2. Can outdoor fig tolerate full sun?
Ans. If your fiddle leaf figs were in partial shade or filtered sunlight, you will need to acclimate them to full sun. In order to achieve this, gradually increase your exposure to sunlight each day. Place their pot or container in more and more sunlight. As long as they are allowed to adjust, they can handle 6-8 hours of full sun per day.
Q3. When can I put the fiddle leaf fig outside?
Ans. When fig trees are dormant in the spring or fall, plant them outdoors. To improve drainage, grow container fig trees in a soil-based potting mix with fine bark chips. And in the summer, make sure the tree gets enough sun.
Q4. Do fiddle leaf figs do better inside or outside?
Ans. Fiddle leaf figs do better indoors since it is easier to control the environment. Yet, this does not mean that fiddle leaf figs cannot live outside. In the right conditions, a fiddle leaf fig can flourish outdoors and even outgrow its indoor counterparts.
Q5. Can fiddle leaf figs survive in the rain?
Ans. Yes, of course. As a native of the rainy jungles of Africa, the fiddle leaf fig is used to being wet. Because of this, it can tolerate being in the rain and loves watering. But to avoid root rot, it’s important to ensure that your plant’s roots can drain well.
Also, the fiddle leaf fig may not need watering as often if your area receives a lot of rainfall. Nevertheless, it’s still important to check the soil frequently to make sure it’s not too wet or dry. If you overwater your fiddle leaf fig, you can cause root rot, while if you underwater it, you will cause the leaves to dry out and fall off.
Conclusion
Whether you are raising a fiddle leaf fig outdoors or indoors, many of the same rules apply! If your climate is right, an outdoor fiddle may require little maintenance.
However, a perfect spot for growing your fiddle leaf fig outdoors is essential. Under the canopy of other trees, the fiddle leaf fig grows in its natural environment. Therefore, it prefers direct, bright sunlight.
Moreover, cold drafts and harsh sunlight should be avoided when growing fiddle leaf figs. If the weather is bad, you should move the plant inside.
Depending on the season, rain or dew will moisten the dirt. A dry climate will require you to water your fiddle leaf fig more frequently than a humid one.
In order to increase the size of your fiddle leaf fig outside, you can add compost or organic matter to the soil. You can also help your fiddle leaf fig grow larger by fertilizing it with a balanced fertilizer.
Lastly, to keep the pests away, you can spray neem oil on the plants and water them appropriately.
So, what questions do you have? Feel free to ask in the below comment section. Also, Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.
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