There is nothing more attractive than a tall and gorgeous fiddle fig. But do you know how big fiddle leaf figs get? How can you encourage your fiddle to grow faster and taller?
If your mind is rushing with these questions, don’t worry. In this article, I will answer all these questions. Also, I will share amazing tricks to grow fiddle plants taller. This will allow you to grow the perfect fiddle leaf fig you have always wanted.
How Big Does Fiddle Leaf Fig Get
Indoors, fiddle leaf figs grow to a height of about 10 feet and can reach up to 60 feet tall outdoors. However, a fiddle may grow much taller if there is plenty of light and high ceilings in the room, like an atrium or a tall sunroom.
Fiddle leaf figs also come in smaller varieties such as dwarf varieties and bambinos. Typically, these trees grow only 3-5 feet tall. At times, it’s difficult to guess what variety you are getting from a garden center.
How to make fiddle leaf fig grow taller
If you want your fiddle to grow tall and sturdy, mimic its natural environment as closely as possible. To achieve this, you will need to recreate the light, water, temperature, and humidity conditions your fiddle would experience in West African rainforests.
The good news is that this isn’t too difficult. With the right care, you can grow a tall, gorgeous fiddle indoors.
The best location for fiddle leaf to grow tall
The location of the tree is one of the most important aspects of raising a healthy, fast-growing fiddle.
Location will determine your tree’s light, temperature, and humidity conditions, which all play a huge role in its health and growth.
Additionally, fiddles do not enjoy being moved. Therefore, choose a suitable place for your fiddle.
Place Fiddle Leaf Figs in front of a window that receives direct morning or afternoon light. The best window you can find is one that faces east, west, or south with mostly unobstructed views.
For a happy fiddle, don’t hesitate to adjust the light, temperature, or humidity in that area.
Give your fiddle fig enough light
Fiddle leaf figs need lots of light to grow tall. Light is the source of energy for plants, and growing takes a lot of energy.
It is common for fiddles to enjoy full sun all day in the wild. So, if you place indoor fiddles in full sun, they will flourish. Just make sure you do this carefully so as not to burn them. A minimum of 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight is usually best for indoor fiddles.
It may be best to place your fiddle on an east-facing window. In this way, it will get some direct sunlight before 10 a.m, followed by indirect light all day.
West- or south-facing windows can also work well, especially if your fiddle can handle full sun.
When placing your fiddle near a south- or west-facing window, make sure it is far enough from the window. In this way, the leaves won’t be affected by the sun’s rays.
Depending on the time of the year and the size of the window, north-facing windows might be useful. However, most north-facing windows will not provide enough sunlight for optimal health and rapid growth.
But don’t worry, there are options for you! In case you don’t have enough natural sunlight, you can supplement with full-spectrum grow lights. You can use grow bulbs, they are so convenient!
A few quick golden light tips for the fiddle fig plant:
- Make sure to provide bright, long-lasting light, but avoid harsh direct light.
- A little direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon should be fine, but keep an eye out for leaf burn. A dry brown patch is a sign of leaf burn.
- If you want your fiddle leaf fig to get light from all directions, rotate it.
The Right Soil For Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
It is very important to choose soil for fiddle carefully, as it will have a huge impact on your watering.
Fiddles need fast-draining soil since they are not tolerant of “wet feet” and can develop root rot easily. Also, soil that dries out too quickly is not ideal. For the right amount of moisture retention, choose light, fast-draining soil.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil is the best soil for fiddles, but cactus soil can also be used. Suitable for fiddles, this light, chunky potting mix drains beautifully and retains moisture well. With its neutral pH, this soil can also provide your fiddle with a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Ideal Temperature and humidity range for fiddle leaf
Since you are growing a tropical plant, closely replicating the temperature and humidity of the plant’s natural habitat is crucial. Your fiddle will be happier if you replicate its native growing conditions as closely as possible.
Thus, it is ideal to keep the temperature between 65 and 85 F. Also, don’t let the temperature drop below 60 F. If your tree freezes, it will die.
Also, it may not be possible to achieve 70% humidity indoors. Nevertheless, 40-50% humidity should be fine. Additionally, it’s a good idea to set up a humidifier near your tree. Another option is to place smaller fiddles on a pebble tray to increase the ambient humidity in an arid climate.
As plants respire, they also raise humidity levels slightly, so grouping them can help. In kitchens and bathrooms, humidity levels are higher, so if you have the space and light, place your plant there.
Make sure you keep your fiddle away from drafts, heaters, and vents that may dry out, scorch, or freeze your leaves.
Ensure proper watering
Roots receive nutrients from the water. If you water your Fiddle Leaf Fig, make sure all parts of its soil are moist.
Also, it is important to avoid dry, dusty patches forming inside your planter, as these will kill the roots.
For fiddle plants that are small enough to be moved:
- Put your plant in a tight container or sink and soak it.
- Water the planter up to approximately 75% of its height. To ensure that the top and bottom meet, water the top.
For fiddle plants that are too big to be moved:
- Pour water so excess water drains out.
- Again, collect the excess water and pour it into the pot.
- Do it again.
- You can prevent a watering mess by placing a drip tray underneath the planter.
Golden tips for watering fiddle plants: Use a moisture meter to measure your soil’s moisture content. When your moisture meter reads 3-4, it’s time to water the fiddle plant!
You should water your plant every 7-14 days.
The best fertilizer to grow fiddle leaf fig taller
If you want your fiddle leaf fig to grow taller, fertilize it regularly after it is potted.
Consider a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, preferably one with a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio. Fiddle Leaf Fig Food is specifically formulated with a 3-1-2 ratio of N-P-K. Also, you don’t have to remember a fertilization schedule with this fertilizer since it’s easy to use.
If your fiddle is actively growing in spring, summer, or early fall, fertilize it every time you water it. When your fiddle is dormant in the winter, you can take a break.
Additionally, liquid fertilizers are better than slow-release sticks or pellets. Because it is easier to control how much the plant receives.
Pot size and repotting for big fiddle leaf fig plant
To grow fiddle leaf fig taller, your fiddle’s roots need room to grow. So, choose a pot 2-3 inches larger than the root ball.
The roots will have enough room to branch out and grow, supporting the growth of the fiddle. However, this size pot won’t hold too much water.
Every year, repot your fiddle leaf fig and move it up a pot size. By doing this, the tree will be able to keep growing and the soil will also be refreshed, which will allow for maximum nutrients and aeration.
Pruning and shaping fiddle fig tree
There are several reasons why you might want to prune your fiddle leaf fig.
When your fiddle tree is pruned, it can direct its energy toward growing new branches by removing dead, damaged, or diseased material. You can also shape your tree by pruning it.
Have you ever seen those iconic Instagram lollipop shapes? To achieve that shape, the lower leaves need to be pruned carefully as well as notched to promote branching.
Common problems that prevent fiddle fig to grow tall
Leaf drop
Fiddles can drop leaves as a sign that they are unhappy with their environment.
Check the soil to make sure it’s not too wet or too dry for your tree. If you notice brown or red spots on the leaves, you should also check for insects.
Additionally, dropping a lower leaf every so often is a healthy, natural process.
Yellow leaves on fiddle leaf fig
Having yellowing leaves on your fiddle can indicate overwatering, insufficient sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies.
To determine the cause, you should use the elimination process.
The first thing you should do is check the soil’s moisture level. When it’s wet long after watering, your soil may not drain well or your tree might need more light to use water efficiently. Moreover, inadequate light and overwatering are often linked!
Put your plant somewhere else or use a grow light if the light conditions are not bright enough.
In case light and water aren’t the cause, ask yourself when you last fertilized. Consider fertilizing if it has been a while.
Brown Leaf Tips
A brown leaf tip indicates that your plant needs more humidity or is not getting enough water. It may be that your plant is overwatered or even has root rot if it has dark brown spots on its leaves.
There is a possibility of low humidity or underwatering if the spots appear light brown and crispy.
Dark Patches or Spots on Fiddle Leaves
Leaves with dark spots are usually overwatered or infected. Despite the difficulties in telling the difference, both conditions receive the same treatment.
Make sure the tree receives plenty of light and goes easy on the water. Remove the diseased leaves with clean hands and sterilized tools.
To prevent further infection, use Root Supplement when you water. To remedy severe spots, repot the tree in a clean pot, using fresh, fast-draining soil. Moreover, pruning any rotting roots is a good idea.
Once that’s completed, put the tree in a bright place, let the soil dry out between waterings, and use Root Supplement.
Pests
Besides killing your fiddle’s leaves, insects can also stop them from growing.
Certain household pests can affect fiddles, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats. The best way to get rid of insects is either to rinse them off with a hose or a kitchen sprayer. You can also pick them off with your fingernails.
Treat the plant with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill any stragglers and prevent re-infestation. As the eggs hatch, you may need to use soap or neem oil several times.
A few questions about how big fiddle leaf figs grow
How Large Do Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Get?
The largest leaves of a standard fiddle can reach over a foot in length and almost a foot in width. A dwarf’s or bambino’s leaf might only measure six inches long. The larger the leaves on a mature fiddle tree, the healthier it is!
Is A Fiddle Leaf Fig Fast-Growing?
Fiddle-leaf figs grow rapidly. In a year, they can grow a foot or two.
When you don’t rotate your plant in a corner, that growth can quickly become uneven as it reaches for sunlight
How long does it take to grow a fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf figs grow about 1 foot per year. The growth rate of the tree will be slow for the first 2-3 years. Upon reaching 3 years of age, the tree will have the appearance of an ornamental tree. And in about 10-15 years, it will reach a mature height of 8 feet.
Why isn’t my fiddle leaf getting taller?
New fiddle leaf fig leaves are usually not growing due to their growing conditions. Poor soil, irregular watering, under-fertilization, pests, diseases, insufficient light, a lack of humidity, and stress can all affect the growth of a fiddle leaf.
Conclusion
The key to growing a big fiddle leaf fig is replicating its natural habitat. You can grow a fiddle leaf fig more than one foot per year if you mimic their actual growing conditions. With favorable growing conditions, your fiddle plant can look like an ornamental tree in 3 years.
Your fiddle fig needs sufficient light to grow taller. Thus, placing them in the south would be a good idea. You also need well-draining soil since it affects your watering schedule. Last but not least, fertilize your fiddle plant.
If you want your fiddle fig to grow tall, the best fertilizer is one rich in nitrogen.
That’s it. Using these tips, your Fiddle Leaf should grow big right before your eyes! There is no doubt that fiddle leaf fig plants need some care to thrive. However, the results will be endlessly rewarding. What is your secret to growing figs taller? Feel free to share your tips in the comment section below.
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