When and where to plant
Fiddle Leaf Figs require a sturdy pot and premium quality soil mix for planting indoors, where they thrive in warm temperatures and bright, indirect light.
Rotate the plant every fortnight to ensure all sides receive the same volume of sunlight.
The plant becomes quite large and heavy, so re-pot your Fiddle Leaf every two years to promote new growth.
For external growth, the Fiddle Leaf plant should be bedded into moist, humus-rich soil with good drainage in a tropical environment that receives good sunlight, preferably eastern-facing.
Fiddle Leaf Fig careIn terms or fruit, mature Fiddle Leaf trees develop elongated green figs which are often hidden beneath the sizeable leaves of the plant.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is tolerant of drought and dry conditions. To prevent rotting, allow the soil or potting mix to dry thoroughly between each watering.
In spring, Bunnings recommend using a controlled-release fertiliser; during the summer season, switch to a water-soluble fertiliser.
When it comes to pruning your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant, the tip should be removed regularly to promote optimum growth rate.
Some gardeners also remove the lower leaves to train the plant to grow in a certain direction.
Remove yellowing leaves near the branch as soon as they begin to discolour.
Fiddle Leaf Fig propagation
Fiddle Leaf Figs are relatively easy to propagate with cuttings snipped in spring or early summer.
Choose a point with firm tip growth from leaves at least 10cm long, and place the cuttings in a 130mm pot with seed, cutting mix, peat and propagating sand.
Dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone, place into a propagator and position in a sunlit spot with partial shade.
Cuttings should take root between six and eight weeks after potting.
In tropical regions, fresh fig seeds can be planted directly into the soil in spring or early summer.
Common Fiddle Leaf Fig mistakes
Overwatering is the most common problem when it comes to Fiddle Leaf Fig care. A sign of excessive watering is wilting, dropping leaves and widespread yellow discolouration.
Remedy the problem by moving the plant to a brighter location with stronger sunlight and reduce the frequency of watering while you nurse it back to full health.
But transport with care - the Fiddle Leaf is a notoriously temperamental plant which easily loses its leaves if moved roughly or too quickly.
To increase humidity where a plant appears dehydrated, lightly mist the leaves with a spray bottle to avoid overwatering.
Control common garden pests and insects with a gentle pesticide spritzed directly onto the leaves.