Unlike other plants that can tolerate both low light and bright light environments (looking at you, monsteras!), the fiddle-leaf fig will have none of that. It needs to be put in a spot that has a lot of bright, indirect light. It also needs a few hours of direct sunlight every day.
Can fig trees live in low light?
The Ficus lyrata, or fiddle-leaf fig, is highly tolerant of low-light conditions and can handle average or above-average office temperatures. Fiddle-leaf figs are gorgeous, with huge, dark green glossy leaves.
How many hours of light does a fig tree need?
7 to 8 hours
Fig trees need a sunny spot in your yard that classifies as receiving full sun to partial shade. Fruit trees need as much sun as they can possibly soak in to produce the greatest amount of fruit; a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sun exposure is recommended.
How much light does a fig tree need indoors?
Fig plants need the equivalent of 6+ hours of direct sunlight [DLI of 18+ mol/m²/day] to grow their best. In order to provide an equivalent amount with a grow light, it needs to be pretty bright! The 24W Sansi bulb should be placed 6 inches away from the top of the plant.
What kind of light does a fig tree need?
Too Much Light
“Fiddle leaf figs need lots of indirect light and some direct sun,” he says. “Afternoon sun from a south- or west-facing window will be too strong.” So remember, just like the nourishing rays that filter down from the jungle’s dense canopy, your fig needs good sun in your home, too.
Can a fig tree grow in shade?
While fig trees can tolerate partial shade, you’ll have the best results if the trees are placed in full sun. Container trees should be taken outside tosit in the sun during the warmer months, and placed by a large, sunny window otherwise. In the winter, cover your tree with burlap to protect it from frost.
How do you keep a fig tree alive indoors?
In summary, the best thing you can do to help your fiddle-leaf fig tree survive is to leave it be to recover, slowly, on its own. Give it indirect sunlight, water once a week, and warm temperatures (it will appreciate a room temperature that’s from 60 to 90 degrees).
What conditions do fig trees like?
Figs thrive in any soil with good drainage, they’ll be happiest in free-draining and moisture-retentive soil in the sunniest position possible. A warm and bright location is vital because the fruit needs warm sun to ripen. Tradition has it that a fig tree should be planted in a Gladstone bag.
Do fig trees require a lot of water?
Figs don’t like wet feet, so don’t water too often. Allow the tree to dry a bit between watering. Remember to water slowly and deeply; just don’t overwater. Every 10 days to 2 weeks is sufficient.
What fruit trees do not need full sun?
Serviceberry, blueberry, huckleberry, gooseberry, and currant thrive in filtered sunlight. Hardy kiwi vines thrive in low light as well; just be sure to plant both male and female vines. Alpine strawberries, too, produce abundant yields in dappled shade.
Do fig trees grow well in pots?
Figs prefer organically rich soil that is consistently moist and well-drained. The best option for container growing is a quality soilless potting mix. Potting mixes are specifically made for growing potted plants, are lightweight, retain moisture and supply plenty of air space around the roots.
How do you care for a potted fig tree in the winter?
The tree will want to go into dormancy and will look unhealthy all winter long. Once all of the leaves have fallen off the fig tree, place the tree in a cool, dry place. Often, people will place the tree in an attached garage, a basement or even closets indoors. Water your dormant fig tree once a month.
Why are the leaves on my fig tree turning brown?
The most common cause of brown leaves on a fiddle leaf fig is due to a fungal infection from the roots sitting in too much moisture. Over-watering and poor drainage causes root rot, which spreads from the roots to the leaves of your plant.
Why are the leaves on my fig tree turning yellow?
Your Fig tree leaves may turn yellow for several reasons, such as inadequate water supply, nutrient deficiency, transplant shock, or pest attack. The lack or excess of water can be stressful for your plant. It gives the leaves a poor appearance and health.
How big does a fig tree get?
15 to 30 ft tall
They can grow into large trees or shrubs from 15 to 30 ft tall, but severe pruning can restrict them to a manageable height because they tend to grow wider than taller. Figs can be cultivated as edible shade trees, summertime screens, and espaliered or container-grown specimens.
Do fig trees lose their leaves?
Fig trees are deciduous, dropping their leaves in late fall and leafing out again in early spring. Fruits are dark brown to purple and pear-shaped. Fruits can be eaten fresh off the tree, dried, or processed.
How long does it take a fig tree to bear fruit?
Typically, a fig tree will not fruit until it reaches two years old, but it can take some trees as long as six years to reach the right maturity. There is nothing you can do to speed up the rate a tree matures at. Time and patience are the only fixes for this.
How long do fig trees live?
200 years
Growing period
The fruiting cycle is 120-150 days. Some varieties produce one crop per year, others two. Trees have been known to live as long as 200 years.
How quickly do fig trees grow?
Fig trees grow at a slow but steady rate of 12 inches (30 cm) per year up to a height of 30 feet tall (9 meters). As a general rule of thumb, you’ll never see a common fig tree grow faster than this without fertilizer aid. However, you generally don’t want to speed up the growth process.
Are fig trees hard to keep alive?
The good news is, even if it feels impossible, even if you struggle with the easiest, most low-maintenance plants out there, you can keep a fiddle leaf fig alive. You just need to know what you’re doing, but once you do, it’ll be fine. Take a deep breath, grab your watering can, and get ready to learn.
What temperature can a fig tree tolerate?
15° to 20°F
The plants are deciduous, going dormant over the winter in all but the warmest parts of North America. Fig trees tolerate more cold than many people realize. Mature, dormant plants can survive temperatures as low as 15° to 20°F—sometimes even colder—without damage.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.