So this past weekend was kinda a special anniversary for me–it’s officially been four months since I brought home my first fiddle leaf tree! And it’s STILL ALIVE, people. Yep, I’ve managed to successfully keep my fiddle leaf tree alive and well for four months now. I know that might not seem like a lot to some of you, but I consider myself to be majorly plant-challenged, as in I’m awful at keeping any kind of plant or flower alive for more than a few weeks. My track record is pretty pathetic. BUT miracles do happen my friends and somehow I figured out how to keep my beloved fiddle leaf tree alive despite a few bumps along the way. So today I thought it might be fun to share my best tips for how to take care of a fiddle leaf tree—-they’re not as easy as you’d think. I’m also sharing a few great faux options for those of you that might now want the work of a real tree!
First off let me tell you about my fiddle tree. I purchased this from Home Depot back in June for $88. I was tickled pink when I found it because I’ve always wanted a real fiddle tree in our home. It was pretty big when I bought it, so I knew this corner in our front room would be the perfect spot for it. Over these last four months it’s grown several inches and it just keeps going! I did have some issues with root rot early on, which is why there are a few brown spots, but I’ll chat more about how I fixed that problem below.
How To Take Care of a Fiddle Leaf Tree–My 5 Best Tips
- Don’t Over Water It: That’s the most important thing you need to know right off the bat. Fiddle trees only need to be watered once a week. I usually do about 4-5 cups of water once a week. You can also do fiddle tree fertilizer, but I haven’t tried that yet.
- Make Sure The Roots Can Drain: You definitely do not want soggy roots when it comes to a fiddle tree. I made this mistake for the first month I had mine and it developed a nasty case of root rot, which caused the leaves to get large brown spots. I fixed this situation by putting the pot on a small layer of rocks. This allows the roots to fully drain and dry out!
- Give It Light: When you bring your fiddle tree home, make sure you put it somewhere it can get plenty of natural light. Indirect sunlight is best. Also be sure not to put it in a drafty spot or anywhere near a vent. I’ve learned they don’t like any kind of cool or warm air blowing on them! And once you find a good spot, it’s best to leave it there if you can.
- Rotate That Tree: One important thing I realized within the first few weeks of bringing home my tree was that it needed to be rotated every now and then. If not, the tree will start to lean towards the light. That’s a good sign that is’s time to rotate it so all sides get plenty of light.
- Clean the Leaves: I know this might sound silly, but it’s important to dust your tree. Yep. You gotta do it. I like to wipe mine down once a week or so, usually while I’m watering it, just to help keep the leaves clean. I just a damp rag with luke warm water.
Here is how I have my fiddle tree set up for drainage:
Well I hope that helps if you’ve been wondering how to take care of a fiddle leaf tree. I’m definitely not an expert by any means, but I have learned a few things over the last four months! Also, if you also have a fiddle tree, be sure to let me know if you have any great tips or tricks. I’d love to hear it! xoxo
If you love the look of a fiddle tree but don’t want all the work, here’s 10 faux options that are great:
SHOP THE TREES:
Wish I would have known all this sooner 😢 I had received one for Mother’s Day from my son and future daughter in law , I read on it in my How not to kill your houseplants book but managed to kill it this past week. I think it should be named the finicky fiddle leaf fig 😉
Bummer!! You’re right though, they are pretty finicky!
Thank you for sharing your tips. I really want one now! And believe I can be a plant lady too lol!
Yes! If I can do it anyone can!
Thanks so much for sharing these super tips. I just bought mine last week and now have a much better chance of keeping it alive!!!
Thanks for these great tips. I just bought one at Kroger.
I haven’t had house plants for many years. They add such a nice touch of coziness. Hope it warms up for you.
Oh that’s awesome! Good luck with it Jeannie.
Good morning!
Your comments are “heaven sent “. I desperately needed to know this as I am losing what was a beautiful plant. Let’s see what happens.
Thank you!
Good luck!!
Please, I would like to be on your newsletter list; however, I can not locate the sign up location on your blog. Thanks
Hi there! I can add you to it 🙂
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! I just got one of these and was wondering about all the things. My leaves are dusty so I’ll get them washed soon! Thanks!
great, glad it was helpful Alexandra!
Thank you for passing along the helpful hints. We are renting while we build and I was going to purchase a real Fiddle. I think I’m going to wait so I won’t need to move it.
That’s probably a good plan, Kim!
Thank you for sharing your do and do not advice on having a Fiddle leaf tree. I would have to buy the faux kind. I definitely have a black thumb when it comes to anything planted in a pot.
haha I usually do too, which is why this is such a miracle!
Thanks for this post, Sarah. I bought one in August and need all the tips I can get. I don’t have the pot with the rocks, so I better do that soon.
Might want to give it a try Nikki, the drainage is pretty important.
Thank you for all the great tips. Fingers crossed and hoping I can save my tree. Appreciate the post and enjoy reading all your content.
thank you so much Sara!
I have not tried growing a fiddle tree but I have several other plants. Congratulations on keeping yours alive for 4 months. It looks beautiful in your living room.
haha thank you so much Nancy! Hopefully I can make it another 4 months 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I recently bought a fig leave tree off someone on marketplace. This lady bought it at an auction..it was probably 6 ft tall was in bad shape. I felt sorry for it. I cut it back and repotted it. She Had poor drainage. Moved it several times and it is finally doing great.no more dark spots or dead leaves. Love it
Wow, that’s awesome you were able to save it!
Thanks for the tips. I’m trying to save my recent purchase. This is my second try at growing one. Wish me luck and put me on your newsletter lists
Lynn
Good luck Lynn! And I’ll add you to the list now. xoxo
help – my leaves always seem to droop down?
also some of my leaves get brown at the steam of the leaf ?? help
Hmm I’m not sure exactly Carla, but you might want to try some fiddle leaf fertilizer. I think it can help with the droopy leaves and make them grow stronger. See it here: https://rstyle.me/+mge-9VWLJc_LIQbUfV8yJg
Thanks for the insights. This is my third one now for 2 weeks. Hopefully, with your insights, I can keep it alive.
Michael
good luck!!
What size pots did you use? Thanks!
Congratulations on keeping your plant alive! I love house plants. My mom always had them. I have two that are of 25 years old! But I don’t have one like yours. I especially love vines and palms. Check out some great indoor vines like the “Golden Pothos”. They are beautiful and easy.
i am trying to find curtains like yours..cannot locate them anywhere. Can you share where you purchased them and the prior ones as well with the flip top?
Those are bamboo shades from Select Blinds!
Where did you get the large basket that your fiddle leaf plant sits in>