Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil and Care

The fiddle leaf fig tree (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant with beautiful, broad, violin-shaped leaves. 

One of the perfect plants for large indoor spaces, they have a bad rep of being high-maintenance and quite finicky. 

But with the right soil and care, you’ll have a thriving Ficus lyrata with stunning foliage. 

Follow our plant care tips to grow fiddle leaf fig plants easily:

1. Use the Best Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants

Fiddle leaf soil should be well-balanced.

The ideal soil to grow fiddle leaf fig should have:

• Plenty of nutrients: Your fiddle leaf fig tree needs nutrients for new growth. Ensure your potting soil contains enough organic matter to serve as fiddle leaf fig food.
• Good drainage: Choose fast-draining soil to prevent root rot. Also, use a pot with a proper drainage hole.
• Sufficient water retention: The soil should retain enough moisture for your fiddle leaf fig plant to absorb.
• Strong structure: A fiddle leaf fig plant needs soil additives (like biochar/bark) that anchor its roots.
• Aeration: Fiddle leaf fig potting soil shouldn’t compact over time. Good aeration keeps the soil fluffy and promotes water drainage.

Hot Tip: Soil additives like biochar, pine bark, and orchid bark improve soil drainage, aeration, and water retention.  

Avoid these types of soil mixes: 

• Succulent soil (cactus soil)
• DIY mixes containing peat moss (can compact)
• Regular potting soil containing dirt (available at gardening stores) 

Instead, use Rosy’s potting soil blend. 

It’s well-balanced and eco-friendly, making it the best soil for growing fiddle leaf figs.

2. Spot Fiddle Leaf Fig Issues

Is your fiddle leaf indoor plant being dramatic?

Growing fiddle leaf figs can be tricky for beginners. 

Here are some common fiddle leaf problems (and how to address them):

• Leaf drop with brown spots: Fallen leaves with brown spot markings can indicate root rot. Repot your fiddle leaf with fresh soil and ensure proper drainage.
• Yellowing leaves: Yellow leaves could indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient organic matter.  
• Wrinkled leaves: Leaf wrinkling usually indicates overwatering. Stick to watering these indoor plants only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry (use a stick/your finger to check).
• Stagnant growth: Use fertilizer once a month during a fiddle leaf fig’s growing season (spring and summer).

Note: Older or lower leaves may naturally turn yellow or fall off over time. 

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Repotting 

Use these tips when repotting your fiddle leaf houseplant: 

• Repot your fiddle fig in its growing season — every 1-2 years or when the root ball grows dense. 
• Choose a new pot that’s 2/3 the size of your plant.

Hot Tip: To stop your fiddle fig tree from growing larger, trim off up to 20% of the root ball and replant it in the same pot with new soil.