Repotting a Fiddle Leaf Fig
There's always a long list of gardening chores to complete here at my Bedford, New York farm.
The fiddle leaf fig, Ficus lyrata, is a species of flowering plant in the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to western Africa, from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone, where it grows in lowland tropical rainforests. Named for its large, leathery, glossy green leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a very popular indoor houseplant, and when given plenty of light, and enough soil and room in its planter, it can grow quickly and beautifully for years. Yesterday, my head gardener tended to one that needed repotting.
Enjoy these photos.
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- This is my vegetable greenhouse. This structure is located near my Equipment Barn. It uses minimal artificial heat, where many cold hardy crops and other greens can be grown and harvested through the winter.
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- There are 16 wooden garden boxes in this greenhouse. They fit the entire length and width of the space. Right now, all my crops are growing outdoors in my large half-acre vegetable garden, but this greenhouse is well maintained off-season, so it is ready to plant in the fall.
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- In one corner is this fiddle leaf fig tree, which needs repotting. I have always been fond of these large ornamental specimens. This one is very healthy, so it grows quickly and needs a larger container.
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- The leaves of the fiddle leaf fig sprout only from the branches and can get quite large. They are also rigid with a leathery feel. As they grow, the leaves are covered by a protective papery bract that shrivels and dries once the leaf fully emerges.
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- Here is the underside of one leaf. Healthy leaves should show no signs of yellowing, browning, blemishes, or spots.
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- The fiddle leaf fig is a tropical tree closely related to other Ficus trees. Mature stems and the trunk have a thin woody bark.
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- Using a sharp knife, Ryan cuts off a couple inches from all sides of the root ball. This is very effective in the future development of a strong root system.
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- Ryan also gives the bottom of the root ball a good trim. These cuts stimulate new root growth. We do this with all our plants that are repotted – it’s called scarifying the roots, which helps them to get more air, water, and nutrients.
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- The hole at the bottom of the new pot is covered with a stone. I also use shards of broken pots. Doing this prevents soil from falling out as the water drains.
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- Ryan starts to fill the pot with an appropriate potting mix.
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- I use Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, which is good for a wide variety of container plants.
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- Always use fresh potting soil when transplanting as old potting mix tends to be soggy and depleted of nutrients. The pot is filled about a third of the way up.
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- Miracle-Gro Osmocote Plus is a slow-release plant food that can feed for up to six months.
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- The soil gets a sprinkling of Osmocote – small, round coated prills filled with nutrients.
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- Ryan trims off any dying or poor looking leaves.
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- And then places the tree into its new container. This fiddle leaf fig is easy to repot. With about two to three inches of space around the root ball, the new pot is the perfect size for this specimen.
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- Next, he ensures it is sitting at the proper height. The top of the root ball should sit about an inch below the rim of the container.
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- Next, he centers the tree and turns it, so its best side is facing out.
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- Once the tree is properly positioned, Ryan backfills the sides with more soil mix. The extra room at the top prevents soil from overflowing when watered.
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- Fiddle leaf figs grow below the forest canopy, so it should be placed where the tree will receive very bright, but indirect light all day. In proper conditions, it can grow to 10-feet tall when kept indoors as a houseplant.
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- Fiddle leaf fig trees prefer to dry out completely between waterings, and while they take a good deal of water to keep healthy, consistent moisture will drown it. Check the tree regularly and do not water if the top two-inches of soil are still moist from the previous watering.
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- This fiddle leaf fig will continue to thrive in this greenhouse, where it will be exposed to consistent temperatures, proper humidity, and minimal drafts.
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