TThis little guy is a survivor. For years I’ve struggled to keep fiddle leaf figs alive — in fact, of the four I’ve owned previously, none made it. I even shared one of those sad fiddle leaf sagas years ago, and it didn’t pull through. So it feels almost miraculous that this one is still thriving.
Except…THIS GUY.
He had a rough start after we moved into our new house. I left him outside for several weeks during the summer heat and many leaves browned and crisped. After a few months of settling him into his new spot and giving him consistent care, he recovered and began looking healthy again.
And then he started to grow — a lot. That’s the main reason I’m writing today. I need advice for a thriving fiddle leaf fig. This is not an SOS about a dying plant; it’s about what to do with one that keeps getting bigger and bigger.
His branches — or trunks, or “arms” — have begun to bend under the weight of very large leaves. Some of the new leaves are over 16 inches across and are absolutely beautiful. Because his leaves and limb span have grown so wide, I’m wondering if there are steps I should be taking to support his health and form (beyond moving lamps and furniture so he has room to spread).
I’ve been reluctant to prune or repot because I worry about upsetting him. I water weekly and he seems content — green and thriving — so my instinct has been to let things be. He’s not especially tall; instead, he’s gotten considerably wider in all directions.
He’s planted in a relatively small pot and I can see some roots at the surface — they’ve looked that way for a while. I’m weighing whether to repot him into a slightly larger container with fresh soil, or to leave him alone since he appears healthy. Repotting could encourage further growth, while staying put might keep his current balance.
Should I use this period of robust health to repot and prune? If I prune, will those long branches simply grow back the same way? The newer leaves are so attractive that I hesitate to cut back the plant to older, less attractive foliage and then wait for it to regrow. I also worry about causing transplant shock or otherwise harming him.
HELP!
If you have experience with a fast-growing fiddle leaf and can offer practical advice, I’d be very grateful. 🙂
Room Sources:
Round wood pedestal table (drop-leaf)
Cable-knit wool rug (on sale)
Metal barrel plant pot
Chalk paint fireplace makeover details
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