The Fiddle Leaf Fig has taken the interior decorating scene by storm in recent years. With its imposing height, large glossy leaves, and striking silhouette, it’s not hard to see why people are going crazy for this plant. However, these beauties can be notoriously tricky to care for, and getting the light requirements right is essential for their survival. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Fiddle leaf fig light requirements and how to ensure that your plant thrives.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that the fiddle leaf fig is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of West Africa. This means that they thrive in bright, filtered light similar to what they would receive in their natural habitat. Ideally, your plant should receive bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day. This can be achieved by placing it near a window that doesn’t get direct sunlight or by using a sheer curtain to filter the light. However, keep in mind that too much bright direct sunlight can damage the leaves, cause wilting or yellowing.
Secondly, rooms with high ceilings or large windows tend to have more natural light, which may be too bright for the fiddle leaf fig, causing burns or browning of the leaves. If your plant is in a room with such conditions, move it to a shadier spot or provide it with some shade using a sheer curtain. If you do have south-facing windows, you can always use netting mats to filter the light and prevent direct sunlight. The best practice is just to monitor your plant and adjust its location to ensure it remains healthy.
Thirdly, the intensity of sunlight changes throughout the course of the day. In the morning, the light is softer, and so your plant will benefit from a more elevated position in the room such as the northern side of the house. In the afternoon, the light is more intense, and so it’s best to move your plant away from the window or use a curtain to filter the light. You can also rotate your plant regularly to ensure that all sides receive adequate light coverage.
Fourthly, if you do live in an area with low light availability, you can supplement the light conditions by using artificial lights such as grow light bulbs. Grow lights are available in different spectrums such as white light and blue-red light that mimic natural sunlight and offer the optimal light conditions for your fiddle leaf fig to thrive. If you decide to use grow lights, position them 6-12 inches away from the top of the plant and keep them on for around 12 hours a day.
Lastly, as your plant grows taller, you may notice that the lower leaves begin to wilt and yellow. This is because the upper leaves block the light from reaching the lower leaves, causing them to slowly die off. Therefore, it’s important to prune your plant regularly to promote new growth and ensure adequate light penetration.
Conclusion:
Having a healthy fiddle leaf fig plant is all about getting the basics right, and light is one of the essential needs. In conclusion, to ensure that your plant thrives and displays its characteristic stunning leaves, ensure that it receives bright, filtered light for at least six hours a day, avoid harsh direct sunlight, rotate your plant, and ensure adequate pruning. With these tips in mind, your plant will be thriving and flourishing in no time. Happy plant parenting!
