Urban life is getting more and more boring and tiring. Wouldn’t you agree? Staying indoors for long sometimes even makes me sick too. That’s why I think indoor planting can be a great way of relieving yourself from boredom and mental fatigue.
So, I’d like to introduce you to a favorite plant of mine. Fiddle Leaf Figs!! It’s a super cute plant that you can easily nurture inside your room. But now the question arises, how do you give it proper soil? Or, do Fiddle Leaf Figs like acidic soil?”.
Well, don’t ya worry a bit. We just brought a comprehensive guide on how you should plant this plant and which type of soil you should give it. So, let’s not talk anymore and get some education below.
Which Type Of Soil Is Perfect For Fiddle Leaf Figs? [Guide To The Correct Amount Of Acidity]
Before you choose a soil type for your Fiddle Leaf Figs, you should know that this plant is originally from Western Africa. Although it gets really large (up to 40 to 50 ft in height) in its native environment.
But in North America, the plant only grows about 10 to 20 ft high. Furthermore, in a house condition, these only grow up to 10 ft.
Now, if you want this plant to grow to its full potential, you will have to provide the exact pH level as its native land. In Western Africa, the soil pH tends to be between 6 to 7 (slightly acidic, but not too much).
So, it’s safe to say that Fiddle Leaf Figs like a bit of acidic soil. But, over-acidity in your soil can also lead to your plant’s demise.
You might ask, “why do Fiddle Leaf Figs like acidic soil?”. It’s because the optimum amount of nutrients are fully present only in the soil that is slightly acidic. So, if you plant your Fiddle Leaf Figs in alkaline soil, you will see various defects occurring such as yellow leaves, etc.
But, no worries. You can decrease or increase your soil’s pH level according to your will. To increase the soil’s pH level (to make it more alkaline-based), you can add limestone powder to it.
On the other hand, if you want to decrease the pH (increase the acidity), you can mix a bit of sulfur in the soil.
Can I Use Coffee To Prepare The Soil For My Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Some people have used coffee to increase the soil’s pH level and have been successful in growing healthy Fiddle Leaf Figs. So, you can use coffee to prepare the soil for your plants too.
Usually, coffee contains a bit of acidity. The range of acidity in coffee is usually between 5.3 to 6.8. So, depending on how much coffee and which type of coffee you mix into the soil, your soil acidity will vary.
So, you’ll have to be careful not to make the soil too acidic. Why? It’s because Acidity of pH level lower than 6 will probably kill your Fiddle Leaf Figs.
You should also know that coffee contains a good amount of nitrogen. Nitrogen is always liked by plants. But, coffee does not have elements like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Therefore, you have got to keep the mixing of coffee at moderate levels. Also, to fully take advantage of the coffee, the watering amount has to be perfect too.
What You’ve Been Missing
What Plants Don’t Like Epsom Salt
Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic To Cats
How To Choose The Right Type Of Fiddle Leaf Figs?
In order to have a great result in the Fiddle Leaf Figs plantation, you will need a good specimen to begin with. Since this plant can be found in local shops everywhere, people tend to make mistakes and choose a random specimen to plant.
But, you need to understand that a diseased specimen will never be able to grow into a full-fledged plant that will actually enhance the aesthetic of your home. To recognize a healthy plant specimen, check if the leaves are completely green and free from blemishes.
Furthermore, you should also turn your attention to the shape and size of the plant specimen as well. A healthy fiddle leaf fig plant will be lush green, big and strong. I mean, there’s no need for you to choose a small-sized specimen if you can find a larger-sized one.
You had better check the stems of a plan as well. There should be signs of new sprouting in its stem. If you indeed notice small signs of new growth in the plant, you can rest assured that it will one day drive into a full-fledged plant.
Moreover, the bugs can also damage a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant in its infancy. That’s why you need to check if the leaves of the specimen are decayed by bug bites or not. If you can indeed locate even a single sign of a bug bite decay, you should not choose that specimen for your home plantation.
How To Properly Take Care Of Fiddle Leaf Figs?
As you may already know, Fiddle Leaf Figs are the type of plant that needs to be taken care of just like a child. You need to water the plant regularly and keep it away from direct sunlight.
If the UV ray in the sunlight hits the leaves for long, it can damage the plant for good. That’s why we recommend using filters to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the leaves.
Curiously enough, over time, you’ll see the plant growing towards the sunlight. So, you’ll have to turn the plants away from the sunlight once every week. If the plant gets an even volumetric amount of sunlight from all sides, it can easily grow into a well-shaped tree someday.
Also, sometimes excess amounts of dust particles block the breathing of the leaves. As a result, the plants get fatigued and dehydrated. So, in order to expect healthy growth, ensure that the plant is not burdened with extra dust or dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of light do I need to apply to my Fiddle Leaf Figs?
The usual duration of sunlight that one needs to apply to a fiddle leaf fig plant is 6+ hours. Since it’s a plant that actually originated from Africa, you can practically leave it in the sun for longer than 6-7 hours. But, you should never give it any lesser duration of sunlight.
How much temperature is optimum for Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Usually, 60° to 75° f is the most optimum temperature for growing Fiddle Leaf Figs. Since this plant is accustomed to surviving in a temperate region, you won’t see it growing to its full potential in a temperature below 50° f.
Do Fiddle Leaf Figs go dormant in winter?
Yes. Due to a steep decrease in atmospheric temperature in winter seasons, the Fiddle Leaf Figs go into a dormant state for 3 to 4 months. If you can still see a dark green color in its leaves, you have to understand that it’s not dead, rather it’s in a dormant state.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all there’s to it, people. Now that you’ve got a skinny on “do fiddle leaf figs like acidic soil?”.
To sum it all up, you’ll have to employ all your nurturing abilities at work to maintain a few Fiddle Leaf Figs in your home. As these plants are quite sensitive to moisture, disease, and sunlight, you have to keep careful watch over them on a daily basis.
However, if you correctly utilize the insights we have provided in the above discussion, you should have no problem growing a bunch of these trees in your balcony perfectly. Anyway, we hope you have a wonderful time with your Fiddle Leaf Figs. Have a nice day, thanks!!!