Would you like your fiddle leaf fig to grow from small to jumbo? They’ll be happy staying in a small pot, but if you want them to reach their full size, you will need to move them to a bigger planter so they can spread out and fill out.
My fiddle leaf turned out this way, and I’ve written down every step you need to take along with the “why” behind each one. In time, your own fiddle leaf will start to show results through new growth and lovely glossy green leaves if you do the same.
Before we start, here are a few reasonably priced options if you need your first fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) or want to put together a group of FLFs in a big planter (I love them potted in groups of three):
SHOP THE LOOK Thorsens Greenhouse Fiddle Leaf Fig, Amazon Costa Farms Fiddle Leaf Fig, Amazon Fiddle Leaf Fig, Amazon
The gorgeous, iconic fiddle leaf fig tree is a popular houseplant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves. Properly potting your fiddle leaf fig is key to keeping it thriving and helping it grow to its full potential inside your home. When selecting a container for your ficus lyrata, it’s important to find the ideal size and material to support healthy root growth.
Follow these tips to pick the perfect pot for your fiddle leaf fig tree:
Choose the Right Pot Size
When repotting a fiddle leaf fig, go up just 1 to 2 inches in diameter from its current nursery pot These plants like being slightly root bound, so don’t choose a container that’s excessively large A pot that’s over 6 inches bigger can lead to issues with soil staying too wet.
A good rule of thumb is to select a new pot that’s about 3 to 4 inches wider than the current one This allows some room for additional root expansion and growth The new pot should also be an inch or two taller. However, avoid going more than 2 inches up in size at each repotting.
Look for Porous Materials
The best pots for fiddle leaf figs are those made of porous materials like terracotta or concrete. These breathable containers allow air to penetrate through the sides, helping soil dry out faster between waterings.
Plastic pots do not offer this benefit. With poor drainage, wet soil can cause root rot in a fiddle leaf fig. Terracotta and concrete pots prevent moisture from collecting at the roots.
Add Drainage Holes
Ensure any pot you select has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. A fiddle leaf fig needs a container that allows excess water to flow out readily. Stagnant water leads to root damage and leaf drop.
If your chosen pot does not have built-in drainage holes, you can drill holes yourself using an electric drill before potting your plant. Adding rocks or pebbles at the bottom does not improve drainage.
Use a Drainage Tray
Place a drainage tray under the pot to protect your floors from spilled water and provide humidity to your plant. Choose a tray made of plastic or glazed ceramic that will hold water.
Place pebbles, corks or pot feet between the pot and tray to prevent the pot from sitting in excess water. Use a tray with a rim to contain the water and pebbles.
Choose Neutral Colors
Opt for terra cotta, concrete or other pots in neutral shades of brown, tan, gray or white. Neutral colored pots allow the beautiful foliage of the fiddle leaf fig to take center stage in your home.
Avoid brightly colored plastic pots. Vibrant shades will distract from the large, gorgeous leaves that are the whole point of this statement plant!
Pick the Right Shape
Select a pot with a wider base that tapers gently inwards toward the top. This shape visually complements the broad leaves of a fiddle leaf fig. A tapered form also offers greater stability as the plant grows taller.
Round, squarish or cylindrical pots work well. Avoid heavy and overly decorative pots that appear top heavy or overwhelm the simple elegance of the fiddle leaf fig.
Consider Display Potential
Picture where and how you will showcase your fiddle leaf fig when choosing a pot. Shorter pots let the leaves take center stage while taller styles showcase the height.
Smaller pots highlight giant leaves on juvenile plants. Larger containers hold mature plants with tall trunks. Corner-friendly triangular pots maximize display space.
Pick Practical Indoor Size
Make sure to choose a pot size and shape that works with your indoor space. The container should not crowd or overwhelm the area where your fiddle leaf fig will live.
Measure the space to ensure an appropriately sized pot. Very large floor pots can pose challenges indoors and are best for outdoor use.
Invest in Quality Materials
With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig can live for decades. Splurge on a high quality pot that will stand the test of time. Look for sturdy construction and durability.
Avoid thin, flimsy plastic pots prone to cracking and breaking. Heavier, thicker materials are best for stability as the plant grows.
By following these guidelines, you’re sure to find the perfect pot to keep your fiddle leaf fig happy and healthy! Choose a container with proper drainage, breathable material and the right size. With a pot that fits your plant and decor, your ficus lyrata will thrive for years to come.
Choosing the right container size
One of the most common questions when repotting any plant is what size planter to use. When I interned in a botanical conservatory, the strategy was to repot so the plant didn’t need to be transplanted again for at least 2 years. Predicting two years growth though isn’t easy, especially if you aren’t a botany PhD.
Most of the time, I see that the pot should only be 1-2 inches bigger than its current size, or 2-3 inches bigger for bigger pots. This isn’t good because it doesn’t take into account the plant’s size and only barely takes into account its current pot size. It’s more of a one-size-fits-all approach vs. a “sizing up the current plant situation” approach, so to speak.
Case in point – my fiddle leaf fig. It badly needed transplanting. My fiddle leaf, which I affectionately call Mrs. Because she grew so quickly, Figg (Harry Potter reference) was in a pot that was too small for her. If I had only raised her two or three inches, it wouldn’t have helped much.
In the more than year I had her, she had grown very quickly. The 8-inch pot was always drying out, and the tree would sometimes fall over because it was too heavy at the top.
My fiddle leaf fig had more than doubled in size in about 16 months. This was how it looked even after pruning 16” to propagate it. It dried out quickly and would sometimes fall over.
Plant to pot ratio – a visual guide
When deciding what size pot to put your fiddle leaf in, the size of the plant and the size of the pot are both taken into account.
Visually, a rule of thumb is for the pot to be 1/3 the size of the plant. (Or, for a plant that spreads out or trails, the pot should be two thirds the size of the plant.) ).
That is, a plant with 12″ tall shoots would look good in a 6″ pot. That makes the height of the plant from pot bottom to plant top 18″.
Please note that this is just a suggestion. It might not work for a tall tree-like plant or a new transplant that you want to grow more. But I do think it’s valuable for the following:
a) It indicates for when it’s time to transplant into a bigger pot
b) You can see when a pot is too big for a plant, which could cause the plant to stay too wet for too long.
One guideline for choosing a planter size is to use the design rule of thirds. The plant and pot will look good together if the plant is about two thirds or one third the size of the pot. Graphic | Greenhouse Studio.
1. Put your fiddle leaf in a planter that is big enough to give it room to grow and looks good (or will look good after it grows a bit). ).
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Choose a planter that visually balances the size of the plant while providing some room to grow. I sized up my Fiddle Leaf Fig from an 8” pot to a 15 gallon container. As you can see, it could have gone even bigger.
Best Pot For Fiddle Leaf Fig: Top 6 Reviews in 2023
FAQ
Do fiddle leaf figs need a deep pot?
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