Putting a fiddle leaf fig or any other plant in the right soil is one of the most important things you can do to keep it healthy. Using the right fiddle leaf fig soil recipe can make a huge difference in how healthy and beautiful your plant looks.
Now, different people will tell you different things about what kind of soil to use for fiddle leaf figs.
Before we came up with the best soil for these plants, I always mixed indoor potting mix and cactus soil 50/50. I’ve also seen lots of people get great results from cactus soil alone.
The most important thing is to find a mix that doesn’t hold water because fiddle leaf figs don’t like it.
This leads to yellowing and even root rot, and it also increases the risk of insect infestation.
The ideal soil for fiddle leaf figs should drain well, keep the nutrients needed for healthy leaf growth and root structure, and keep a pH level of 6 or higher.
After years of testing and tweaking, we finally landed on the ideal fiddle leaf fig soil recipe!
You can buy our premixed version, Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil, or make your own!
Fiddle leaf figs are stunning houseplants that can grow over 10 feet tall in the right conditions. With large, vibrant green leaves, these tropical plants make a dramatic statement in any indoor space. However, caring for a fiddle leaf fig requires paying special attention to things like water, light, humidity and soil.
Using the right potting mix is key to keeping your fiddle leaf fig healthy and thriving. While you may think of cactus soil as very fast-draining and suited for desert plants, it can also work well for fiddle leaf figs when mixed properly
Below is a complete guide to using cactus soil for fiddle leaf figs You’ll learn
- The benefits of cactus soil for fiddle leaf figs
- Potential downsides and what to watch out for
- How to amend cactus soil to create the ideal fiddle leaf fig potting mix
- When and how to repot your plant into cactus soil
- Ongoing care tips when using cactus soil
Why Choose Cactus Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Cactus and succulent soil mixes drain quickly. This is great for fiddle leaf figs because these tropical plants are prone to root rot if their soil stays wet for too long.
Excess moisture around the roots can lead to fungal diseases that damage or kill the plant Cactus soil allows any excess water to pass through quickly after watering
Some key benefits of using cactus soil for fiddle leaf figs include:
- Excellent drainage to prevent overwatering
- Light and airy texture that allows oxygen to reach the roots
- Resists compaction over time
Cactus soil also tends to be very affordable and easy to find. Most home improvement stores carry cactus/succulent potting mixes for just a few dollars per bag.
Potential Downsides of Cactus Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
While fast drainage is beneficial, cactus soil can sometimes drain too quickly for fiddle leaf figs. These tropical plants still require moist (but not soggy) soil.
Cactus mixes also tend to be very lightweight and lack the nutrients that fiddle leaf figs need to grow. Some potential issues include:
- Soil drying out too rapidly
- Need to water more frequently
- Lack of nutrients resulting in yellow leaves or slow growth
Fortunately, these downsides are easy to remedy by amending cactus soil to create the perfect potting mix.
How to Amend Cactus Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
With a few simple tweaks, basic cactus soil can become an ideal growing medium for fiddle leaf figs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bag of cactus/succulent potting soil
- Compost, worm castings, or organic potting soil
- Bark, orchid bark, perlite or horticultural charcoal
Follow these steps:
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Start with a quality bagged cactus or succulent potting mix as your base soil. Avoid cheap brands as they won’t drain as well.
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Mix in 1 part compost, worm castings or organic potting soil. This adds nutrients and organic matter.
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Add 1 part bark chips, orchid bark, perlite or horticultural charcoal. This helps aerate the soil and improve drainage.
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Thoroughly mix the ingredients together in a large container.
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Use this amended soil mix when potting or repotting your fiddle leaf fig.
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Optional – sprinkle a thin layer of bark chips on top of the potted soil to help retain moisture.
The ideal amended cactus soil will contain about 1/3 cactus mix, 1/3 organic matter, and 1/3 aeration amendments. This creates the perfect blend of moisture retention, drainage and nutrients for healthy fiddle leaf figs.
When to Repot Fiddle Leaf Figs into Cactus Soil
The best time to repot a fiddle leaf fig is during the warm spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Repotting stresses the plant, so avoid doing it when growth is stalled in fall/winter.
Signs it’s time to repot into cactus soil include:
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes
- Root-bound with circling roots visible at the top of the pot
- Soil drying out very rapidly
- Slow growth or yellowing leaves
If the plant is still small, repot into a container one or two inches larger in diameter. For larger fiddle leaf figs, only go up 2-4 inches to prevent the plant from focusing energy on root growth.
How to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig into Cactus Soil
Follow these simple steps for repotting:
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Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with amended cactus soil.
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Gently remove the fig from its old pot and loosen any circling roots.
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Place the root ball into the new container. The base of the plant should sit just above the soil.
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Fill in around the roots with more amended cactus soil. Pack it down gently to support the plant.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom after repotting.
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Keep the plant out of direct sun for a week while it recovers.
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Resume normal care once new growth appears.
Caring for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Cactus Soil
Cactus soil will change your watering schedule and fertilizer needs. Follow these tips:
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Check soil moisture daily. Water when the top 1-2″ is dry.
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Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom of the pot. Never let it dry out completely.
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Add compost/worm castings to refresh nutrients every 6-12 months.
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced fertilizer.
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Consider top dressing with bark chips or moss to retain moisture.
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Mist the leaves daily for added humidity.
Switching to a fast-draining cactus soil can bring a struggling fiddle leaf fig back to life. But you need to stay vigilant with watering and fertilizing. Get to know your plant’s needs and care for it accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cactus Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Is regular potting soil bad for fiddle leaf figs?
Regular potting soil retains too much moisture for fiddle leaf figs. It often becomes waterlogged, leading to root rot over time. A soil mix that drains quickly is much better.
Can I use 100% cactus soil or do I need to amend it?
Pure cactus soil may not retain enough moisture and nutrients for fiddle leaf figs. Amending it with compost and bark improves the soil structure.
How often should I fertilize fiddle leaf figs in cactus soil?
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Slow release fertilizer can be used to provide nutrients over 3-4 months.
What ratio of cactus soil to amendments should I use?
A good starting mix is 1/3 cactus soil, 1/3 compost or worm castings, and 1/3 bark chips or perlite. Adjust to suit your individual plant.
Can I mix my own cactus soil instead of buying it?
Absolutely! DIY cactus mix using materials like coco coir, perlite, bark and sand can save money. Just test drainage before using.
Enjoy Your Fiddle Leaf Fig in Cactus Soil!
With the right amendments, cactus and succulent soil can be transformed into an ideal growing medium for fiddle leaf figs. A fast draining soil prevents overwatering issues, while added organic matter provides nutrients.
Pay close attention to your plant after switching to cactus soil. Tweak your watering schedule and fertilizer routine based on how it responds. With a little trial and error, you can create the perfect soil environment for a thriving fiddle leaf fig!
Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil and Potting Tips
It’s important to choose the right pot and repot often, but having the right soil is a good start.
Make sure to pot your fiddle leaf fig in a pot that’s no larger than 2-3 inches bigger than the root ball. They like to be snug in their pots. It’s also vital that your pot has drainage holes, or your fiddle will develop root rot in no time.
If you fall in love with a decorative pot with no drainage, no problem.
Simply pot your plant in a smaller pot with drainage and place it inside the decorative pot. Just take off the plant’s inner pot when you water it so the water can drain in the sink, tub, or outside.
Our Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil Recipe:
Coconut Fiber – 25.0%