Pruning Your Fiddle Leaf Fig in Winter: Tips for Success

With their huge, fiddle-shaped leaves and sculptural form, fiddle leaf fig trees (Ficus lyrata) make a striking statement in indoor spaces. While relatively easy-going as houseplants, they do require some occasional maintenance to keep them looking their best. One task is pruning, which helps promote bushy, healthy new growth. But when is the right time to prune a fiddle leaf fig? Let’s take a closer look at whether winter pruning is advisable.

An Overview of Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning

Pruning a fiddle leaf fig serves several useful purposes

• Removes dead or damaged growth
• Thins congested branches
• Shapes and contains size
• Encourages new growth and fullness

Light pruning throughout the year is fine to remove any dead or unsightly growth. But it’s best to limit major corrective pruning to late winter through early spring This allows the plant to put energy into new growth as the days start to lengthen.

Doing heavy pruning during the fall or winter months can stunt the plant, as light and warmth are minimal. The removed foliage would have helped provide energy for the plant through photosynthesis during darker months.

The Case for Winter Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning

While late winter or early spring pruning is ideal, you may still be wondering — is it okay to prune fiddle leaf figs in winter? There are a few factors to consider:

1. Winter Dormancy

Fiddle leaf figs go into a state of dormancy in winter when grown as houseplants. Growth naturally slows as light levels and temperatures drop.

This dormant period means the plant isn’t actively putting out much new growth. Pruning at this time removes fewer developing leaves and shoots than during the growing season.

2. Preparing for Spring Growth

Pruning in winter can set up the plant for renewed vigor in spring. Removing congested branches and shortening lanky stems allows for new buds to form.

The plant can then direct energy into the best placed leaf nodes when warmth and light increase. This leads to a flush of new spring growth.

3. Avoiding Sap Flow

Sap flow from cuts is less in winter than during active growth periods. Bleeding sap can be unsightly and sap dripping on leaves may promote fungus growth.

Pruning when sap flow is minimal reduces this nuisance factor. The cut branches will also be less vulnerable to infection.

4. Seeing Branch Structure

When the plant is leafless or nearly so in winter, it’s easier to assess branch structure. You can clearly see congested areas and problem spots to target with pruning.

How to Prune a Fiddle Leaf Fig in Winter

If you determine winter is a good time for your fiddle leaf fig pruning, follow these tips:

• Wait until January or February for best results.

• Review plant form and identify needed structural changes. Target crossing/rubbing branches and overly dense areas.

• Clean pruning tools with alcohol to prevent spreading disease. Make cuts just above leaf nodes at a 45 degree angle.

• Remove no more than 20% of total foliage to avoid shock. Always cut back to an outward facing bud or leaf node.

• Space out multiple large cuts rather than pruning everything at once. Allow 1-2 weeks between major prunes.

• Prune tall top growth to encourage fullness but avoid cutting main leader. Remove suckers sprouting low on trunk.

• Disinfect each cut after pruning with a diluted tree seal solution to prevent infection.

• Cease pruning once signs of new growth start in late winter/early spring to avoid removing developing shoots.

• Keep the plant slightly drier after pruning to aid healing. Resume normal watering once cuts callous over.

Potential Drawbacks of Winter Pruning

While winter pruning has its perks, there are also a few aspects to keep in mind:

• Reduced photosynthesis – The fewer leaves on the plant, the less energy it can generate from light. This can slow growth in an already slow time of year.

• Fewer nodes for new growth – You are removing potential budding sites until spring arrives. The plant will have less opportunity to leaf out.

• Slow healing of cuts – Callusing and wound closure is slower in winter when plant processes have slowed. This can allow more chance of infection.

• ** Shock or leaf drop** – Over-pruning can stress the plant, causing existing leaves to yellow and shed. Go slowly and avoid removing over 20% of foliage at a time.

Alternatives to Winter Pruning

If the drawbacks outweigh the benefits for your fiddle leaf fig, consider these winter care tips instead:

• Groom selectively – Remove only damaged leaves and branches. Save major pruning for late winter/early spring.

• Refresh potting mix – Repot in early spring to provide fresh growing medium as light increases.

• Clean leaves – Use a soft damp cloth to gently remove dust buildup from leaves. Don’t disturb dormant growth buds.

• Mist frequently – Increase humidity around the plant through winter months to keep leaves perky.

• Offer optimal conditions – Ensure the plant receives adequate water, humidity, temperatures and light through winter.

• Rotate plant – Turn the plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure to all sides.

With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig can sail through winter ready for vigorous growth in spring. Time winter pruning carefully if needed, and you’ll continue enjoying this wonderful houseplant.