Department stores can be a tough place for a plant. The windows of most stores are blocked by racks of clothes or shelves of goods, and the lights are fluorescent. But there are a few plants that can survive—and even thrive—in these conditions. If you want tough indoor plants, look into how fiddle leaf figs can live in low light and add beauty to rooms that don’t get as much sun.
The fiddle leaf fig is famous for its large vibrant leaves that give it a distinctive tree-like appearance. But this tropical plant is very particular about sunlight. Low light situations can lead to sparse stunted growth. While fiddles prefer bright indirect light, they can adapt in low light with the right care.
This article covers everything you need to know about growing fiddle leaf figs in low light. With some adjustments these dramatic plants can thrive in less than ideal conditions.
Light Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Figs
In their native West Africa habitat, fiddle leaf figs grow beneath taller rainforest trees where they get dappled sunlight. This makes them adaptable to lower light indoors when given these optimal conditions:
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Indirect sunlight – Direct sun will scorch leaves. Filtered light is best.
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8-10 hours daily – Provide ample daylight from an east or north window. Supplement with grow lights.
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Bright, not dark – Low light is tolerable. Avoid dim spots with no daylight.
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No direct sun – A little early morning sun is okay. Afternoon sun will burn leaves.
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Light from two sides – Place plants within 6 ft. of windows on two adjacent walls for light from two directions.
With focused effort, it is possible to maintain a healthy fiddle leaf fig in low light situations.
Signs Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Needs More Light
Watch for these clues that your fiddle leaf fig isn’t getting enough brightness:
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Sparse leaf growth at the top and center of the plant
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Leaves growing far apart on branches
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Smaller leaf size
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Pale, light green leaves
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Leaves drooping or bending downward
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Slow growth
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Leaf drop
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Long bare stems with few leaves
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Spreading, leggy growth habit
Caring for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Light
With attentive care, a fiddle leaf fig can adapt to less than ideal lighting. Use these tips:
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Place in an east or north window for gentle, indirect light.
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Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
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Keep foliage dust-free to maximize available light.
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Use sheer curtains to filter and diffuse intense light.
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Supplement with a grow light 12-14 hours per day.
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Position lights very close to the plant’s top leaves.
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Keep the plant’s size proportional to the light – prune to reduce legginess.
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Water a bit less since growth will be slower.
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Mist frequently to boost humidity which helps in low light.
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Avoid other stresses like repotting, fertilizing, or drafts.
With focus on providing the brightest light possible, a fiddle leaf fig can do well despite less than ideal conditions.
Choosing the Best Grow Lights for Fiddle Leaf Figs
When natural light is limited, grow lights are a must for fiddle leaf figs. Look for these features when selecting grow lights:
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Full spectrum – Choose full spectrum bulbs that provide a balanced light for growth. Avoid pure red/blue grow lights.
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High wattage – Go with at least a 75 watt incandescent or a 25 watt LED bulb for sufficient brightness.
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Adjustable – Models that allow adjusting the height and angle of the light are most versatile.
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Timer – Use a timer to ensure lights are on 12-14 hours per day.
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Close proximity – Position lights just 3-6 inches above the top leaves for maximum light exposure.
High quality full spectrum grow lights tailored specifically to the needs of foliage houseplants will provide the supplemental light fiddle leaf figs need in low natural light environments.
Tips for Acclimating New Fiddle Leaf Figs to Low Light
When bringing home a new fiddle leaf fig, use these tips to help it adapt:
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transition the plant slowly over 2-3 weeks to avoid shock.
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start by placing it near a bright window and move gradually to the low light area.
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prune off any large leaves to reduce demands on the plant.
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mist frequently to boost humidity.
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avoid fertilizing until new growth emerges.
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wait several weeks until you see new growth before repotting.
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monitor soil moisture closely and water thoroughly when needed.
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be prepared for some leaf drop as the plant adjusts.
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once acclimated, start fertilizing every 2-3 months to encourage new growth.
With time and gradual transition, your new fiddle leaf fig can thrive in low light.
Key Takeaways for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Light
Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, filtered light but can adapt to less than ideal conditions with attentive care:
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Provide the brightest indirect light possible from north or east windows.
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Supplement with grow lights 12-14 hours per day.
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Position lights very close to the top of the plant.
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Rotate the plant and prune to maintain an even shape.
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Water a bit less and mist frequently to compensate for lower light.
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Transition new plants slowly over several weeks.
By taking steps to optimize the light a fiddle leaf fig receives, you can help this tropical plant adapt and thrive in low light indoor situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Light
If you’re considering getting a fiddle leaf fig for a low light spot, here are some common questions:
How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?
Fiddles do best with 8-10 hours of bright filtered sunlight or supplemental grow lighting per day. Some morning or late afternoon direct sun is tolerated.
Can a fiddle leaf fig grow in low light?
Yes, fiddle leaf figs can tolerate low light with careful acclimation and steps to optimize light conditions like sheer curtains, rotation, and grow lights.
Where should I put my fiddle leaf fig in low light?
Place fiddle leaf figs near an east or north window in low light situations to provide gentle indirect sunlight without intense afternoon sun.
Should I get a fiddle leaf fig for a dim corner?
Avoid placing fiddles in dark corners with no windows or daylight. They need some natural or ambient light to supplement grow lights.
How close should a grow light be to a fiddle leaf fig?
Position grow lights very close, just 3-6 inches above the top leaves to maximize light exposure for the plant.
With strategic placement, grow lights, and attentive care, the iconic fiddle leaf fig can brighten up rooms even with lower light.
Can a Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow Without Light?
A fiddle leaf fig can grow even without light, but it won’t do well unless you give it a lot of artificial light. Most fiddle leaf figs need at least 6 to 8 hours of indirect sunlight every day to stay healthy. Since that’s hard to get in a department store, most stores that keep plants alive have tricks they use to make sure their plants are happy.
Fiddle Leaf Figs Survive in Low-Light Department Stores. How Does This Work?
Sometimes, department stores put Fiddle Leaf Figs in the middle of the floor, where they can’t get any natural light. To keep the trees alive, they do a few things. Fiddle leaf figs survive in low-light environments, showcasing their adaptability to various indoor settings.
Large department stores usually only use fluorescent lights. These lights aren’t the best for interior design, but they’re perfect for plants that need medium to low light. These are key to having fiddle leaf figs survive in low-light. For this reason, having a Fiddle Leaf Fig in a store with lots of fluorescent lights is a great idea!
Fluorescent lights are great for growing plants because they give off certain light waves that help the plants grow. Blue light waves from fluorescent lights are great for plants that have a lot of leaves but not many flowers.
Many stores choose to rent their plants from a company, and they usually find great success in keeping fresh greenery in the store without worrying too much about keeping one plant alive. These plant care companies generally bring one plant or tree to the store, come back to care for it (watering and fertilizing), and then take the plant back to their nursery after a couple of months and let it recover from the low-light condition if it’s needed.
After taking out the first plant, the company will usually send a second one to the department store. The store will take care of the second plant the same way until it’s time to replace it again. This rotation can go on for as long as the store wants live plants.
