Fiddle leaf figs thrive in warm, humid conditions. The cold, dry air of winter can be rough on these tropical trees. Adjusting your care practices is crucial to helping your fiddle leaf fig survive and stay healthy during the winter months. This guide covers everything you need to know to overwinter your fiddle leaf fig successfully.
Adjust the Location
Fiddle leaf figs prefer daytime temperatures between 65-75°F and nighttime lows above 50°F. Keep it in the warmest spot in your home during winter ideally with temperatures never dropping below 60°F.
Some tips for choosing the best winter location:
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Place near south or west facing windows for maximum light exposure as days get shorter.
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Avoid drafty areas like near vents or doors leading outside
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Move a few feet back from cold windows, which can drop temperatures.
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Keep away from heat vents that may blast dry air on the plant.
Monitor Watering
Fiddle leaf figs use less water in winter since growth slows. But low humidity can dry them out faster. Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top few inches feel dry.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes when you do water.
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Mist leaves occasionally to provide extra moisture.
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Consider using a humidifier nearby to maintain 40-50% humidity.
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If leaf tips brown, increase watering frequency. Yellowing lower leaves often indicate overwatering.
Adjust Fertilizer Routine
Fertilize half as often in winter, switching to every 6-8 weeks instead of every 3-4 weeks. And reduce the dosage to half strength. This prevents buildup in soil since the plant grows slower.
Prune Selectively
Limit pruning in winter. Only remove dead or damaged branches and leaves. Healthy fiddle leaf figs can withstand some leaf drop and sparse growth over winter.
Monitor for Pests
Dry air and reduced growth make fiddle leaf figs more susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs in winter. Check undersides of leaves regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
Increase Cleaning
Dust builds up faster on leaves in winter when growth is slower. Wipe leaves down every 2-3 weeks to maximize light exposure. Use a damp cloth and gentle cleaner made for houseplants.
Don’t Repot
Avoid repotting in winter when the plant is dormant and unable to recover quickly from transplant shock. Wait until just before active growth in spring.
With some simple adjustments to your care routine, you can help your fiddle leaf fig thrive through winter. Provide steady conditions and don’t allow extremes. Reduce water, fertilizer, and pruning. Check for pests frequently. And give it the brightest spot in your home during dreary winter months.
Troubleshooting Common Winter Problems
Here are some fixes for common fiddle leaf fig issues that arise during winter months:
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Leaf drop – Usually normal. Don’t overwater or move location.
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Leaf curling – Increase humidity. Move away from drafts or vents.
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Brown leaf tips – Water more frequently.
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Yellowing leaves – Check for overwatering and root rot.
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Leaf stippling – Treat for spider mites. Isolate plant.
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White powdery coating – Wipe leaves and treat with a fungicide.
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Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Rotate plant weekly.
FAQs About Caring for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Winter
How cold tolerant are fiddle leaf figs?
Fiddle leaf figs can tolerate overnight temperatures down to 50°F before suffering damage. Keep them above 60°F whenever possible though for best health.
Should I mist my fiddle leaf fig in winter?
Yes, misting is beneficial in winter to counteract dry air from heaters. Just don’t overdo it to the point of leaving leaves soggy or risking root rot from excess water accumulating in soil.
Should I fertilize less in winter?
Yes, slow your fertilizer schedule to every 6-8 weeks in winter at half strength dosage. This prevents buildup while still providing nutrients.
Why are some leaves turning yellow in winter?
Yellowing leaves in winter are usually caused by overwatering or prolonged exposure to drafty conditions. Check soil moisture and move away from cold windows or vents.
Can I prune or propagate my fiddle leaf fig in winter?
It’s best to limit pruning and propagating fiddle leaf figs over winter when they are dormant and growing slowly. Only prune damaged parts.
Preparing your fiddle leaf fig for winter and adjusting care will help it stay as healthy as possible through the colder months. Be attentive to its needs and don’t let up on your diligent care routine.
How to Water Fiddle Leaf Figs: Don’t Overwater!
It’s important that you allow your Fiddle-Leaf Fig to dry out a bit between waterings. This simulates the conditions of their native environment and will keep them happy. It may seem like a simple task, but people who have never had this plant before usually mess it up by giving it too much water. The plant will die quickly if you give it too much water. This can cause more serious problems like root rot. Overwatering can also make a plant a great place for pests like fungus gnats to live and weaken the roots, making them easier for pests to get into.
A good rule of thumb is to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig no more than once a week. Before you water, you should always check the soil. Your plant might not need as much water as you think.
Check out this complete guide on how to water a Fiddle Leaf Fig to make sure you’re doing it right, and think about using a moisture meter too!
Repot When Necessary
If you take good care of your Fiddle Leaf Fig, every few years its roots will grow too big for its pot. Regularly checking on houseplants is important. If you see roots sticking out of the bottom or sides of the Fiddle Leaf Fig’s pot, it’s time to repot it. If you want to repot your plant, do it in the spring or summer. Your plant won’t have enough energy in the winter to handle such a big change. And don’t forget to always use the appropriate potting soil!.
If the biggest planter you have room for your Fiddle Leaf Fig is already full, try adding more soil on top. All that you need to do is remove and replace the top four inches of the soil.
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