It is important to know what can affect your fiddle leaf fig. Learn more about seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig.
This time of year, the seasons are changing in most places. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you’re well into autumn. If you’re in the southern hemisphere, you’re enjoying spring and heading into summer!.
While the changing of the seasons is fun, they can also bring about changes in the environment that can be tricky if you aren’t aware of them.
Fiddle leaf fig owners around the world are suddenly dealing with plants that are either too wet or too dry, or leaves that are dying or turning black, even though nothing has changed in how they take care of their plants.
Everyone knows that fiddles like things to be the same, but this is one time when that might not be a good thing.
There are a lot of things that can change about how much water a fiddle needs, and those things tend to change as the seasons light and temperature change. (Which is frustrating, because those temperature and light changes can cause issues all by themselves. ).
Seasonal changes can hurt your fiddle leaf fig. You should be aware of the following seasonal changes and what they can mean for your fiddle:
The fiddle leaf fig is known for its large, vibrant leaves and tall, tree-like stature. But this tropical plant can be sensitive to low temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters or keep your fiddle leaf fig outdoors, low temps can damage its leaves and slow growth.
With some preparation and adjustments to care, you can help your fiddle leaf fig thrive even when the mercury dips. This article will cover everything you need to know about growing fiddles in low temperatures.
Ideal Temperature Range for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs prefer warm conditions. They originate in tropical West Africa so they grow best with
- Daytime temps: 65°F to 80°F
- Nighttime temps: 55°F to 70°F
Temperatures lower than 50°F can injure leaves or stunt growth. During winter or in cold climates, extra steps are needed to keep the plant warm.
Outdoor fiddle leaf figs in zones 10-11 can stay outside year-round. In cooler zones, they should come inside or be sheltered when it’s cold. Indoor fiddles may need protection from drafty areas.
Signs of Cold Damage in Fiddle Leaf Figs
How can you tell if low temps are affecting your fiddle leaf fig? Watch for these signs:
- Black or brown spots on leaves
- Curled, shriveled leaves
- Slow growth
- Leaf drop
- Brown leaf tips/edges
- Wilting or drooping
- Damaged stems and new growth
If you notice these issues, the temperature around the plant may be too cold. Taking quick action can prevent further damage.
Causes of Cold Damage
There are a few ways that chillier weather can harm your fiddle leaf fig:
Drafty Areas
Cold drafts from open doors, windows, or vents can freeze your fiddle leaf fig. Avoid placing your plant in drafty spots.
Low Nighttime Temperatures
While fiddles can handle cooler days, nighttime temps dipping below 50°F can damage leaves. Move plants indoors at night.
Sudden Temperature Drops
A sudden cold snap or plunge in temperature can shock and injure your plant. Help fiddles gradually acclimate to avoid stress.
Outdoor Conditions
Fiddles left outdoors overnight or unprotected from cold winds can experience leaf burn and dieback. Bring them inside when it gets cold.
How to Care for Fiddle Leaf Figs in Cold Conditions
If temperatures start dropping, take these steps to protect your fiddle leaf fig:
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Gradually transition indoors – If moving a fiddle inside, do it gradually over 7-10 days so it can adjust.
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Provide warmth – Keep indoor fiddles away from drafty areas and maintain indoor temps above 55°F.
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Give winter sunlight – Ensure fiddles get several hours of direct sun in a south-facing window during winter.
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Use a grow light – Supplement natural light with a grow light 12-14 hours per day.
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Mist frequently – Low humidity can dehydrate leaves. Mist 1-2 times per day.
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Water less – Allow soil to dry out more between waterings since plants grow slower.
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Insulate pots – Wrap pots in burlap or foam insulation to retain warmth in the soil.
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Use a heated mat – Place pots on a heated propagation mat set to 70°F.
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Monitor for pests – Check often for pests like spider mites that thrive in dry air.
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Avoid repotting – Repotting in winter can shock the plant. Wait until spring.
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Check for drafts – Keep fiddles away from drafty windows, doors, vents, and space heaters.
With a little preparation, your fiddle leaf fig can thrive beautifully even when temperatures drop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning Fiddles Indoors
As fall approaches, follow these tips to help outdoor fiddle leaf figs adjust to indoor life:
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Begin acclimating the plant in early fall – Gradually move the pot to a shadier area in September.
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Prune leaves – Remove any large, damaged leaves and prune to reduce transpiration.
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Check for pests – Inspect closely and treat any infestations before bringing indoors.
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Give the plant a thorough watering – Water deeply before moving to ensure enough moisture.
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Select an ideal indoor spot – Choose a warm spot near a sunny south-facing window.
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Move the plant inside – Transition indoors over 7-10 days. Start by keeping it inside for just 1-2 hours.
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Help it acclimate – Slowly increase the time indoors over the course of a week or two.
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Provide supplemental lighting – Use a grow light to make up for lost sunlight in winter.
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Mist frequently – Mist the leaves daily to provide needed humidity.
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Monitor watering – Water a bit less since plants grow slower. Check soil moisture often.
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Watch for leaf drop – Expect some leaf drop as the plant adapts. Damaged leaves will regrow.
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Don’t repot or fertilize – Avoid these stresses until spring when growth resumes.
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Check temps – Ensure temps stay above 55°F. Address any drafty or cold areas.
With attentive care, your fiddle leaf fig will transition back indoors and stay healthy through the colder months.
How to Revive a Fiddle Leaf Fig After Cold Damage
If your fiddle leaf fig has already sustained damage from low temperatures, take these steps:
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Remove any shriveled or black leaves to prevent rotting.
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Move the plant to a warm spot (65°F to 80°F) with indirect sunlight.
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Water thoroughly and mist frequently to hydrate damaged tissue.
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Avoid repotting or fertilizing until you see new growth.
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Keep dry leaves pruned so energy goes to recovery.
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Ensure no drafts or vents blow on the plant.
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Use a humidifier or pebble tray to provide needed humidity.
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Wait for signs of new growth to resume fertilizing.
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Monitor watering carefully and adjust to avoid stress.
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Be patient! It can take weeks or months to rebound from cold damage.
With attentive care and optimum conditions, damaged leaves should be replaced with new healthy growth.
Key Takeaways on Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Temperatures
Caring for a fiddle leaf fig when it’s cold outside requires preparation:
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Keep temps above 55°F at night for healthy growth.
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Watch for curled, spotted leaves as signs of cold damage.
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Provide ample warmth, humidity, and light during winter months.
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Move outdoor plants inside before fall temperatures drop.
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Help indoor plants gradually acclimate to avoid shock.
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Prevent drafts and sudden temperature changes.
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Adjust watering to suit the plant’s slower winter growth.
Take the needed steps to protect your fiddle leaf fig from cold snaps and low wintertime temperatures. With attentive care, it will thrive indoors and resume energetic growth each spring.
Common Questions about Fiddle Leaf Figs in Low Temperatures
If you’re concerned about dropping temps and your fiddle leaf fig, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How cold is too cold for a fiddle leaf fig tree?
Temperatures below 50°F can damage a fiddle leaf fig. Keep them above 55°F for healthy growth.
Should I bring my outdoor fiddle leaf fig inside for winter?
Yes, in any area with cold winters, bring fiddle leaf figs inside before nightly temperatures drop below 50°F.
What happens if a fiddle leaf fig gets too cold?
Low temps can cause leaf damage, slow growth, leaf drop, and branch dieback. Prevent cold exposure.
How can I keep my fiddle leaf fig warm in winter?
Provide ample warmth by keeping it away from drafts, maintaining temps above 55°F, and using grow lights.
What temperature do fiddle leaf figs prefer?
Fiddles thrive in warm conditions between 65°F and 80°F during the day and 55°F to 70°F at night.
Can a fiddle leaf fig survive 40 degree temperatures?
Temperatures near 40°F can severely damage or kill a fiddle leaf fig. Keep the plant warmer for a healthy fig tree.
With preparation and attentive care, your fiddle leaf fig can stay happy and healthy even when the weather outside is frightful. Protect those big leaves from cold damage by following the tips above.
Seasonal Changes That Can Hurt Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
It’s no secret that fiddle leaf figs like light. This can be hard to keep up with in the fall, when the days get shorter and the light we do get is often less bright or straight down.
As the seasons change, so does the sun’s position in the sky. This means that a fiddle that was happy in a certain window all summer could get burned in the fall if the sun moves to shine directly on it or if the light levels drop and the plant doesn’t get enough.
Be mindful of the quality of light in your fiddle’s window. If you see that the sun is shining directly in the window, you might need to move the plant. This happens most often with windows facing south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere.
Watch your plant for signs that it’s not getting enough light if the sun moves away from a window.
If this sounds like it’s the case, you might want to add a grow light during the winter.
One of the most noticeable seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig is shifting temperatures.
In the spring, temperatures get warmer and fiddles are usually happy. The hardest part is when the weather gets cooler in the fall. Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants that like it warm at night, no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have outdoor fiddles, you’ll need to bring them in at night once temperatures drop.
If you live in a cold area, the temperature inside your home may drop in the fall and winter as well. This may make your fiddle need less water, so keep a close eye on how wet the soil is. Cut back on how much water you give your fiddle if you notice that the soil is taking longer than usual to dry out. Water it at the same time every day.
While we’re talking about temperature, let’s talk about one of ficus lyrata’s LEAST favorite things: drafts. This is another one of the seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig.
Even if your home is typically mild, watch out for drafty doors and windows that are close to your tree. If you open and close a door a lot of times or sit by a cold window all day, the cold air will freeze your fiddle and turn the leaves black.
You should move your fiddle somewhere else if it spends most of the year by the door. Your fig tree may need to be moved or the window may need to be weather-sealed if it’s drafty.
This is one of the sneakiest seasonal changes that can hurt your fiddle leaf fig.
We turn on the air conditioning or heat in our homes to feel better when the weather changes. If the vents are far enough away from your plant, these things can also help your fig feel better.
But a vent nearby sends out very dry air that can crack your fiddle’s leaves because they are too dry.
If your fiddle is near a vent or space heater, it’s time to find it a better place.
