If you’re a fiddle leaf fig lover, then you know that keeping your beloved Ficus Lyrata happy means lots of love and attention. But sometimes, even the most devoted caretakers are caught off guard when they find their fiddle leaf fig growing leaves at the bottom!
After all, it can be hard to wrap your head around why this is happening – especially since we often think of leaves as something that grows on top or towards the sun, not down below. Don’t fret – there are plenty of reasons why your Fiddle Leaf Fig might have decided to take unexpected growth in an unexpected direction.
In this blog post, we will explore some common explanations for why your precious plant has started growing new fronds from its base and what steps you can take to encourage optimal health and keep it looking green and beautiful!
Should I remove the bottom leaves from the fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf figs are a popular houseplant, and proper pruning is essential for its growth and long-term health. Deciding whether or not to remove the bottom leaves from a fiddle leaf fig can be challenging because it’s often difficult to understand the potential impact of doing so.
For those that wish to experiment with removing lower leaves in order to push the fiddle leaf fig’s energy upwards, it’s important to do it gradually and monitor the plant’s response.
While one or two leaves removal may give great results, too much pruning may risk shock or unevenness in its rise. Therefore, when considering whether or not to remove lower leaves from a fiddle leaf fig, it is best to take caution and monitor the effects carefully before continuing further.
Does fiddle leaf fig leave only grow from the top?
While popularized by interior design trends, fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) have been cultivated for hundreds of years. Contrary to popular belief, the leaves can in fact grow from all sides of the tree.
In its natural jungle habitat, the fiddle leaf fig will split and spread with sunshine available from all directions. In many cases, humans manipulate this process intentionally by trimming or topping a fig to direct it to grow in a certain direction.
This is why a large number of stores have top heavy Ficus lyrata plants – someone has trimmed them off at the base so they concentrate more energy up top. Understanding these basics will help you keep your fiddle leaf looking healthy and full!
How do you remove the bottom leaves from a fiddle leaf?
Removing the bottom leaves of a fiddle leaf fig tree can be done in a few steps. The most important part is to ensure you have sterilized pruning shears so that you don’t spread any potential diseases.
Start by detaching the lower leaves one at a time using your pruners and then carefully tugging them off with your fingers. Make sure to not damage any of the tender foliage above. After each leaf is removed, check for signs of mold or overwatering, and if present, treat accordingly.
Always keep an eye on the health of your fiddle leaf fig tree as it can be especially vulnerable to changes in light, temperature, and humidity levels. Properly removing the bottom leaves can help green up the plant which will revive its natural energy with improved air circulation!
Is it Recommended to Remove the Leaves Growing at the Bottom of the Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Fiddle Leaf Fig trees should be maintained carefully in order to enjoy their majestic beauty. Pruning is one of the most important steps when caring for this type of tree.
It is generally recommended to remove any leaves that are growing at the bottom of the tree, as they will create an unkempt appearance and potentially interfere with the airflow to the other branches.
Additionally, these low-hanging leaves can be a breeding ground for pests and bacteria, which could damage the plant’s overall health. Don’t worry though – pruning doesn’t harm your tree! Following these simple steps will ensure that your fiddle leaf fig looks beautiful and healthy for years to come.
Can the Bottom of the Fiddle Leaf Fig Be Trimmed?
Fiddle leaf figs are a beloved houseplant with unique foliage, making them a popular choice for interior decor. While the leaves of this plant can be pruned to control their size and shape, trimming the trunk or branches should be done judiciously as they may not grow back.
One often overlooked aspect of the fiddle leaf fig is the woody stem protruding from the soil at its base, which many people wonder whether they can cut off. The answer is yes, with some caution. It’s important to understand that any trimming of the stem should be minimal and meaningful; only do so if it will help promote healthy growth or if other stems need to be removed in order to reshape your plant.
Pruning off too much could cause damage that won’t recover quickly or easily! With these guidelines in mind, it is possible and beneficial to carefully trim the bottom of your fiddle leaf fig when necessary.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping bottom leaves?
Your fiddle leaf fig is a lush, tropical houseplant that enjoys bright, indirect light and humid temperatures. It sometimes needs a helping hand to maintain its health and thrive in your home—and if bottom leaves are dropping from your fig, it’s a sign that it may need some extra attention.
The best way to help prevent your fiddle leaf fig from continually dropping leaves is to ensure that it gets plenty of humidity; misting once or twice a week can work wonders for this beautiful houseplant.
Additionally, you’ll want to inspect the roots of your plant periodically to see if they need repotting in fresh soil with good drainage. If you take care of these basic needs, your fiddle leaf fig should revive itself and start producing new growth again!
Should I mist my fiddle leaf?
A misting of your fiddle leaf plant can help provide much-needed humidity in its environment. If you live in a dry climate or have a heater running, then misting is especially important.
Before misting, check the soil to be sure it’s not too wet from previous waterings, as the plant may be trying to tell you something. Misting should only be done sparingly – one or two times a week is usually sufficient.
A fogger for houseplants can also recreate an ideal environment for your fiddle leaf by raising the humidity and allowing air movement without drying out the leaves with direct airflow. With just a bit of attention and care, your fiddle leaf can flourish in almost any environment!
Should you spray water on fiddle leaf fig leaves?
To keep your fiddle leaf fig happy and healthy, you may want to consider spraying water directly on its leaves. Spraying the foliage regularly will help keep dust off the leaves, allowing them to more effectively absorb light and use it for photosynthesis.
A light misting of water is enough; avoid drenching the leaves or they may rot. Also be sure to increase air circulation around your plant by opening windows, using a fan, or both. This will aid in plant growth and also help reduce any pest problems that can occur when the humidity level remains too high.
With regular mistings and enough proper ventilation, your fiddle leaf fig will thank you!
Can I water fiddle leaf fig with tap water?
Watering your fiddle leaf fig plant can be a tricky task, especially if you’re wondering whether or not to use tap water. Tap water contains certain added substances that are beneficial for human health but can be dangerous for plants like the fiddle leaf fig.
While municipalities work hard to remove protozoa and other harmful particles from tap water for human consumption, this does not mean it is ideal for your indoor plants.
Instead, it can cause chlorosis and stunt the growth of your plant so regular watering with filtered or distilled water is much preferred. The key is to look out for signs of discoloration on your plant’s leaves as they may indicate a problem with too much chlorine levels in the water you’re using.
Can I use ice cubes to water my fiddle leaf fig?
Watering a fiddle leaf fig correctly can be a tricky balancing act – the soil needs to remain moist without becoming oversaturated, and too much water can be just as damaging as not enough.
That’s why it might sound tempting to use ice cubes instead of tap water – but unfortunately, this method is not recommended. As the ice cubes slowly melt, they add inconsistent doses of cold water to the soil, which can shock the delicate roots and even cause them to rot and decay in extreme cases.
To keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and happy, stick with lukewarm tap water or distilled bottled water instead.
Wrapping Up
All in all, the reasons why a fiddle leaf fig plant is growing leaves at the bottom can range from light or water issues to incorrect pruning or simply age. Trying to determine which one it is can be done with a little bit of research and observation.
Understanding what your plant needs—especially before making any drastic changes—can help ensure that it looks its best and will make for a healthier happier fiddle leaf fig for years to come!
Taking care of plants provides so much more than just an Instagram-worthy corner: it teaches patience, respect for nature, and even some basic gardening knowledge. Why not bring the outdoors (and your green thumb) indoors by giving a fiddle leaf fig plant a home?
