How To Repot A Fiddle Leaf Fig

If you’re the proud owner of this iconic plant and want to see it grow to its maximum potential, then learning how to repot a fiddle leaf fig is crucial. 

Rapidly becoming the darling of indoor plant lovers, the fiddle leaf fig is certainly having its moment in the spotlight.  Although this tropical rainforest plant will most likely not reach its mature outdoor height of fifteen metres, a potted fiddle leaf fig tree can still grow as tall as three metres when kept indoors.

However, they have also developed a reputation for being rather finicky. In no particular order, fiddle leaf fig trees don’t like drafts, soil that is too wet, soil that is too dry, too much sun, not enough sun, or dry air. As such, it’s understandable why plant lovers may be hesitant to ‘rock the boat’ by replanting one if it’s seemingly happy as is – but in order to keep your fiddle leaf fig happy, it needs room to grow. 

Your Guide On How To Repot A Fiddle Leaf Fig 

Even if you’ve just acquired this popular plant and don’t believe that learning how to repot a fiddle leaf fig applies to you just yet, we’re afraid that may not be the case. 

Like most store bought plants, a fiddle leaf fig usually comes in a plastic growing pot. While these are great for wholesale growers who water their plants daily and are used as a means to avoid root rot, it’s not so good when it’s the primary residence for the plant in your home.

This is down to the simple fact that you’re unlikely to provide the same water levels, meaning the plant can rapidly dry out and cause permanent damage. As such, it’s important to tackle repotting sooner rather than later – so where do you start?

Drainage Is Everything – If you’re now the proud parent of this plant, it’s important to understand their drainage preferences. Fiddle leaf fig trees are susceptible to root rot, so you’ll want to ensure your plant will never have to sit in water. If you want a ‘pretty’ option, go for a ceramic planter with a saucer that’s able to sustain rapid growth. 

Get The Size Right – If happy in their home, a fiddle leaf fig can grow at least three feet every year. As a result, you’ll need to get a container that is around 10cm larger in diameter than your plant’s current one.  Don’t go too big though, as pots that are too large can promote root rot. At most, the new pot should be 15cm larger in diameter than the current pot. 

Don’t Forget The Soil – Fiddle leaf figs need well draining potting media that’s high in organic matter, so a peat-based soil with some perlite usually does the trick. All house plants need soil designed to provide air circulation and water retention, so don’t skimp it and get the cheapest option that may get you by with other outdoor varieties. 

DIY Nutrients – Indoor plants rely on you to provide them with the nutrients, microbes, and overall access to sustenance that they would normally receive in their natural environment outdoors. Packed full of nutrients like humic acids, fulvic acids, and seaweed extract, try adding Indoor Plant Booster as a means to safely fertilise your fiddle leaf fig tree. 

On the topic of learning how to repot a fiddle leaf fig, be gentle with the root ball whilst transplanting, and avoid the common myth that gravel in the bottom of a pot helps with drainage. While it’s true that water easily runs through large aggregates like gravel or rocks, it can actually increase a plant’s exposure to root rot. This is due to the soil being above the gravel, the saturation zone is higher in the pot than it would be without the gravel, where more roots are likely to reside.

A bonus tip is to make sure the crown of your fiddle leaf fig, which is where the stem and roots intersect and it starts to fan out, is sitting slightly higher than the soil level – this will help prevent crown rot, and ensure your tropical plant pal stays happy in the long term. 

Ensuring your fiddle leaf fig has the best environment to grow and thrive is actually linked to proactive measures instead of reactive ones, and one of the more important pillars of that is providing the right type of plant food. 

How To Use Indoor Plant Booster At Home 

If you’re ready to give Indoor Plant Booster a try and introduce it to the flora that you share your home with, be sure to water your plants thoroughly beforehand to assist with absorption. For best results, simply pour the recommended amount directly onto the soil, ideally around the base of the plant. 

At Bioweed, we specialise in organic solutions to ensure that your garden reaches its full potential the natural way. Our range of products, such as Indoor Plant Booster, are all chemical free, and are providing Australians with safer products to use both in their gardens and in their homes. Based on the Sunshine Coast, our range has been embraced by people from all walks of life, and are backed with twenty years of research and industry knowledge.