How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig

How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is one of the most popular indoor plants in Melbourne homes — and one of the most talked-about when it comes to care questions in our Cheltenham store! With its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves, it's easy to see why it's such a favourite feature plant. But Fiddle Leaf Figs also have a reputation for being fussy, so here's what you actually need to know to keep yours happy.

Light: Bright but Indirect
Fiddle Leaf Figs love bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually ideal — close enough to get plenty of light, but out of direct harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. If your plant is stretching toward the window or dropping lower leaves, it's often asking for more light. Rotate your plant a quarter turn every week or two so it grows evenly rather than leaning toward one side.

Watering: Less Is More
More Fiddle Leaf Figs are lost to overwatering than underwatering. Let the top 3–5cm of soil dry out fully between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. In a typical Melbourne home this usually works out to watering every 7–10 days in warmer months and less often through winter. Always make sure your pot has drainage — sitting in water is one of the fastest ways to cause root rot.
A simple trick: stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it's dry, water. If it's still damp, wait a few more days.

Humidity and Temperature
These plants are originally from tropical West Africa, so they appreciate a bit of humidity. Melbourne's dry summer heat and heated indoor air in winter can both cause leaf tip browning. A light misting a few times a week, or grouping it near other plants, can help. Keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig away from cold draughts, air conditioning vents, and heaters — sudden temperature swings are a common cause of leaf drop.

Feeding
Feed your Fiddle Leaf Fig during the growing months (spring through early autumn) with a liquid indoor plant fertiliser every 4–6 weeks. Ease off feeding over winter when growth naturally slows down.

Common Problems (and What They Mean)
Brown, crispy leaf edges — usually low humidity, underwatering, or too much direct sun.
Dropping leaves — often a stress response to a change in environment, overwatering, or being moved recently. Give it time to settle.
Dark spots with yellow halos — can indicate overwatering or bacterial/fungal issues; check your watering routine first.
Slow or no new growth — check light levels and whether it's due for a feed or a slightly larger pot.

A Few Extra Tips from the JoJo's Team
Dust the leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks — dusty leaves can't photosynthesise as efficiently.
Choose a pot with good drainage, and don't rush to size up — Fiddle Leaf Figs actually prefer being slightly snug in their pot.
New to Fiddle Leaf Figs? Ask us in-store which size and light conditions would suit your space best — we're always happy to help match the right plant to the right spot.

Pop into our Cheltenham store to see our current range of Fiddle Leaf Figs and the pots to match, or check out our Plants collection online to see what's available.