When it comes to owning a Fiddle Leaf Fig, the best thing that you can do for your plant is place it in the optimal spot in your home (with watering properly a close second!). Fiddle Leaf Figs are incredibly picky about their placement, and need the perfect balance of bright sunlight without direct exposure to harsh rays. Too much sun and your plant will burn, but too little sun and you will have a plant that seems to barely grow, drops its leaves, and is susceptible to all sorts of illnesses. Read on if you want to place your Fiddle Leaf Fig in the best light!

Where to place your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Whenever you add a new plant to your collection try to consider the natural conditions in which they thrive. Fiddle Leaf Figs naturally grow under the bright African sun, although they are actually banyan trees in the wild. This means that they grow high up in the branches of other trees and are protected from the sun’s direct rays. As such, bright, filtered light is what is best for these plants.

If you have a large window that receives lots of light and has a sheer curtain, that is perhaps the most ideal setup. You want to find a happy balance between lots of light without it being too direct.

In certain temperate areas, such as parts of southern California, you can actually keep Fiddle Leaf Figs outside in full sun. Outside in domestic conditions these plants will typically only grow to 25 feet tall. If you’re going to keep one outside try to place it somewhere where it isn’t in the shadow of larger plants and where it cannot cast a shadow on smaller plants. Remember that if your plant normally lives indoors, you will want to slowly acclimate it to direct sun if you plan on moving it outdoors.

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Assessing Light for Fiddle Leaf Figs

While it can be tempting to place your Fiddle Leaf Fig wherever it best complements your decor, you (and your Fiddle!) will be better off in the long run if you consider first its light needs. It should be at least a couple feet away from any windows, although near a window is fine. You just want to avoid it getting too much direct sun. If you have a gauzy curtain that can filter the sun’s light for you Fiddle Leaf Fig that’s even better. Ideally, the window should be facing either south or east. You just don’t want to put a Fiddle Leaf Fig near a north-facing window as it likely won’t get enough light.

If you don’t know which direction the windows in your home face a simple way to find out is to use a compass app on your phone. Having this knowledge will make you an even better plant owner.

Photo credit : The Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Center

Which Direction Should Your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Window Face?

Check to see which direction your window faces to be sure it’s a good match for your Fiddle. This guide should be helpful for those who live in North America:

North-facing windows receive the least amount of sunlight, so you don’t want to put your Fiddle Leaf Fig in front of one if you can help it. However, if you live in a southern temperate region such windows might receive enough light. The farther north of the equator you are the less light such windows receive.

East-facing windows receive a good amount of early morning sun, but they catch little of the sun’s afternoon light. This is a problem because your Fiddle Leaf fig needs at least 6 hours of cumulative sunlight a day. Consider the size of your window carefully and observe whether it receives any midday light.

West-facing windows receive the most midday light. This is when the sun’s rays are most intense. So you need to be careful is you are going to put your Fiddle Leaf Fig in front of one, its leaves could get scorched. Keep your plant at least a couple of feet away from the window to protect it.

South-facing windows receive the brightest sunlight for the longest period of time. This makes them ideal for Fiddle Leaf Figs. Just make sure you don’t place your plant directly by the window or you could risk burning its leaves.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are known for being finicky but they are able to adapt to less than ideal lighting. If you don’t have the best lighting for your plant just focus on making the rest of their care as good as possible. Be careful not to overwater and fertilize with fiddle leaf fig plant food. And don’t forget to rotate your Fiddle Leaf Fig when you water! You plant craves sunlight and will lean towards its light source over time. Leaves without regular exposure to sunlight will also be less healthy.

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

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There are many reasons you may consider pruning your fiddle leaf fig tree. Perhaps it has grown lopsided over the last several months, and you haven’t rotated it once since it graced you with its presence. It could be that some leaves have developed unattractive brown spots and you’re considering removing these damaged and possibly infected areas. Or maybe you just have a very happy tree that, with so much new growth, is about to hit the ceiling. Whatever the case, know that pruning a fiddle leaf fig is actually quite simple and nothing to be afraid of. Follow these simple tips on how to prune a fiddle leaf fig tree and you will enjoy this structural beauty for years to come.

The benefits of pruning

Just like we cut our hair or groom our pets, our indoor plants need an occasional trim as well. Not only does this generally improve their appearance, but it also contributes to the plant’s overall health. Some benefits of pruning your fiddle may include:

• Space - In prime conditions, fiddle leaf figs can grow like crazy and you may notice your fiddle becoming “crowded”. Cutting down some leaves and branches will allow better airflow for your plant.

• Sickness- If some leaves are developing brown spots or signs of illness, prune these areas immediately. Not only does your plant use a lot of energy to treat these distressed areas, but these leaves could infect others nearby and spread quickly all over the plant.

• Shape- Whether your tree has uneven growth or you’d simply like to improve its shape, pruning your tree can help you attain that picture-perfect look you’ve been longing for!

The best time of year to prune

Light trimming and removal of dead or dry leaves is fine all year long. However, if you’re planning on doing major reshaping or removal of larger stems or branches, it’s best to wait until spring or early summer. Most indoor plants go dormant during the winter, and shorter days mean less light for your plant. Cutting them back during this time not only risks shocking them but also makes it harder for them to heal and form new growth. That’s why the best time of year to prune is during the spring or early summer. And when pruning, remember! Never remove more than 10% of your plant at a time.

Photo credit: General Store

How to prune your fiddle leaf fig

Before getting started, here’s what you’ll need:

• A sharp pair of clean shears

• Damp tissue

• Newspaper or other material to protect your floors

It is important that your shears are clean— you are essentially cutting a wound into the tree and can infect it if your tools are not clean. And while we’re on that topic, keep in mind that the sap from fiddle trees’ branches can damage your floor, so take care when cutting!

Once you’ve determined the areas you’d like to prune, locate a spot on the branch between two nodes (the part of the branch from which leaves emerge), and cut at an angle. Dab the area you cut with a damp tissue or towel — this will help speed up the healing process.

What to expect after pruning

If your plant is in good health, the branches that you pruned will eventually split into two and form new leaves. And what to do with the branches you removed? Try your hand at propagation! Put them in a glass or bottle with water, making sure there is room for the cutting to breathe. After four to six weeks, the branch should form new roots, at which point you can plant in well-draining indoor potting soil.

Good luck, we believe in you!

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The darling of the houseplant world, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular albeit infamously finicky indoor plant. But though it can be a bit picky about its light and water needs, once you’ve found the right balance and routine with this beauty, it can be an incredibly low maintenance and fast growing plant.

But what happens when it grows too fast? Plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow to be quite top-heavy, oftentimes growing unevenly (especially if you’re not regularly rotating it). If this is the case for your Fiddle, our Plant Doctors recommend staking the plant as a temporary solution to help it grow stronger roots and stand up straight.

Though staking is most common for plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig, this method can be used for virtually any leaning plant with a trunk. Here are simple steps to staking your plant:

1. Find a dowel or stake

At your local hardware store, find a dowel or stake that’s tall enough to span the entire length of the trunk from at least a few inches under the soil to the area where the trunk begins to branch out. Insert the stake gently into the soil of your plant. Be careful not to force the stake into the roots as this may cause stress.

If you’d like to reduce to risk of damaging the roots, and depending on how severe the leaning is, you may want to use two stakes on either side of the trunk.

2. Attach the stake to your plant

Using hooks or plant tape, attach the stake(s) to your plant. Pro tip: when you do this, do so in a way that is easy to “undo”. The reason for this is that you may want to sway your tree back and forth once a week or so to further strengthen the roots. Swaying the trunk helps the tree develop stronger roots, in addition to aerating the soil, creating small oxygen pockets that will keep it happy. After the gentle sways, tie it back to the stake and let it be.

3. Check in on the plant’s stability

After a month or two, check your tree’s progress. When you remove the hooks or ties on your stake(s), does it still lean heavily? If so, leave the stakes in and keep at it! Over time, though, with proper care and regular rotation, your plant should be able to stand erect on its own.

In the meantime, if your plant is lopsided or has some degree of uneven growth, it may be time to prune! Check out our step by step guide to pruning your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree here.

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Fiddle Leaf Figs are known for their beauty, grace, and of course, finicky nature. While they can be pretty low maintenance plants (we promise!), setting them up in ideal conditions is key to success in their care. As such, choosing the correct soil is important when potting or repotting your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Fast draining, well aerated soils are ideal, as this plant prefers relatively dry soil to keep its roots moist but not wet.

Keep in mind that soil for indoor plants provides a handful of basic functions for your plant:

• Serves as a place for the roots to anchor and support the plant

• Provides nutrients for growth and photosynthesis

• Allows the roots to access oxygen

• Delivers water to the entire plant, via the root system!

So which soil is best for your Fiddle Leaf Fig? Read on to find out!

Which Soil is Best for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Most houseplant soil blends use perlite to aid with drainage and peat moss to retain moisture. Any good quality houseplant soil mix will work for your Fiddle Leaf Fig, such as MiracleGro indoor potting mix , which is specifically designed to provide aeration, fast drainage, and nutrition for your plants, and is also resistant to fungus and gnats.

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Giving your Fiddle proper drainage

Even if you purchase the very best soil on the market, it won’t matter if your plant does not have proper drainage. Fiddle Leaf Figs can be incredible unforgiving with overwatering, so set your plant up in a container with good drainage to make sure it gets the most out of its fresh soil!

How to fertilize your Fiddle Leaf Fig

The soil we give our plants is not an endless source of nutrients, and in fact only really nourishes our plants for ~6 or so months. After that, it’s a good idea to fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the spring, summer, and early fall. Any indoor plant food will provide fresh nutrients, and we recommend our all natural plant food for leafy beauties like this one.

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

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Fiddle Leaf Figs can be unforgiving plants if their requirements are not fully met. Beyond the very basic need—plenty of bright, indirect light—making sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig has proper drainage is probably the most important piece in ensuring a healthy and beautiful plant. And while this is the case for all indoor plants, none will let you know as quickly as a Fiddle Leaf Fig! So what type of drainage does this plant need, and how can you be sure your plant is getting proper drainage?

What Type of Drainage Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Need?

First of all, Fiddle Leaf Figs like to dry out between waterings, plain and simple. That means they don’t want to be watered too frequently, and they prefer a fast-draining soil. In the wild, this plant is never sitting in water or completely drenched: its roots are constantly draining. This is what we want to mimic indoors.

What happens if the soil cannot properly drain? The plant will accumulate moisture, and the roots may eventually develop root rot. As such, making sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig (and really any indoor plant!) has proper drainage is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant.

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Creating Perfect Drainage for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

There are a few different ways to pot plants for optimal drainage, but no matter what the case, your pot must have drainage holes, one way or another. We do not recommend potting this plant, which is known to be particularly finicky, in a pot without drainage holes. Never attempt to grow a fiddle leaf fig in a container without drainage holes. Here are a few different ways you can create drainage for your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

• Use a pot with one large drainage hole at the bottom, usually the case with terracotta pots

• Use a pot with several drainage holes, like some plastic pots, and then simply place your plant in the decorative container.

• Add a layer of gravel or drainage rocks to the bottom of any pot, though we still recommend using a pot with drainage holes.

Do you have a decorative pot with no drainage holes? While some people like to DIY it by drilling a hole on the bottom, this can be cumbersome and also risks breaking the pot! In this case, we recommend “staging” your plant, which means leaving it in its plastic nursery pot and simply placing it inside the decorative container.

In fact, we do this for all of our plants, as it not only ensures optimal drainage but also allows our customers to use stylish mid-century plant stands!

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

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If you haven’t heard, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is the plant of our era. But despite the place that it has won in our collective hearts and homes, many of us still do not know how to care for it properly. Even simple tasks like watering can cause issues for many owners.

Apart from trendy, stunning, and structural, Fiddle Leaf Figs are also described as finicky, delicate, and hard to please. But is that really the case? Truth be told, this plant often lands in the homes of brand new plant parents who could not resist the appeal. And while everyone can and should experience the joy that plants bring into our lives, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is not always our first recommendation for new plant parents! The Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a very low maintenance plant, but knowing the basics—and what to look out for when things go wrong—is crucial to keeping this plant beautiful and growing over time.

Below find the three expert secrets to maintaining a happy and healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig, for both novice and experienced plant owners alike.

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The Secret to Keeping Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Happy Is Watering Properly

Fiddle Leaf Figs have unique watering needs and need to dry out for a brief period before being rehydrated. New owners are prone to overwatering their Fiddle Leaf Figs because they do not understand how crucial this cycle is for the plant. But even otherwise experienced plant owners can struggle with over and underwatering this plant. The secret to watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig just right lies in following these three simple tips:

Water your plant once a week. This is a great rule of thumb to get you started. Set a day for this in your calendar so you never forget. Watering once a week is likely the most that you want to water. Depending on the unique conditions of your home your Fiddle Leaf Fig might take longer to dry out between waterings and you might end up watering every 10 days. That’s okay, what is important is that you are giving your plant what it needs on a consistent basis.

Always take a moment to feel your plant’s soil before you water next. Stick your finger, or a chopstick, about two inches into the soil. Does dirt cling to it? If your plant’s soil is still moist and it needs more time before you water again. Did all the dirt fall away when you pulled it out? Your plant’s soil is likely dry enough and you may water. Over time you will begin to figure out how much time your unique Fiddle Leaf Fig needs between watering.

Give your plant the same amount each time you water. Many fiddle leaf fig owners like to follow a rule of one cup of water per two feet of growth from the base of the soil to the tallest leaf. The exact measurement for this rule varies from expert to expert but what we’ll say is that your plant desires consistency most. So try watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig a set amount each week and see how it responds. If it begins drying out faster than usual up the amount of water that you give it. At the end of the day measuring will be more precise than simply pouring water until you think it’s had enough. Also remember that you may need to water more during the warmer months of the year than you might, say, in the winter.

Fertilize your plant each time you water during the spring and summer months. If you want your Fiddle Leaf Fig to produce large glossy leaves then you need to give it the nutrients that it needs. The time to fertilize is from spring to summer, and you can slowly taper off your fertilizing routine in the fall. All that you need to do is add diluted houseplant food or Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food to your plant’s water every week in the spring and summer. This will become every other week in the fall. Your plant needs nutrients for growth that it can’t get from potting soil alone. Using a diluted liquid fertilizer will supplement the nutrients in your plant’s soil and might be just what you need if the newer leaves on your plant are smaller than the old ones.

Now you know the secret to maintaining an Instagram-worthy Fiddle Leaf Fig! Remember that patience is key, and always keep growing!

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

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A post by resident plant expert Claire Akin of the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource.

Spring is an exciting time for plant owners! Even if you aren’t planting outdoor gardens or flower beds, spring often promises lots of gorgeous new growth in our houseplants, and Fiddle Leaf Figs are no exception! 

Fiddles are tropical plants, so they are capable of growing year-round, but many fiddle owners report incredible growth spurts in the spring. This is also a great time to do a little “spring cleaning” with your fiddle to prepare for another year of healthy growth. 

For fiddle owners, spring is also a time of relief because it usually brings increased temperature, light, and humidity, which these plants love! 

So how can we care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig in the spring to ensure the most healthy growth possible? Here are some of our favorite tips. 

7 Spring Care Tips for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

1. Repot

Fiddle Leaf Figs usually need to be repotted every two years, and spring is a great time to do this because weather conditions can help your tree recover from potential root shock. 

Warmer temperatures also mean it’s possible to repot your fiddle outside, which is especially helpful if your tree is large! 

If your fiddle is ready for an upgrade, find a pot with drainage that’s 2-3” bigger than your fiddle’s root ball (but no larger). Make sure to use a fast-draining soil like cactus mix or our Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil.

Note: Don’t fertilize your fiddle for a month after repotting because the roots are extra vulnerable right now. You don’t want chemical burns on your roots or leaves!

The spring is a time for lots of new growth!

2. Prune

If your fiddle’s leaves are getting crowded or if the lower leaves are drooping, now’s a great time to remove them! 

Simply use a sharp, clean knife or pair of pruning shears to remove those leaves. Make sure not to remove more than 10% of your fiddle’s leaves at once to avoid shock. 

Bonus tip: If you prune any healthy leaves or branches, you can propagate them! Dip the cut end in some rooting hormone and put it in a glass of water so it can grow roots. Change the water every day and plant in soil when the roots are 1” long. 

3. Clean your fiddle’s leaves

Your fiddle might appreciate a little spring cleaning! Dust and dirt on your plant’s leaves doesn’t just look bad, it can also clog pores and interfere with both photosynthesis and respiration, so it’s important to keep the leaves nice and clean. 

To clean, use a hose, give your plant a shower, or spray it down with lukewarm water in a spray bottle before gently wiping the leaves with a cloth. 

We suggest using our Leaf Amor spray, which helps you clean the leaves and also protects leaves from insects, bacteria, and fungus as well as dust and debris. 

4. Adjust your watering routine

You’ve probably gotten used to watering less over the winter when the temperatures were cooler, but now that things are heating up, make sure to play close attention to your fiddle’s soil.

Use a moisture meter to monitor your plant’s root ball and note how long it takes the soil to dry out. You may find that your plant wants a little more water as the temperatures rise. 

5. Fertilize

If you haven’t been fertilizing your Fiddle Leaf Fig, now is a great time to start.

Fertilizer is like a multivitamin for your plant and provides the nutrients necessary to support stem and leaf growth, as well as beautiful, glossy green color! 

Make sure to find a 3-1-2 NPK liquid fertilizer and follow the directions on the bottle. Be careful to follow the recommended fertilizing schedule. 
I can never remember to fertilize on a schedule, so I just use Fiddle Leaf Fig Food, which is gentle enough to use with every watering. I just add a little to my watering can whenever I water my fiddles, and my plants love it! 

The gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives best in bright indirect light. As spring approaches, adjust your plant’s positioning to avoid direct sunlight.

6. Adjust your light

In the spring, the angle of the sun’s light changes, so make sure to keep an eye on the kind of light your fiddle is getting. If the sun is now shining directly on your plant’s leaves, you may want to move it a few inches to avoid direct sunlight that could scorch your plant. 

7. Branch out

Spring is also a great time to encourage your fiddle to grow some new branches! If you’d like new branches on your fiddle, you can try notching or pinching. 

If you want the tree to branch from the top, try pinching: Grab some pruning shears, find the newest growth on the top of the tree, and snip that growth off. (Watch out for the sap!) You should see new branches beginning to form within 2-3 weeks. 

If you want your tree to branch further down the trunk, try notching: find where you want a branch, locate the nearest node, and use a sharp knife to make a ⅛” cut in the trunk. Wipe the sap away with a towel. 

Notching has about a 50/50 success rate, but if it works, you’ll see new branch buds within a few weeks! 

A caveat: don’t make too many changes at once. 

Spring is a fantastic time to step up your Fiddle Leaf Fig care and take advantage of growth spurts, but remember, fiddles don’t like too much change at once. In order words, don’t repot, prune, notch, and fertilize all in one day! 

Wait at least a few weeks between major procedures like this so your tree can recover. And remember to focus on the basics first: light, water, fertilizer, and climate. 

You’ll have the most gorgeous fiddle around! 

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About Claire

Claire Akin is a Fiddle Leaf Fig lover and created the Fiddle Leaf Fig Resource to share what she's learned about growing healthy and vibrant plants. She even created her own fertilizer specific to the needs of Fiddles! Learn all you'll ever need to know about these gorgeous plants at fiddleleaffigplant.com

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Before and after of trimming a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Photo credit: @leonandgeorge

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

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As plants age, it's natural for them to develop the occasional brown spot or discolored leaf. Trimming and pruning is a part of maintaining our plants so they stay beautiful throughout the seasons. Here's how to keep them looking fresh.

1. Grab a pair of clean scissors and work your way from the bottom leaves to the top.

2. For trimming, follow the natural shape of the leaf - it takes a bit of practice and artistry. Think natural curves instead of straight lines.

3. Ideally you should leave a bit of the brown edge so as not to create a fresh wound. If you do cut into the leaf, use a tissue paper to help the edges dry.

*BONUS TIP* Don't overdo it! Take a step back and admire the shape of your plant. It's okay to leave a few discolored areas, especially if they contribute to the overall fullness and allure of your plant's natural shape. 

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The Fiddle Leaf Fig can be especially prone to losing its leaves.

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

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Houseplants drop leaves for many reasons, but most are related to one of the following mishaps in care or growing conditions. Some troubleshooting may be required, but read the most common reasons your plant may be losing its leaves.

Water: either too much or too little watering, getting on a consistent schedule with your plants is important.

Dry air: tropical plants prefer humid environments and if the air is too dry, they may drop leaves to show their discomfort. Use a humidifier or mister to add moisture to the air.

Fertility: lack of sufficient nutrients - usually you’ll notice leaves lighter in color first, so you have a chance to correct this before leaves drop by adding a small amount of diluted fertilizer.           

Chilling: tropical plants are sensitive to low temperatures - plants on windowsills or in the way of air drafts may get cold and drop leaves     

Often, slight adjustments to your plant’s conditions is all that’s needed. Occasional leaf drop is okay as sometimes our plants need to focus their energy on new growth, and shedding the old, unhealthy leaves is normal.

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Plants absorb light and carbon dioxide through their foliage, and keeping leaves dust free is an important part of maintaining their overall beauty and health. The Fiddle Leaf Fig, with its robust foliage and substantial surface area, is no exception! Regularly cleaning your plant’s leaves helps it soak up more sun and breath more easily.

What’s the best way to clean a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

There are many ways to clean Fiddle Leaf Figs, and depending on your space, one may make more sense than another! Here are a few of the best ways to keep your plant shiny and healthy:

1. Wipe the leaves with a cloth

The most basic method of cleaning large leaf plants, you can make a big impact with just a cloth and spray bottle. Douse the plant or each leaf in plenty of water and gentle wipe away dust. Keep in mind that leaves can be delicate, so take care not to beat them up too much when handling them. Depending on the size of your plant, this may be a very tedious process!

2. Give it a shower

For medium-sized Fiddles, giving them a shower in a sink, bathtub, or shower is a great way to quickly clean (and water!) the entire plant. There’s not much of a secret here, but while you’re doing this, you may like to let it sit in the sink in a couple of inches of water so that it may drink from the bottom up (which it will love!). Afterwards, wait until your plant is completely drained before placing it back in its decorative pot.

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3. Hose it down!

Similar to the shower method, place your plant in an outside area and use a hose to wash the entire plant from top to bottom. The fresh air will feel great and once again your plant will get a good deep water. Leave it outside for an hour or two to dry off, though make sure it’s not sitting in too much harsh direct sunlight. You may also want to avoid this method in very cold temperatures: if you’re cold, your plant is cold, and Fiddle Leaf Figs do not like to be cold!

Cleaning your Fiddle Leaf Fig (or any of your plants!) may not be something you do every week, but checking in regularly with your plants is a great way to stay on top of any issues that may arise. If things are starting to look dusty, give them a nice clean— your plant will appreciate it!

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

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Did you know that Léon & George plant purchases come with lifetime access to real-life, expert Plant Doctors? Here are the top three questions our customers are asking, questions that may have been on your own list!

• I have direct light, is that good? What does bright light mean? - Direct light is wonderful, but for indoor plants, only a few can handle the intensity from uncovered South or West facing windows (ex. Snake Plants, Bird of Paradise). Bright indirect light for indoor plants is ideally a spot that is 1-3 feet away from a window. Check out our light guide for indoor plants to better understand the differences between direct light, indirect light and low light!

• I should fertilize, right? What brand of fertilizer do you recommend? - Fertilizer is like a vitamin supplement for your plant babies, and should be measured carefully. Feed your plants about two times per month during spring & summer to give them more energy for growing, and, if using a gentle fertilizer, reduce to just one time per month in the fall and winter. Our liquid plant food, Boost Vitaminé, is an excellent choice for all indoor plants, as it’s all natural, made with just four ingredients, and gentle enough to use year round.

• My plant has minor brown spots/holes. Is that bad? - Typically, no! Plants are living organisms with natural imperfections, just like us. Each plant will grow in its own manner and not always have perfect leaves and vines. Minor brown spots and holes are natural - we like to think of them as freckles. If you notice substantial browning, holes or leaf drop, then this could be a sign of needing to adjust your care. The first things to check are watering habits, sun exposure, and pest infestation. 

What are your biggest questions about plants and their care? If you’re a Léon & George plant parent, sign into your account to get in touch with our Plant Doctors today!

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree by Léon & George at Serpentine SF

Move over, mossy terrariums, there's a new plant in charge. The fiddle-leaf fig tree has started popping up in fashion spreads, high-end offices, and just about everywhere in between. The secret to the fiddle's popularity? An Instagram-worthy leaf structure that livens up every space it inhabits.

The New York Times called it "the perfect balance of volume and negative space, structure and whimsy." Today said it was "the plant taking over homes across America." They are go-to fixtures in the offices of luxury retail brands in Paris and San Francisco. And in 2017, the fiddle-leaf fig tree was Léon & George's best-selling plant of the year. Here's what makes it unique.

Why it stands out
The fiddle-leaf fig is a tropical tree native to western Africa. It thrives in warm, wet climates, which can be tricky to replicate indoors. But when potted and cared for, fiddles are long-lasting and vibrant, with broad violin-shaped leaves. They vary in shape and size, each one with its own personality and quirk. Some form tall columns, while others grow like trees, usually between two and six feet tall when potted.

Their full shape is what caught the attention of artists and architects who first used fiddles in their work. Fast-forward a few years, and they are some of the most sought-after plants of the decade. The recent hurricane in Florida, for example, temporarily depleted the supply and led to long waitlists for potted fiddle-leafs across the US.

Care + design: Tips for styling your fiddle
Fiddle-leaf figs photograph beautifully and they add character to any room they're in. But here's the drawback: they can be finicky and definitely require a little TLC. Light pruning will keep them looking fresh and happy -- just like you should feel when you're around them! For basic care, water once a week (less in winter) and spray the leaves regularly to create humidity. More care tips here. 

When it comes to styling your fiddle, it's all about proportions. To make your plant the center of attention, try dusting the leaves to create a light-catching sheen. You can also trim lower branches to guide the growth up and out. Designers are drawn to fiddles because they are versatile and fit nicely in tight-cornered apartments or open-concept offices. The Léon & George team recommends giving your fiddle at least a foot of clear space in every direction, and pairing it with a sleek architectural planter that will really do it justice.

Last word: Go ahead, fall in love
The fiddle-leaf fig may not be the easiest plant to care for, but that hasn't stopped it from winning the adoration of millions. And as great as it looks in the photos, we promise it'll be even better in person. Ready to join the Fiddle club? The Léon & George team is here to help with more care tips and design pointers to get you started.