Are you looking for an interesting addition to your outdoor greenery? The fiddle leaf fig, also known as ficus lyrata, is a tropical rainforest plant and is the trendiest and most eye-catching houseplant of recent years. But did you know that they can also be grown outdoors?
In this blog post, we will explore everything there is when it comes to growing fiddle leaf fig outdoors – from selecting the right plant variety, preparing different environmental conditions such as light and soil requirements, taking care of pests and diseases, pruning properly, and finally harvesting your crop every year.
So let’s get started if you want to learn more about adding one of nature’s most attractive plants in your very own backyard.
Caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Outdoors -Water Requirements
Table of Contents
1. Watering frequency
When it comes to keeping your fiddle leaf fig thriving outdoors, watering frequency can be a bit of a balancing act. While it’s important to keep the soil moist, too much water can lead to root rot and other issues.
On the other hand, allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause your plant to wilt and suffer.
The key is to find a medium – aim to water your fiddle leaf fig once or twice a week with equal amounts of water.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to environmental factors – for example, in summer months, when it’s particularly hot and dry outside, you may need to water more often.
The watering frequency for fiddle leaf fig plants varies depending on the size of the plant and the environment it is in.
Here are some tips to help you;
If you have a fig tree, it will require more water than a smaller plant. Water it thoroughly every 7-10 days or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
For a potted fiddle leaf fig, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. This may be every 7-10 days, but it could be more or less depending on the size of the pot and the amount of light and humidity in the room.
If you have a fiddle leaf fig outside, it will require more frequent watering, especially in hot weather. Water it deeply once a week or more often if the soil feels dry.
Water Quality
Water quality is a crucial factor to consider when caring for your fiddle fig (ficus lyrata). Just like humans, plants require clean and safe water to thrive.
Poor water quality can lead to many problems, such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and susceptibility to disease.
If you’re using tap water, make sure to let it sit for a few hours or at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
Alternatively, consider using a natural source of water, such as rainwater or well water, which is free of harmful chemicals and can help your plants thrive.
Water Drainage
When it comes to growing a healthy fiddle leaf fig outdoors. This popular plant requires well-draining soil and a pot with proper drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the roots, causing root rot.
When choosing a pot for your fiddle leaf fig, opt for one with drainage holes that allow excess water to flow easily, such as a terracotta pot.
It’s also important to avoid over-watering your plant and to allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings.
When watering your fiddle fig, make sure to water it thoroughly so that excess water can drain out.
Soil Requirements for Growing an Outdoor Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Soil Type
When it comes to soil, it’s essential to find the right mix to ensure your plant thrives.
Generally speaking, peat-based soil with some perlite mixed in is an excellent choice.
Peat is a type of soil made from decayed vegetation and is known for being nutrient-rich and acidic, which fiddle leaf figs thrive in.
Perlite, on the other hand, is a natural mineral that helps with drainage, ensuring that your plant doesn’t get waterlogged.
Also, sandy soil is often preferred because it allows for good drainage, which helps prevent root rot.
Soil pH
For your Fiddle leaf to thrive outdoors, maintaining pH level of the soil is crucial for the health of plants.
Outdoors, the ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6 to 7, providing a slightly acidic soil to a slightly alkaline environment.
This range allows for optimal nutrient uptake and promotes healthy root growth.
Keeping the soil pH within this range can be achieved by using a soil pH tester and adjusting the pH as needed with products like agricultural lime or sulfur.
Maintaining proper soil pH is just as important as proper watering and lighting when it comes to ensuring the longevity of your fiddle leaf fig.
Mulching
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to promote healthy and thriving plant growth.
For outdoor and indoor fiddle leaf figs and trees, mulching is especially helpful in retaining moisture in the soil, regulating soil temperature, and preventing weed growth.
Mulching material can include anything from leaves and grass clippings to bark chips and compost.
Spread the mulch around the base and branches of your fiddle leaf fig tree, making sure to leave a few inches of space around the plant’s stem to prevent moisture from collecting and causing rot.
Light Requirements for Growing Fiddle-Leaf Fig Outdoors
When it comes to growing fiddle leaf figs outdoors, direct sunlight is crucial. These plants require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive.
This can be achieved by placing the plant in full sun in a sunny spot or by providing supplemental artificial light.
It’s important to keep in mind that too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a balance between direct and indirect sunlight is important.
Proper lighting conditions are key to keeping your fiddle leaf fig healthy and happy in an outdoor shade or location.
Temperature Requirements for Growing Fiddle-Leaf Fig Outdoors
Fiddle leaf figs can tolerate various temperatures as long as they are not exposed to weather extremes.
For optimal growth, a temperature range of 60-70°F is ideal. This means that fiddle leaf figs can be grown outdoors in temperate climates without worry, and if you’re looking to give your plants a little extra boost, consider moving them outside during the warmer summer months.
During the cold weather season, ensure the temperature doesn’t drop below 50°. To maintain the temperature, you can use heat lights.
Humidity Requirements for Outdoor Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are native to humid environments such as tropical rainforests, so they require a certain level of humidity to thrive. In their native habitat, these plants are exposed to high levels of humidity, which helps to keep their leaves lush and healthy.
If you’re growing an outdoor potted fiddle leaf fig, it’s important to try and replicate this environment as much as possible.
One way to do this is to mist the leaves regularly with water to increase the humidity levels around the plant. You can also place a tray of water near the plant or use a humidifier to maintain a more consistent level of humidity.
Wrapping Up!
Growing fiddle leaf figs outdoors can be a very rewarding experience when done correctly. It is important to be aware of its temperature requirements, needs for protection from the wind, and the type of potting soil it needs.
Furthermore, you should choose a location with bright light and adequate space for the fig’s roots to grow.
Particular attention should also be given to watering the plant correctly and adding fertilizer during the active growth period each year.
With these steps in place, your outdoor fiddle leaf fig will thrive in no time.
Have fun transforming your outdoor space into a verdant oasis filled with flourishing greenery.