Photo by Pawe? Czerwi?ski on Unsplash

“There’s that green thing again!” – Instagram user, probably

Are you noticing the on-going trend of adding Fiddle Leaf Figs to home décor? It seems this tree is sweeping America! Classic green with a glossy shine. Wide leaves with a violin shape. Striking a pose with the “wow” factor. This plant might be more photogenic than your latest artisan bakery treat. Hashtag no calories. Hashtag Mayfair filter.

Needless to say, if you are planning on adding a fig to your family, you’ll have to find out how to keep your new-found greenery looking fabulous. Take a gander at these tips -

Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash

Figs! More than just fruit for filling for Fig Newton cookies! One glance at photos of dreamy homes listed by The Litton Group and you may find a leafy green topiary staged in the snapshots. Possibly, the plant is perched by the patio door? Or, maybe you’ll spot the greenery at the side of the sofa? This emerald focal point is a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, ficus lyrata. Before making plans to add this sprout to your setting, consider learning how to give it tender loving care –

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Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash

Water Carefully

Who doesn’t love a refreshing drink of water? Serving up h2o to your plant is a good thing, in moderation. Add one more item to your online calendar – planning the timing of when you’ll need to water. To keep the soil around the roots happy, it only needs a visit from your watering can once every 7-10 days. The goal here is to allow the dirt to completely dry in between drinks.

When life happens and you lose track of your watering routine, how will you know if your fig is thirsty?

• Rather than your green thumb, try pressing your pointer finger down through the soil to feel for moisture

• Or, add a thin dowel that reaches the bottom of the pot. Checking this stick can signal how much of the dirt is still damp

• If gadgets are your thing, shop for a moisture meter to define your watering needs

“Dry and Draining” at the lowest level of the pot is the best way to prevent those crucial roots from rotting away.

Source : https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/the-fiddle-leaf-fig-is-fashion-forward

Add Humidity

Originally found in the tropical jungle climate of West Africa, Fiddle Leaf Figs are big fans of humidity. When Summer weather in San Antonio turns up the muggy heat, this rainforest sapling will relish the moisture in the air.

Although, if your figgy friend will reside inside, you and the plant may disagree on the temperature inside of your home. Drama! This sprout is not accustomed to air conditioning. Also, you may not feel like bumping up the humidity level of your living space to over 60%.

Never fear! An easy compromise could be -

• Closing the a/c vent nearest to the plant

• Setting up a misting humidifier in the vicinity of your tree

For tips on living the fig life here in Alamo City, you may wish to chat with the manager at your local garden center. Or, check in with the Bexar County Extension Education Office https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/contact/ for information on how to create the optimum growing environment for your leafy pal.

Source : https://fiddleleaffigplant.com/fiddle-leaf-fig-care/

Read: Think Green This March with Houseplants

Lighten Up

Much like spending your first day at the pool, there’s a limit to how much time an organism should spend in the sun. Think back to where the fig hails from - 

• Jungle

• Forest

• Dense woods

Out yonder, sunlight is filtered through a tropical canopy of lush trees. If your topiary is trapped in the baking sun of your West facing window, it might cry out for help by dropping dry and crispy leaves. Consider placing your plant by a curtained window. With your on-trend window treatments offering just the right amount of filtered sunshine, your fig will find true enlightenment.

Thankfully, the interwebs abound with helpful information on tending to your tree. From placing the Fiddle Leaf Fig on a rolling plant stand to wiping down the leaves to keep them clean, there are plenty of tips and hints for proper care. When your friendly fig is looking particularly photo opp worthy, share a snapshot with us at The MilHousing Network San Antonio Facebook Page.

Source: https://www.proflowers.com/blog/fiddle-leaf-fig-care