What to Do With Your Fiddle Leaf Fig in July for a Fuller, Healthier Plant and Glossier Leaves
It's time to feed, prune, and give its foliage some TLC
The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most beautiful statement houseplants to grow, with its iconic lobed foliage. But, it is considered dramatic and – at times – needy. And now we're in July, it demands some essential summer care to look brighter and fuller.
Growing a fiddle leaf fig is undoubtedly rewarding, but you need to get its care just right for it to stay happy. These figs are currently in a season of active growth, meaning they're using up lots of energy and appreciate a boost of fertilizer. It's also a great time to prune your fig to encourage a bushier shape – just make sure to have these Fiskars bypass pruning shears on Amazon to hand. And don't forget to check its leaves for any hiding pests that are thriving in this month's warmth.
Here, with insights from a plant expert, I talk through exactly what to do with a fiddle leaf fig in July so you can encourage even more growth this summer.
1. Fertilize Regularly
Fiddle leaf figs are hungry houseplants and their growth will slow down as the nutrients in their soil deplete. You may even spot discoloring foliage from a nutrient deficiency.
'Fertilize your fiddle leaf fig every two to four weeks through the warm growing months,' says Kellie Brown of Fig & Bloom. 'You should stop entirely once growth slows in late summer,' she adds.
You can use a specific fiddle leaf fig fertilizer (like this one from Amazon) which is nitrogen-rich to encourage foliage growth. Simply dilute with water to apply.
Fiddle leaf fig's roots are sensitive, so I recommend first dampening the soil when using liquid feeds. This ensures the roots are hydrated and able to absorb the fertilizer without getting burned.
For an organic option, you can use a coffee ground fertilizer which is rich in nitrogen.
Kellie is a plant expert and the founder of Fig & Bloom. She advises on a wide range of indoor and outdoor plant care.
2. Encourage Branching
July is an ideal time to do some fiddle leaf fig pruning, especially if you want to encourage a fuller shape. Doing this in the active growth season means your plant has lots of energy to use and time to recover before cooler conditions in fall.
Fiddle leaf figs have a main trunk-like stem, but some careful pruning can encourage side shoots, resulting in multiple branches and a bushier habit.
'Cut about half-an-inch above a leaf node,' says Kellie. This is where a leaf connects to the main stem, where those new branches will emerge.
You should make a clean cut with pruning tools like these Felco F2 pruning shears from Amazon, which are the right size to cut through the thicker stems of the fiddle leaf fig.
Removing the main growing tip will also help redirect the plant's energy into the side shoots – this is known as apical pruning.
Take care to avoid pruning mistakes, however, such as removing more than one third of the plant which can shock the plant and stunt growth.
'And always wear gloves, as the sap can irritate skin,' Kellie warns.
3. Clean the Foliage
The large lobed foliage of fiddle leaf figs is what makes them so popular, but this also means they're one of the houseplants that collect dust easily.
Dusty conditions attract common houseplant pests and dull your fiddle leaf fig's appearance. It can even hinder its ability to photosynthesize.
That's why it's important to clean your houseplant leaves regularly throughout the year.
I like to use houseplant dusting gloves (like these from Amazon), but you can also gently wipe the leaves with a slightly damp microfiber cloth from Walmart.
'Skip silicone leaf shines, they clog the leaf’s pores,' Kellie warns. 'And those white specks that won’t rub off aren’t a disease, they’re natural mineral cells,' she adds.
You can also clean your fiddle leaf fig leaves to make them glossier by regularly misting your plant, with this Wayfair plant mister.
Shop Fiddle Leaf Fig Essentials
Use this fiddle leaf fig to give your plant a boost of essential plant nutrients. It's formulated to encourage leafy growth.
This pair of Felco F2 hand pruners are ideal for pruning fiddle leaf figs They have carbon steel blades for clean cuts.
These houseplant dusting gloves are made of microfiber to easily and gently remove dust and debris from plant leaves.
While these are undoubtedly some of the most impressive plants to have in your home, there are lots of fiddle leaf figs problems to be aware of. This includes drooping leaves from overly wet soil. I avoid this issue by always checking my houseplant's soil with my soil moisture meter from Amazon, which lets me know when it's time to top up water.
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