While fiddle leaf fig plants have a reputation for being a bit difficult to care for, it’s worth the challenge to add one of these beauties to your home. One way to ensure your fiddle leaf fig stays happy is by choosing a proper soil mix. In this guide, I’ll run through how to make the best fiddle leaf fig potting mix at home and some of my go-to store-bought pre-made mixes.
- The Best Soil Mix for Fiddle Leaf Figs – 5 Key Takeaways:
- The Ultimate Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Mix Recipe
- Why Soil Choice Matters
- Signs You’re Using the Wrong Soil Mix for Fiddle Leaf Figs
- The Importance of Well-Draining Potting Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
- What Soil pH is Best for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees?
- How Pot Shape and Plant Size Impact Soil Choice
- The Best Soil for Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Soil Tips FAQs:
The Best Soil Mix for Fiddle Leaf Figs – 5 Key Takeaways:
- Well-Draining Soil: Ensure that your soil mix is well-draining to prevent one of the most common Fiddle Leaf Fig issues – root rot. I always aerate the potting soil by adding perlite, sand, or bark to enhance drainage.
- Slightly Acidic pH: Fiddle leaf figs prefer a slightly acidic pH range of about 5.5 to 7.0. This is typical for many indoor potting mixes, but it’s still a good idea to check. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss, which is acidic. Conversely, if it’s too acidic, crushed limestone can be added.
- Organic Matter: Incorporate organic materials such as compost to supply nutrients and improve the soil structure.
- Aeration: Roots need oxygen as much as they need water. Compacted soil can suffocate the roots, leading to an unhealthy plant. Add orchid bark, perlite, or coarse sand to improve aeration. This will help with drainage and ensure that the roots get plenty of air.
- Repot Every 1 to 2 Years: As fiddle leaf figs grow, their roots can become bound in their pots. Regularly repotting every 1-2 years can help ensure they always have fresh, nutrient-rich soil to grow in.
The Ultimate Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Mix Recipe
Creating a potting mix for fiddle leaf figs is easy. All you need is a few common materials you can find at most gardening stores:
Sphagnum peat moss
It is a natural material that provides both water retention and drainage. Peat moss allows your plants to have access to the water they need while also providing aeration.
Coco coir
It is made from fibrous coconut husks. Its texture and properties are similar to peat moss, but it compacts more over time.
Perlite
It is excellent at increasing the aeration and drainage of a soil mix. This substance is a type of volcanic glass that has been heated until it expands.
Organic potting soil
It is typically made from materials including compost, peat moss, and bark. It may contain added nutrients in the form of materials such as blood meal and bone meal. Not all potting soils are the same, so sample a few until you find one you like.
The Best Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Mix Recipe
The following soil blend will provide great aeration and drainage while also providing your fiddle leaf figs a place to anchor and source nutrients. Since all organic potting soils are a bit different, you may need to tweak this recipe a bit over time.
This mix contains:
- 2 parts organic potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part sphagnum peat moss OR coco coir
Find a large container where you can mix your materials. Add the three materials following the ratio listed above. Add a bit of water so the soil mix is moist but not wet and then mix thoroughly. After everything is well mixed, you can fill your pots and begin planting.
Storebought Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Mix
You can use a pre-blended potting mix if you don’t have the time or space to make a mix at home. When you’re looking for a potting mix for your fiddle leaf fig, make sure it is labeled as well-draining. However, avoid mixes that contain a large amount of sand, such as those designed for cacti or succulents.
A couple of my favorites include Tropical House Plant Potting Mix due to its excellent drainage capabilities and Bloomscape’s specially designs houseplant potting mix.
Why Soil Choice Matters
Soil isn’t just something that holds plants in place. When you choose a soil, you want it to provide the following.
- A place to anchor and support growth
- Proper gas exchange
- Access to water
- Temperature control
- Nutrients
Since each plant species is a bit different, you need to choose a soil mix that works for each type of plant.
Signs You’re Using the Wrong Soil Mix for Fiddle Leaf Figs
The wrong soil mix can cause various issues with your fiddle leaf fig. If you see any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign you’re using an improper mix.
Drooping leaves
Yellowing, drooping, or dropping leaves can be a sign that your plant has either too much or not enough water. Even if you are watering your plant at seemingly proper intervals, the wrong soil mix can lead to problems.
If your mix doesn’t contain materials that contribute to good drainage, your plant may sit in water for days. This can lead to rotting roots, preventing plants from taking in the needed water.
Alternatively, if you’re using a soil mix that barely holds any water, your plants cannot take up water.
Poor light conditions can also be a factor for drooping leaves on your Fiddle Leaf Fig. You may need to consider pruning your fiddle leaf fig to manage past-prime or decaying leaves.
For more, see our in-depth guide on the best positions for fiddle leaf figs to thrive in the home.
Brown spots
Brown spots are a common problem on fiddle leaf figs. One of the most likely causes of these unsightly spots is overwatering.
Even if you only water your plants every few weeks, they may still be in water. Poorly-draining soil mixes can cause your plants to sit in water for days, leading to brown spots.
Falling leaves
Are another possible indicator of root rot. Root rot is most common when using a poorly-draining potting mix, leading to your plant sitting in water.
The Importance of Well-Draining Potting Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
Fiddle leaf fig trees hate sitting in water. While watering too often can lead to problems, another common cause of root rot is using the wrong potting soil.
When you are choosing a potting soil for your FLF, you need to make sure it drains well. That means when you pour water into your container, the excess should flow through the bottom of your pot. Even when your soil is fully saturated, it should still contain air pockets.
What Soil pH is Best for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees?
Fiddle leaf fig plants (including freshly propagated plants) grow best in soil with a slightly acidic pH, between 5.5-7.0. However, they aren’t too picky and can handle a pH that is a bit outside this range.
How Pot Shape and Plant Size Impact Soil Choice
Your pot shape and plant size will not impact what soil you choose. All sizes of fiddle leaf fig plants in all types of pots prefer a similar potting soil.
However, these two factors will impact how often you must water your plant.
Mature plants in large pots will require a larger volume of water than little plants in small pots. However, you may need to water smaller pots more frequently since their soil will dry out quicker.
The important thing to remember is always to choose a well-draining potting mix and adjust your watering schedule from there.
The Best Soil for Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
When it comes time to repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, use a potting mix with the same qualities mentioned above. Always switch out your soil when you repot your plants to remove any issues with compaction and diseases.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Soil Tips FAQs:
What Soil pH is Best for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees?
Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees do best in soil with a slightly acidic pH. Remember that a neutral pH is 7.0; any number below this is considered acidic. Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees grow are best in a mix with a pH between 5.5-7.0.
Can you use cactus soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees?
Cacti or succulent soil mixes tend to have similar beneficial characteristics (such as slight acidity and good drainage), which are suitable for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees.
What are the main soil considerations when repotting a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
Always switch out your soil when you repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees to remove any issues with compaction and diseases.
How do you mix Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees soil?
To make the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree soil mix, add all the ingredients to a large container and then water until moist. Thoroughly mix the elements, and then fill your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree pots.
Does Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees like moist soil?
Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees do best in a potting mix that holds some moisture yet drains very well. Ensure your potting vessel has a drainage system so excess water can disperse during watering cycles.
Wrapping Up
When you’re choosing soil for your fiddle leaf fig, remember the most important thing is to choose a well-draining mix. If you notice any problems with your plant’s soil, don’t be afraid to swap it out for a better mix.
For more, see our in-depth guide to the meaning and symbolism of fig trees.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.
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