Fiddle leaf fig care: light, water, and pet safety

Ficus lyrata

Care table

Light	Bright indirect light to some direct sun. Bright light near a window. Some morning sun is fine. Hates being moved.
Water	Water when the top inch dries. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Humidity	Prefers 40 to 50 percent or more
Repotting	Spring to early summer, when roots circle the pot or grow out the drainage hole. Go up 1 to 2 inches in pot width.

Winter care

Keep it in its brightest spot, away from drafts and heat vents. Water less often. Leaf drop after a move or cold draft is common.

Pet safety

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Weeping Fig (Ficus sp.) ASPCA lists Ficus species as toxic. The milky sap irritates mouth and skin.

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Brown spots on leaves: Root rot from wet soil, or bacterial spots.
Sudden leaf drop: A move, a cold draft, or big swings in watering.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool