Foliage Care

Light

Give it bright consistent light, preferably by a sunny window. Turn the plant every few months once it begins to lean toward the light.

 

Drafts

Make sure that your window is properly sealed. Figs are used to the still, warm conditions of the rainforest. Cold drafts from windows, doors and air-conditioning units may cause its leaves to dry out and drop.

 

Soil

Rich, well-drained peaty soil. Plan on re-potting about once every couple years because once roots become crowded they will start growing through the container’s drainage hole, causing circulation problems and even root rot.

 

Water

Water only when soil is dry to the touch – this part is important. Then water thoroughly and allow to dry out again before watering again. If plants don’t get enough water, new leaves will turn brown and drop; on the other hand, if they are overwatered, the oldest leaves (toward the base of the plant) will turn brown and fall off.

 

Yellowing of Leaves (Ficus Lyrata only)

It’s normal for all ficus plants to have some leaves that turn yellow.  Simply trim these leaves off to allow others to fill in.  Shipping plants can cause them a little stress, so if any leaves arrive yellow or black, simply trim them off the plant.  It is perfectly natural for plants to lose some of their lower leaves as they mature, so pulling off any unhappy leaves when the plant arrives will not harm the plant.