I had a cutting which was totally leafless. Just a stick! I waited. And waited! And WAITED! Not kidding it probably took 6 months for a very tender little root to form. Probably a year for a little leaf to pop out! Patience! If you can wait it out I’ve had success (slow success 😃) with about 90% of cuttings.
I love your video!! It's concise and covers everything we need to know about this plant. I appreciate that you don't have a :10 second video open…a waste of time. I appreciate that you get right to the point. I appreciate that you gave time lapse in the same video and I didn't have to search around for part 2! Basically, your video is the best I've seen and I've watched a ton with regard to this plant. THANK YOU!!!!
I accidentally pruned the top while moving about a year ago and it was very touch & go, but my plant eventually recovered, and I got 3 branches out of it! I did such a dorky happy dance when I finally spotted the new growth on it again
I have a really big one on my patio in Florida, it became top heavy so I tried to air layer 2 branches. The wind snapped the branches so I put them in water one rooted well and just potted it recently! So happy to say it now has new leaves!
Tysm 🎋4 how to prune..my fast growing almost 7’ r 8’ fig tree. Bought for $6 @HD had maybe 6 leaves couple yrs ago. Astonished how fast it grows indoors indirect light. Anxious to see it branch off when I prune it back couple ft..🤞
I've looked at a few of these Fiddle Leaf care video's. I rescued one that I was in my Apt. dumpster. It was sad with only 2 leaves that were alive. I've ALWAYS had it by my outside entrance/front door on the north side I'm on the 1st floor a lenght of shade is right over my entrance that leads into a very shady courtyard. My Fiddle Leaf Tree is happy, thriving and over 7 feet tall with 29 leaves. I take good care of it. Moral of story- If you rescue/adopt a sad Fiddle Leaf it will be happy and thrive in an area where there is absolutely No Direct Sunlight! I did water it just right- Not over Not under. Plus polished/cleaned the leaves now and then & re-pottted/resoil/fertalized. Yes I fertilized when repotting. (They all say wait some time after you re-pot before you fertalize.) My shady, fertalized Fiddle Tree is thriving. If your given one and you don't have a sunny place for it don't give up hope! But YES If you DO have a sunny place you should listen to the supposed advice that tells you it 'will die/not survive/thrive in a shady area. I think because I live in So Cal my plant is OK. You may not be so lucky if you live where it's colder.
Thanks for sharing this plant rescue story! I think it also helps with the California heat and humidity that you tree is growing so nicely. I've said many times to people "just give it a try" as plants adapt so well to changing conditions.
Great video! Love that you fast forwarded and showed new growth after you prude it. I’ve been growing these for 5+ years and it’s been a learning lesson along the way. But they aren’t difficult to grow if you give them lots of sunlight and adequate water. Give them a good fertilizer.
Great video! So glad you talked about using moisture meter. When I got my first FLF I tested two inches down with my finger and it was dry so I’d water! Then it started getting brown spots, beginning rot root I feared. So I started using meter and my problems cleared up. Please stress using the meter more! They are accurate if you use them correctly. A meter saved my plant. I now have nine Fiddles…they seem to be addictive! Great video.
Glad to see your video. We are “watching” a FLF that belongs to my daughter-in-law since she and my son began a four year tour in Japan. When we got it, there was only one leaf and now after three years it is almost ten feet tall and covered with leaves. It’s now too tall for the windows and the top foot is getting very little light. I think I’ll try to prune it to promote additional branches. So far, it’s one ten foot stem with only one branch and has to be supported off of a bamboo stake.
I keep mine in a pot with drainage that sits inside another without - so when I think I may have over watered I can lift the plant up and get the water out of the bottom. Honestly I’ve never had to empty the basin pot but I check every couple weeks because it really likes getting a lot of water once a week.
Great video and so much detailed information. Mine began 2 years ago at 2 feet; now it's almost 9 feet, and sits outdoors in the southern California weather; this past winter la great deal of rain, and off days almost 5 hours of sun. I was afraid it would snap with 45mph winds but was afraid to prune it. Thanks, feel better now about getting it (charlie) to grow more branches. :)
My fiddle leaf is 8 feet tall and has three huge branches at the top. He is gorgeous and brings a great vibe to the livingroom.. I'm afraid to prune it and may make the plant look awkward with my cuts🌿..love your video and will get the courage to prune🪴
Thank you for this video! Great tips! My flf is tall, about 5 feet, but only 1 stem🙄. I need this inspiration to MAKE THAT CUT ✂️. Maybe now I can! Thank you!💚🌻🌿
It is extremely hard to make the cut...trust me haha. The first time I pruned I think I said oh shit...😢 what have I done, but then you start to see the new growth and realize things will be okay.
I don't have a lot of space, but this video makes me want to try again with this plant. I did everything wrong with the first one I had (including putting it straight outside in the sun which caused a lot of burn) and eventually it didn't want to tolerate my abuse anymore haha. If I see a nice looking bambino I might just pick it up this summer.
You definitely need to try again. These are such wonderful looking plants in the home. I almost gave up a few times after pruning because it was in the awkward phase. Now that I have some experience with pruning them now a few times, I think I finally understand some of the techniques to branching.
I got from my local nursery and when I brought it home all the leaves start falling. I almost threw it away coz I thought it was dying...lol Good thing I didn't coz now it's big and tall! Gotta learn these tricks and prune it ☺👍
Great video! I propagated from 1 leaf that I snapped off a branch. So far ( a very long time later) I’ve got three new leaves ( small) & the mother leaf has died off.
One more tip. If you want branching all over the trunk? You need to remove any and all leaves shading the nodes. Light to the nodes, and cutting the apexical meristem of the plant, as well as cutting the tip makes them branch from every node. Did it to all but one of mine.
@@seiyuokamihimura5082 I agree and that's why I make these videos....to share what I've learnt along the way and I love when people give extra tips too!
Thanks Sam. I've heard if you take a small cutting and propagate in soil then cover it with a bag for humidity they usually work out. I have had success once with water propagation.
I’ve been using Elm Dirt plant food for everything I have in pots and am very happy with the results. They’ve all gone crazy growing outside. My question is, has anyone tried Elm Dirt on FLFs? Thanks.
Thanks so much for your video, I am about to hard prune back my plant after five years. Mine is now about 10 feet tall and only prune it once with one branch. 👏
My plants were struggling and slowly losing leaves and dying, as soon as i repotted them with about 50% worm castings mixed into the potting mix. About 6 months later 1 plant is completely full with leaves and more branches. The other plant which was pruned back to almost nothing has regrown from the base and has about 6 or 7 leaves.
Hi. I know this is 2 yrs ago, but I've just watched this video and snipped my tall leggy 4 Yr old fig. I nearly fainted!! Anyway, so when would you suggest removing the lower leaves to make it look like a tree?
I have a plant that has grown taller and has no branches. Is it fine to prune the midway with no leaves remaining with the main stem ? Please let me know.
Great video and very informative - a very naive question, can I just cut leaves (not the stem, just at the bottom of the leaf) that are not doing well? I put my plant in direct sun for some time and a few leaves were burnt out. One of them is at the bottom and I heard that wouldn't be good. What's your experience with that? Thanks again!
Great question! I think the only time you shouldn't cut a leaf off is when you also pruned to get the tree to branch. They say not to prune and then remove some leaves as you want the plant to focus on the branching area.
Thanks for this video. I purchased a fiddle leaf fig but the leaves are not very large like the ones I've seen in magazines and elsewhere. I guess I have the smaller version of the plant. I love it and look forward to watching it grow. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more. What type of fertilizer is best?
Hey Sharon! Not saying you have it, but there is also a small leaved FLF called Bambino. I use Dyna grow foliage pro for all of my houseplants and they love them!
Hello! Reference section 2:49: could you clarify? So, if I were to twist off that new growth at the top, will it no longer grow any taller and force growth laterally elsewhere on the plant? Thanks!
Very informative, love the video! I have a FLF that is about 6ft now and I should have started trimming it sooner to encourage lateral growth at about 5ft, but it is just a long tree with no branching now! How much of the tree can be pruned from the top of the tree without doing damage to the plant?
It's such a great video, so informative. ❤ new subscriber...lol. why didn't I find your video sooner.. Now I just have a long stick with leaves. 😂 I'm gonna take a chance and prune it to see if I can get some branches.
I had the same plant but unfortunately it got worms attack. I cut all the leaves down leaving a trunk. After two month a bud come out from the top and now it has 3 big healthy leaves showing. Now how do I promote leaf growth below the trunk ? Is that possible ? Or do I just have to wait for the top to grow longer and prune it ? Thanks needing your advice. 😊
Thanks for the video. I just bought one that is a single stem and about 4 feet tall. I want to prune the top to encourage branching but I noticed you also mentioned to not remove the lower leaves. Is there a better time to remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem if I am also trying to get new branches on the top by pruning up there?
Love your explanation of pruning so it branches. I’m sorry but I could not understand what you called the tip of the stem that you pinched off. Can you repeat that word or post me a notification. Thank you.
I believe he called it the “apical dominance”. The Apical bud is the bud at the tip of main stem. When you cut it off or pinch it off it forces the growth hormone auxin back down the main stem that stimulates the dormant buds just below.
So you didnt experience any problems with spraying water on the leaves? Would you even recommend it?I know for the monstera it loves to be sprayed, but the ficus are not supposed to like it. Great video. I'm going to prune mine today to get some more branches on it, and some extra plants =)
Where do you live? I would only recommend pruning it for more branches in the spring time when it is firing up for the spring and summer growth, otherwise you may only get one branch slowly....the plant won't have enough energy to produce multiple. As for the misting....I do occasionally, but with any plant you run the risk of a possible fungal infection on the leaves.
Will it work,if i prune it now...its fall season in India... its been 2years and still not showing any branch..only 1stem and the leaf keep on falling when they turn to dry like yellow and holes are always there..
I would only prune these when it is actively pushing out new growth. There is a better chance of multiple stems as the plant has enough energy to do so. If you prune it now it may only push out one branch....which in my opinion looks awkward. You can definitely try it now but it may grow slow
Hello, I have a question for you... A portion of my fiddle leaf fig became leggy, area of no new leaves, because during the summer the out door umbrella blocked it's sun for many hrs a day I just didn't notice it. So now what's happening is it's top heavy and bending over a bit because the leggy area is not strong to hold up the new growth. I read not to tie it back because the stem won't strengthen that way. I have always jiggled it too. The new growth at top is making it bend more and more. What to do? Shall I take off the whole top portion past the leggy part? Or will that prevent new growth at top? Or will I kill it? Or shall I leave it because it will fix itself. Tree is about 5 ft tall and I water it every 7 days about 5 cups of water. And it always gets some sun and in a bright spot.
Is it currently a single stem? Are you wanting it to branch out? For this Im going to assume it is a single stem. For right now I would definitely stake it up temporarily. The only way to fix this and strenghten up the stem is to prune it, but don't do it over the fall and winter months as the plant is probably not growing or it has very slow growth. I would recommend waiting to prune the top in the later spring when the growth really starts to happen and you may get multiple branches like in this video. Your plant may even send signals to those inactive nodes that you lost leaves on. Does this help?
@@EverythingPlants No there are two stems the more dominant or taller one is leaning. The 2nd stem is 2 ft and hasn't grown much. The taller stem has the leggy area which is leaning. When a plant is staked, it doesn’t have to do any work to support itself, so it never really strengthens. So I dont think I'll go that route.
@@tessafox1329 the stake is only temporary until you make the prune which will also help strengthen the stem in the long term. Good luck with which ever route you take.
My flf is basically one straight stem with leaves at all heights, and one tiny branch really low like half foot above the soil, so if I want to use your method to make it grow to a tree shape, should I remove the tiny branch and all leaves lower down?
I am not a professional, but I probably would start with the prune into the tree like structure before removing those other branches. If you remove those other branches and prune it might focus energy repairing those areas instead of new growth, but like I said I am not a professional.
I would do it only in the springtime just as the plant is ramping up energy for new growth. If you have the plant under grow lights and getting consistent light and growth then you can prune anytime of the year. You prune in the fall time when the plant is under natural sunlight. There is less light throughout the day so that means there is less energy the plant is producing.... So you may only get one stem instead of multiple branches if you prune in the fall
Hello. I love your video. I'm new to fiddle leaf and mine grew too tall. It's over 7 ft. Can I still prune it and cut about 2 feet or more off? I really don't want it to die.
@@EverythingPlants Mine is bout 7 ft too and I just pruned a bunch of leaves on a 2 ft branch. Hoping for new growth! And also hoping the one I cut will root!! Think I have a chance??
Thank you for the video! I want to do this to my plant to promote the same look you have there. I do however have two leaves really low close to the pot. Can I remove them without promoting growth in that area? And also mine tend to lean towards the window and I would like the stalk to be straight up. Anyway to fix this?
Hello Cherie. Jist an FYI, I have another pruning video of the FLF coming out soon (filmed it yesterday) and I hacked it up again. Lol While you prune for branching, leave those lower leaves on. You can always take them off at another time, but let the plant focus its energy making branching. Be sure to fertilize as well....if you haven't already. I rotate my plant so it's not always facing the same direction. Maybe once every couple weeks. Pruning also helps establish thicker trunks as well. You can use a stack as a temporary support, but long term you aren't helping the plant out.
You can prune it or try the notching technique to stimulate inactive nodes. Hope this helps and only do this in the growing seasons of spring and summer for the best chance of success.
Can I actually do that on a bambino or are you just using it for an example? I thought I bought my fav tree form but recently found out it was a bambino although I do love it too I want the true flf tree
It is the same process for the bambino too. I recently purchased the bambino, so it may be awhile before this one gets its first prune. Go buy the regular FLF and you can have a collection of them lol. Thanks so much for watching my video.
Yes! Absolutely....I propagate it in water. Once it grows large enough roots, place it in soil and cover the entire thing with a clear plastic bag and give it lots of light.
I bought my first Fiddle Leaf a few months ago. So far its doing fine but mine is only about 1 1/2' tall and extremely bushy and the bottom has tons of leaves. Can i start cutting the bottom leaves off to it starts to grow like a tree instead of a bush?
I have two ones and I really want them to branch out since they are just a stick with leaves on them. I tried to make a cut halfway through the stem on my smaller one a couple of months ago but it didn't respond well. A lot of leaves dropped but I think it might be because of root rot and the fact that I did not clean my knife before my cut. However, I fixed the rotting roots and it has had perhaps four new leaves since and is looking pretty cute. I was wondering if I could make a new cut or cut the top off again or if it is too late since it is July now. Worth mentioning is that I live in southern Sweden and don't have as much light in the winter (they made it last year without dropping) but the sun is out longer in the summer. Is it worth shooting the shot?
lol, Kid Damage, the worst kind of pest. My flf's are doing great, but every time I've pruned them, they haven't branched, and then I have these wonky stems that I have to train back into a straight stem. it's been frustrating. lol.
Kid damage is the worst hahaha. I have been learning off this plant and the harder the prune the greater the results. Maybe it's just me, but I have read that the plant tries to balance out the new growth with the size of root structure that is already established.
I have one that have been gifted to me. It’s tall with very few leaves at the top. Someone advised me to cut the plant down to 2 feet tall. It would just be a stem if I do that. Would you recommend that?
I got my fig tree a month ago from Home Depot, I noticed the leaves were falling, I inspected the roots, they seemed dry. So I watered it, and the next day checked with a water meter and it’s showing dry again. I don’t want to give it root rot, what do you recommend to help this plant 😢
Repot or soak in soapy water. Like two drops of liquid soap to your kitchen sink. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Your soil is hydrophobic. Meaning it cant take up water in the soil because it waaaay to dry. The soap should help break that dryness at least temporarily.
I just came across your video, best explanation I've seen so far on pruning a FLF! Thank you! But it is late October, can I still make the cut now or should I wait till Spring? And...can I propagate the top part of the plant that is cut to make a new plant?
I would definitely wait until spring. It probably won't have enough energy to produce multiple branches. You can propagate the top cutting, but I have found this hard to do. For me, the leaves all fell off pretty fast.
Depends of course when you make the cut. I had really good success pruning in the spring time and that way it has all summer to focus on growth. I probably took a couple of weeks before I saw new growth popping through.
Is it possible for a new leaf to have holes in the leaf? I can't find any bugs anywhere on my plant!!! I've had three people look for bugs and we cant find any. Are there some sort of bugs that are not visible? Feeling devastated
Trauma and humidity are often issues according to this article. I have read alot from this source in the past. Lack of humidity This is especially problematic for new leaves as they unfurl and stretch out. If your fig isn’t getting enough humidity, your little buds can stick to themselves and tear as they grow. fiddleleaffigplant.com/fiddle-leaf-fig-leaves-have-holes/
@@EverythingPlants Hi thanks. We've had a heat wave here with high humidity and alot of steam from cooking in the house I cant imagine its dry air bit you never know. I do use a pebble tray is that enough?I will by a humidifier just in case.
@@tessafox1329 my FLF is in regular house humidity. I wouldn't stress too much about it. It gets pretty dry in the winter time (🇨🇦) and I just leave it alone. Just say those are fenestrated leaves hahaha
How long does it take for the branching to start? Cause I haven’t seeing any on mine since I pruned it. But the bottom leaves have become yellow and fall off
@@EverythingPlants I pruned it back in August I believe or end of July. It sits in front of a large south facing window. I just brought a grow light couple of days ago also to try to help it.
@@millenniallivingdiaries409 assuming you are in North America a south window is good if you have acclimated in to that window. They love bright light! Feel free to send a picture to my Instagram account to take a look at it.
@@louisabyrd7439 I have only done soil. I think if you changed it now it will push back that potential growth even more as it adjusts. It will grow, it just needs time. Most times is it establishing a root system to support the new growth.
Just a couple drops mixed in a spray bottle. I've actually changed practices as you have to be very careful to not use a soap that is a degreaser. For pest prevention, I think I'll switch to an insecticidal soap that you can buy. And for just cleaning the leaves, a damp cloth.
What if I have several stems in one pot, should I wait to repot my plant and separate all stems? I want to achieve what you have so far. Currently, mine looks like a bush.
You can seperate them if you want. Just remove as much of the soil as you can and untangle the roots. Depending on where you live most big box stores sell the single stem ones for a decent price. The fiddle leaf fig can be a bit temperamental so separating it might put it in a bit of a shock, but it can be done.
I had a cutting which was totally leafless. Just a stick! I waited. And waited! And WAITED! Not kidding it probably took 6 months for a very tender little root to form. Probably a year for a little leaf to pop out! Patience! If you can wait it out I’ve had success (slow success 😃) with about 90% of cuttings.
Great info! Clear concise. Really appreciate the follow up to show later branch growth. I am inspired and informed!
Glad you enjoyed it! Depending on where you are prune it in the spring for best results (get more branches)
I love your video!! It's concise and covers everything we need to know about this plant. I appreciate that you don't have a :10 second video open…a waste of time. I appreciate that you get right to the point. I appreciate that you gave time lapse in the same video and I didn't have to search around for part 2! Basically, your video is the best I've seen and I've watched a ton with regard to this plant. THANK YOU!!!!
Oh wow! Thanks K Reid. I really appreciate that....
Thank you straight to the point and very educational within the first 5 mins of the video I was ready to pause & grab the pruning shears!😅
Yay! You can do it
I accidentally pruned the top while moving about a year ago and it was very touch & go, but my plant eventually recovered, and I got 3 branches out of it!
I did such a dorky happy dance when I finally spotted the new growth on it again
That is a sweet mistake! Haha
Same and I’m a nervous wreck. This is my first plant, and expect to do a similar dance if and when it bounces back.
I have a really big one on my patio in Florida, it became top heavy so I tried to air layer 2 branches. The wind snapped the branches so I put them in water one rooted well and just potted it recently! So happy to say it now has new leaves!
That is awesome. I'm not sure what happened to mine. I was really hoping to make some new trees. Did you do anything different to get them to root?
Glad I stayed until the end. Thanks for the great straightforward info.
Tysm 🎋4 how to prune..my fast growing almost 7’ r 8’ fig tree. Bought for $6 @HD had maybe 6 leaves couple yrs ago. Astonished how fast it grows indoors indirect light. Anxious to see it branch off when I prune it back couple ft..🤞
Best of luck!
I've looked at a few of these Fiddle Leaf care video's. I rescued one that I was in my Apt. dumpster. It was sad with only 2 leaves that were alive. I've ALWAYS had it by my outside entrance/front door on the north side I'm on the 1st floor a lenght of shade is right over my entrance that leads into a very shady courtyard. My Fiddle Leaf Tree is happy, thriving and over 7 feet tall with 29 leaves. I take good care of it. Moral of story- If you rescue/adopt a sad Fiddle Leaf it will be happy and thrive in an area where there is absolutely No Direct Sunlight! I did water it just right- Not over Not under. Plus polished/cleaned the leaves now and then & re-pottted/resoil/fertalized. Yes I fertilized when repotting. (They all say wait some time after you re-pot before you fertalize.) My shady, fertalized Fiddle Tree is thriving. If your given one and you don't have a sunny place for it don't give up hope! But YES If you DO have a sunny place you should listen to the supposed advice that tells you it 'will die/not survive/thrive in a shady area. I think because I live in So Cal my plant is OK. You may not be so lucky if you live where it's colder.
Thanks for sharing this plant rescue story! I think it also helps with the California heat and humidity that you tree is growing so nicely. I've said many times to people "just give it a try" as plants adapt so well to changing conditions.
this was the push I needed to finally snip my leggy boi!
Good luck and keep me posted with how your ant does.
Me too!!
Great video! Love that you fast forwarded and showed new growth after you prude it. I’ve been growing these for 5+ years and it’s been a learning lesson along the way. But they aren’t difficult to grow if you give them lots of sunlight and adequate water. Give them a good fertilizer.
Great video! So glad you talked about using moisture meter. When I got my first FLF I tested two inches down with my finger and it was dry so I’d water! Then it started getting brown spots, beginning rot root I feared. So I started using meter and my problems cleared up. Please stress using the meter more! They are accurate if you use them correctly. A meter saved my plant. I now have nine Fiddles…they seem to be addictive! Great video.
Ya...I never understand the "if the top two inches....." Because there is a lot of soil below that as well. Lol Thanks so much for watching
Glad to see your video. We are “watching” a FLF that belongs to my daughter-in-law since she and my son began a four year tour in Japan. When we got it, there was only one leaf and now after three years it is almost ten feet tall and covered with leaves. It’s now too tall for the windows and the top foot is getting very little light. I think I’ll try to prune it to promote additional branches. So far, it’s one ten foot stem with only one branch and has to be supported off of a bamboo stake.
That is pretty impressive growth for sure! Nice work!
I keep mine in a pot with drainage that sits inside another without - so when I think I may have over watered I can lift the plant up and get the water out of the bottom. Honestly I’ve never had to empty the basin pot but I check every couple weeks because it really likes getting a lot of water once a week.
Thats a beautiful plant. My cats would love it too much. Thanks for sharing the beautiful green. 💚🌱🪴
They would love to destroy it? Lol
Corté mi planta y crecieron 3 troncos nuevos en menos de dos meses 😨👏🏻🤩 thank you so much!!!
That is awesome!!!!
Great video and so much detailed information. Mine began 2 years ago at 2 feet; now it's almost 9 feet, and sits outdoors in the southern California weather; this past winter la great deal of rain, and off days almost 5 hours of sun. I was afraid it would snap with 45mph winds but was afraid to prune it. Thanks, feel better now about getting it (charlie) to grow more branches. :)
Thanks for watching Antonio!
My fiddle leaf is 8 feet tall and has three huge branches at the top. He is gorgeous and brings a great vibe to the livingroom.. I'm afraid to prune it and may make the plant look awkward with my cuts🌿..love your video and will get the courage to prune🪴
When I pruned mine I was like....oops, maybe cut too much as it did look awkward. Once it started to branch out I could finally breath again. LOL
Thank you for this video! Great tips! My flf is tall, about 5 feet, but only 1 stem🙄. I need this inspiration to MAKE THAT CUT ✂️. Maybe now I can! Thank you!💚🌻🌿
It is extremely hard to make the cut...trust me haha. The first time I pruned I think I said oh shit...😢 what have I done, but then you start to see the new growth and realize things will be okay.
Same! But my flf is probably 6ft tall! 😱 I’m going to try cutting it today. Thanks for the video!
@@EverythingPlants 😃
me too…mine 8’ single, small branch off on side at bottom. Fed it ONCE. It grows so fast only had it 2 yrs….😧lol
Very nice and informative, I’ll try to do it and hope it works for me. Thank you so much👍
I hope it works for you!
You talk alot but cover every detail. Thanks for giving confidence to others to prune!
Haha....Thanks.
Thank you for sharing.stay safe Godbless
Thanks for watching and hope you stick around for more videos.
I don't have a lot of space, but this video makes me want to try again with this plant. I did everything wrong with the first one I had (including putting it straight outside in the sun which caused a lot of burn) and eventually it didn't want to tolerate my abuse anymore haha. If I see a nice looking bambino I might just pick it up this summer.
You definitely need to try again. These are such wonderful looking plants in the home. I almost gave up a few times after pruning because it was in the awkward phase. Now that I have some experience with pruning them now a few times, I think I finally understand some of the techniques to branching.
Thank you so much for your help and posting! My plant is too tall and spindly, I need more thickness! Wish me luck!
You can do it! Here is a more recent video of the same fiddle
ruclips.net/video/ZkNSrvq-Hzc/видео.html
@@EverythingPlants I watched this, didn't hear/ see a mention of the timeline of when to apply rooting powder and planting it in to soil?
I got from my local nursery and when I brought it home all the leaves start falling. I almost threw it away coz I thought it was dying...lol
Good thing I didn't coz now it's big and tall! Gotta learn these tricks and prune it ☺👍
Yes. These are an interesting tree and definitely patience is needed lol
So helpful, thank you!! Is that a Hoya in the background on the shelf? Sooo lush and full!
That is a lipstick plant. The variety is Mona Lisa
This is the best explanation i have found! So helpful! Thank you so much!
Awesome....I'm so glad you liked the video! I have many more, so please stick around for more!!!
Great video! I propagated from 1 leaf that I snapped off a branch. So far ( a very long time later) I’ve got three new leaves ( small) & the mother leaf has died off.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
One more tip. If you want branching all over the trunk? You need to remove any and all leaves shading the nodes. Light to the nodes, and cutting the apexical meristem of the plant, as well as cutting the tip makes them branch from every node. Did it to all but one of mine.
Thanks so much for this!!!
@@EverythingPlants no problem! Really not understanding why people are having problems with them at all, but If I can help at all, I'm always willing.
@@seiyuokamihimura5082 I agree and that's why I make these videos....to share what I've learnt along the way and I love when people give extra tips too!
Wow yours looks so good!
Thanks. It's a work in progress. Lol
Great video work!
Thank you!
Great video
Thanks!
Perfect video with lots of great information! Very enjoyable!! 👌🌿🥰💚
Thanks Peggy!
Wow! Awesome info. I just got my first regular Fiddle Fig. Now I know what to do later. Thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you stick around for more!
I subscribed earlier and you have quickly become one of my fave RUclips plant people. So, yeah, I’ll be around for more. 😀
@@thistooshallpass9589 this makes me so happy! Thanks so much for the support 🙏
Thank you! So informative. I learned a lot!
Thanks for watching Erin!!!
Love this video. So thorough!!! Subscribed. I'm also struggling immensely with trying to propagate.
Thanks Sam. I've heard if you take a small cutting and propagate in soil then cover it with a bag for humidity they usually work out. I have had success once with water propagation.
I’ve been using Elm Dirt plant food for everything I have in pots and am very happy with the results. They’ve all gone crazy growing outside. My question is, has anyone tried Elm Dirt on FLFs? Thanks.
I haven't heard or tried this before. I will look it up and see if it is in Canada!
Thanks so much for your video, I am about to hard prune back my plant after five years. Mine is now about 10 feet tall and only prune it once with one branch. 👏
Keep me posted with how it does!
Great info. Why twist the top off rather than cutting?
It's just a method called pinching that does the same thing as cutting off the top
My plants were struggling and slowly losing leaves and dying, as soon as i repotted them with about 50% worm castings mixed into the potting mix. About 6 months later 1 plant is completely full with leaves and more branches. The other plant which was pruned back to almost nothing has regrown from the base and has about 6 or 7 leaves.
I have never used worm castings before. Sounds like they really like it. Thanks Richard 👋
Very informative thank u!!! SUBSCRIBED!!!!
Hello and welcome to the channel!!!
Thanks. This video was very helpful
Hi. I know this is 2 yrs ago, but I've just watched this video and snipped my tall leggy 4 Yr old fig. I nearly fainted!! Anyway, so when would you suggest removing the lower leaves to make it look like a tree?
In notching, can you do multiple notching or one at a time?
I have a plant that has grown taller and has no branches. Is it fine to prune the midway with no leaves remaining with the main stem ?
Please let me know.
Great video and very informative - a very naive question, can I just cut leaves (not the stem, just at the bottom of the leaf) that are not doing well? I put my plant in direct sun for some time and a few leaves were burnt out. One of them is at the bottom and I heard that wouldn't be good. What's your experience with that? Thanks again!
Great question! I think the only time you shouldn't cut a leaf off is when you also pruned to get the tree to branch. They say not to prune and then remove some leaves as you want the plant to focus on the branching area.
Thanks for this video. I purchased a fiddle leaf fig but the leaves are not very large like the ones I've seen in magazines and elsewhere. I guess I have the smaller version of the plant. I love it and look forward to watching it grow. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more. What type of fertilizer is best?
Hey Sharon! Not saying you have it, but there is also a small leaved FLF called Bambino. I use Dyna grow foliage pro for all of my houseplants and they love them!
Hello! Reference section 2:49: could you clarify? So, if I were to twist off that new growth at the top, will it no longer grow any taller and force growth laterally elsewhere on the plant? Thanks!
This video is great! Thank you
Very informative, love the video! I have a FLF that is about 6ft now and I should have started trimming it sooner to encourage lateral growth at about 5ft, but it is just a long tree with no branching now!
How much of the tree can be pruned from the top of the tree without doing damage to the plant?
In general, never prune more than half of any plant
It's such a great video, so informative. ❤ new subscriber...lol. why didn't I find your video sooner.. Now I just have a long stick with leaves. 😂 I'm gonna take a chance and prune it to see if I can get some branches.
Welcome!! Thanks for subscribing to the channel!
Great tips!!!
Something fell on my plant and it bent a stem anything I can put on it to save it? I don’t want to cut it off! Thank you!
I'm not too sure to be honest. Depends on how much ofbthe stem was damaged and if there is enough to support the remaining branch.
I had the same plant but unfortunately it got worms attack. I cut all the leaves down leaving a trunk. After two month a bud come out from the top and now it has 3 big healthy leaves showing. Now how do I promote leaf growth below the trunk ? Is that possible ? Or do I just have to wait for the top to grow longer and prune it ? Thanks needing your advice. 😊
Thank you, I need more tutorials
Hello Bobbie! I have many more houseplant videos that I hope you check out.
Thanks for the video. I just bought one that is a single stem and about 4 feet tall. I want to prune the top to encourage branching but I noticed you also mentioned to not remove the lower leaves. Is there a better time to remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem if I am also trying to get new branches on the top by pruning up there?
Love your explanation of pruning so it branches. I’m sorry but I could not understand what you called the tip of the stem that you pinched off. Can you repeat that word or post me a notification. Thank you.
I believe he called it the “apical dominance”. The Apical bud is the bud at the tip of main stem. When you cut it off or pinch it off it forces the growth hormone auxin back down the main stem that stimulates the dormant buds just below.
Question after you cut do you put anything in the cut branch area flower meds or any pants food or just leave it pls thanks
My FL is top heavy. I've lost all my middle and lower leaves. Anything I can do to stimulate growth in those areas?
Hi, can I spray just water to clean the leaves? And do I need to wipe the leaves or is it ok if there is water on it ?
Awesome information. You got a sub.
Sorry for the late response, but thanks for joining!!!
I'm really scared to prune my fiddle leaf but this video is making me feel a little more comfortable about it
Here is the update FLF at the end of the video. You can do it!
ruclips.net/video/GB_ohD2uXQU/видео.html
Love this video👍👍
Thanks so much!
So you didnt experience any problems with spraying water on the leaves? Would you even recommend it?I know for the monstera it loves to be sprayed, but the ficus are not supposed to like it. Great video. I'm going to prune mine today to get some more branches on it, and some extra plants =)
Where do you live? I would only recommend pruning it for more branches in the spring time when it is firing up for the spring and summer growth, otherwise you may only get one branch slowly....the plant won't have enough energy to produce multiple.
As for the misting....I do occasionally, but with any plant you run the risk of a possible fungal infection on the leaves.
@@EverythingPlants I live in Sweden, so were going into the dark period. Wait until Spring then. Thanks.
Will it work,if i prune it now...its fall season in India... its been 2years and still not showing any branch..only 1stem and the leaf keep on falling when they turn to dry like yellow and holes are always there..
I would only prune these when it is actively pushing out new growth. There is a better chance of multiple stems as the plant has enough energy to do so. If you prune it now it may only push out one branch....which in my opinion looks awkward. You can definitely try it now but it may grow slow
Hello, I have a question for you...
A portion of my fiddle leaf fig became leggy, area of no new leaves, because during the summer the out door umbrella blocked it's sun for many hrs a day I just didn't notice it. So now what's happening is it's top heavy and bending over a bit because the leggy area is not strong to hold up the new growth. I read not to tie it back because the stem won't strengthen that way. I have always jiggled it too. The new growth at top is making it bend more and more. What to do? Shall I take off the whole top portion past the leggy part? Or will that prevent new growth at top? Or will I kill it? Or shall I leave it because it will fix itself. Tree is about 5 ft tall and I water it every 7 days about 5 cups of water. And it always gets some sun and in a bright spot.
Is it currently a single stem? Are you wanting it to branch out? For this Im going to assume it is a single stem. For right now I would definitely stake it up temporarily. The only way to fix this and strenghten up the stem is to prune it, but don't do it over the fall and winter months as the plant is probably not growing or it has very slow growth. I would recommend waiting to prune the top in the later spring when the growth really starts to happen and you may get multiple branches like in this video. Your plant may even send signals to those inactive nodes that you lost leaves on. Does this help?
@@EverythingPlants No there are two stems the more dominant or taller one is leaning. The 2nd stem is 2 ft and hasn't grown much. The taller stem has the leggy area which is leaning.
When a plant is staked, it doesn’t have to do any work to support itself, so it never really strengthens. So I dont think I'll go that route.
@@tessafox1329 the stake is only temporary until you make the prune which will also help strengthen the stem in the long term. Good luck with which ever route you take.
My flf is basically one straight stem with leaves at all heights, and one tiny branch really low like half foot above the soil, so if I want to use your method to make it grow to a tree shape, should I remove the tiny branch and all leaves lower down?
I am not a professional, but I probably would start with the prune into the tree like structure before removing those other branches. If you remove those other branches and prune it might focus energy repairing those areas instead of new growth, but like I said I am not a professional.
I gave up on these, having better luck with calatheas. Maybe 🤔 I’ll try again next year
Let's trade secrets then because I kill calatheas haha
@@EverythingPlants probably living in Florida helps 😃. I follow all the other tips I’ve learned from you guys!
Is it best to do this before spring? Or can I do it during fall?
I would do it only in the springtime just as the plant is ramping up energy for new growth. If you have the plant under grow lights and getting consistent light and growth then you can prune anytime of the year. You prune in the fall time when the plant is under natural sunlight. There is less light throughout the day so that means there is less energy the plant is producing.... So you may only get one stem instead of multiple branches if you prune in the fall
Hello. I love your video. I'm new to fiddle leaf and mine grew too tall. It's over 7 ft. Can I still prune it and cut about 2 feet or more off? I really don't want it to die.
Yes you can prune off that much! Pruning something for the first time is extremely difficult, but sounds like yours needs it.
@@EverythingPlants Mine is bout 7 ft too and I just pruned a bunch of leaves on a 2 ft branch. Hoping for new growth! And also hoping the one I cut will root!! Think I have a chance??
Thank you for the video! I want to do this to my plant to promote the same look you have there. I do however have two leaves really low close to the pot. Can I remove them without promoting growth in that area? And also mine tend to lean towards the window and I would like the stalk to be straight up. Anyway to fix this?
Hello Cherie. Jist an FYI, I have another pruning video of the FLF coming out soon (filmed it yesterday) and I hacked it up again. Lol
While you prune for branching, leave those lower leaves on. You can always take them off at another time, but let the plant focus its energy making branching. Be sure to fertilize as well....if you haven't already.
I rotate my plant so it's not always facing the same direction. Maybe once every couple weeks. Pruning also helps establish thicker trunks as well. You can use a stack as a temporary support, but long term you aren't helping the plant out.
My FF is like the opposite of most others I see like this, all my leaves are pointing upwards, it looks like a giant toilet brush... 😂
That’s how they’re supposed to be! Good job!
I have a small branch with no leaves is there any way to stimulate leafing on that specific branch
You can prune it or try the notching technique to stimulate inactive nodes. Hope this helps and only do this in the growing seasons of spring and summer for the best chance of success.
Can I actually do that on a bambino or are you just using it for an example? I thought I bought my fav tree form but recently found out it was a bambino although I do love it too I want the true flf tree
It is the same process for the bambino too. I recently purchased the bambino, so it may be awhile before this one gets its first prune.
Go buy the regular FLF and you can have a collection of them lol. Thanks so much for watching my video.
How do you get rid of the leaves on the lower part of the plant (aka the "trunk") without causing new branch growth down there?
I'd cut them in the off season (when it's not actively growing and when spring comes maybe do a prune to the branches to get it to branch out
@@EverythingPlants Awesome! Thanks for the response!
When is the growth season?
What you do with the pieces you cut plant again or trow out
Hi, is this the first FLF video or is there another one, first? Thanks!
Hey Anuradha. Here is my very first video I made 3 years ago. It is horrible, but here is the FLF
ruclips.net/video/sC1azQdml44/видео.html
Can you save the cuts for propagation?
Yes! Absolutely....I propagate it in water. Once it grows large enough roots, place it in soil and cover the entire thing with a clear plastic bag and give it lots of light.
I bought my first Fiddle Leaf a few months ago. So far its doing fine but mine is only about 1 1/2' tall and extremely bushy and the bottom has tons of leaves. Can i start cutting the bottom leaves off to it starts to grow like a tree instead of a bush?
You can definitely cut them off, but as the tree grows it will usually drop some lower leaves too.
@@EverythingPlants Thank you! So excited about my fiddle leaf! Thanks for the great information.
I have two ones and I really want them to branch out since they are just a stick with leaves on them. I tried to make a cut halfway through the stem on my smaller one a couple of months ago but it didn't respond well. A lot of leaves dropped but I think it might be because of root rot and the fact that I did not clean my knife before my cut. However, I fixed the rotting roots and it has had perhaps four new leaves since and is looking pretty cute. I was wondering if I could make a new cut or cut the top off again or if it is too late since it is July now. Worth mentioning is that I live in southern Sweden and don't have as much light in the winter (they made it last year without dropping) but the sun is out longer in the summer. Is it worth shooting the shot?
I would only try this again in your summer (active growing season) I've pruned mine before in the winter with minimal results.
May I know what plant you have hang by the wall? And how to grow it ?
The one closest to the FLF is a Mona Lisa Lipstick plant. ruclips.net/video/njokmlFqLt4/видео.html
lol, Kid Damage, the worst kind of pest. My flf's are doing great, but every time I've pruned them, they haven't branched, and then I have these wonky stems that I have to train back into a straight stem. it's been frustrating. lol.
Kid damage is the worst hahaha. I have been learning off this plant and the harder the prune the greater the results. Maybe it's just me, but I have read that the plant tries to balance out the new growth with the size of root structure that is already established.
I have one that have been gifted to me. It’s tall with very few leaves at the top. Someone advised me to cut the plant down to 2 feet tall. It would just be a stem if I do that. Would you recommend that?
Did they recommend that for branching?
@@EverythingPlants yes they did.
Can you use a grow light if you don’t have a good window for it?
I would definitely try a grow light in addition to the natural light from a window.
I got my fig tree a month ago from Home Depot, I noticed the leaves were falling, I inspected the roots, they seemed dry. So I watered it, and the next day checked with a water meter and it’s showing dry again. I don’t want to give it root rot, what do you recommend to help this plant 😢
Repot or soak in soapy water. Like two drops of liquid soap to your kitchen sink. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Your soil is hydrophobic. Meaning it cant take up water in the soil because it waaaay to dry. The soap should help break that dryness at least temporarily.
What happened to the part of the plant you cut off? Did it grow root?
This one...no. These were not successful propagations for some reason.
I just came across your video, best explanation I've seen so far on pruning a FLF! Thank you! But it is late October, can I still make the cut now or should I wait till Spring? And...can I propagate the top part of the plant that is cut to make a new plant?
I would definitely wait until spring. It probably won't have enough energy to produce multiple branches. You can propagate the top cutting, but I have found this hard to do. For me, the leaves all fell off pretty fast.
@@EverythingPlants thank you!
@@christaylor552 you are welcome!
How many days to wait for the rooting?
Depends of course when you make the cut. I had really good success pruning in the spring time and that way it has all summer to focus on growth. I probably took a couple of weeks before I saw new growth popping through.
Is it possible for a new leaf to have holes in the leaf? I can't find any bugs anywhere on my plant!!! I've had three people look for bugs and we cant find any. Are there some sort of bugs that are not visible? Feeling devastated
Trauma and humidity are often issues according to this article. I have read alot from this source in the past.
Lack of humidity
This is especially problematic for new leaves as they unfurl and stretch out.
If your fig isn’t getting enough humidity, your little buds can stick to themselves and tear as they grow.
fiddleleaffigplant.com/fiddle-leaf-fig-leaves-have-holes/
@@EverythingPlants Hi thanks. We've had a heat wave here with high humidity and alot of steam from cooking in the house I cant imagine its dry air bit you never know. I do use a pebble tray is that enough?I will by a humidifier just in case.
@@tessafox1329 my FLF is in regular house humidity. I wouldn't stress too much about it. It gets pretty dry in the winter time (🇨🇦) and I just leave it alone. Just say those are fenestrated leaves hahaha
Can the cuttings produce new roots?
Yes, but I have had more failed cuttings than successful. I think if I were to do it again, I'd cover the entire plant with a bag to increase humidity
Can you cut the stem where it has browned?
Like the woody stem....?
@@EverythingPlants yes. Im wanting to do quite a big trim to encourage grow from the bottom of the plant.
My top has been growing the most gorgeous large leaves I just can't cut it off. (
I know it is so tough....then let them grow until you are ready!
How long does it take for the branching to start? Cause I haven’t seeing any on mine since I pruned it. But the bottom leaves have become yellow and fall off
When did you prune it? Plants are usually slowing growth down in the fall preparing for winter. Also, what type of light is it in?
@@EverythingPlants I pruned it back in August I believe or end of July. It sits in front of a large south facing window. I just brought a grow light couple of days ago also to try to help it.
@@millenniallivingdiaries409 assuming you are in North America a south window is good if you have acclimated in to that window. They love bright light! Feel free to send a picture to my Instagram account to take a look at it.
@@EverythingPlants I will. Thank you
I have a fiddle leaf that I have had for a little while. For whatever reason it does not grow other leaves. What am I doing wrong.
These sometimes seem lime they aren't doing anything and then so randomly it will push out some leaves.
Do you think I should grow it in Lecca or water.
@@louisabyrd7439 I have only done soil. I think if you changed it now it will push back that potential growth even more as it adjusts. It will grow, it just needs time. Most times is it establishing a root system to support the new growth.
Can u pls tell me what kind of plant that is on ur shelf behind the fiddle leaf? The one that is one the end closest to you. It’s beautifully!!
Can anyone help me with the soap and water ratio for cleaning? Also, just on the leaves or is it safe for the soil as well??
Just a couple drops mixed in a spray bottle. I've actually changed practices as you have to be very careful to not use a soap that is a degreaser. For pest prevention, I think I'll switch to an insecticidal soap that you can buy. And for just cleaning the leaves, a damp cloth.
How can I send a picture of my plant to you to see it
You can send it to my Instagram account @everything_plants_ca
can you do an update on this tree ? :)
ruclips.net/video/Yvz3WWMpGwc/видео.html
Its at the end of this video
I put mine outside when it rains and leave it out til it dries.
I bet it loves the rain!
What if I have several stems in one pot, should I wait to repot my plant and separate all stems? I want to achieve what you have so far. Currently, mine looks like a bush.
You can seperate them if you want. Just remove as much of the soil as you can and untangle the roots. Depending on where you live most big box stores sell the single stem ones for a decent price. The fiddle leaf fig can be a bit temperamental so separating it might put it in a bit of a shock, but it can be done.
@@EverythingPlants Thanks for your suggestion!
wheres the part that u cut did u put it in a pot
I usually let them grow and then neglect them....one did get spider mites. But I do not have them anymore lol