How to repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig

So you've purchased your new garden pots (hopefully from Slugg 😉), and now it's time to repot your beloved Fiddle Leaf Fig. But where do you start?

We get asked this question regularly by customers, so here are my tips and tricks.

When Should You Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Repotting should be done during the growing season, such as spring or summer, to give your Fiddle Leaf Fig the best chance to thrive in its new home. Plants conserve energy in the colder months and don’t grow until it starts warming up.

There is a common misconception that the size of the plant dictates when it's time to repot. However, the best way to tell when the time is right is when the plant becomes root-bound. Fiddle Leafs like a tight-fitting pot, so only go up one pot size when you repot.

To be sure the time is right, look for roots forming near the surface or growing out the base of the pot. Alternatively, gently remove the plant from its pot and look for roots growing around the root ball if you're still unsure.

What Size Pot Should You Use?

As mentioned above, don’t use a pot that is much bigger than the current one. Look for a garden pot that is no more than 2 inches (5 cm) larger in diameter. Fiddle Leaf Figs tend to focus on growing their root system before growing new leaves.

Good drainage is essential, so make sure you use a garden pot with drainage holes. Proper drainage is crucial as Fiddle Leaf Figs hate "wet feet." Without proper drainage, your plant is prone to conditions such as root rot.

What Soil Should You Use for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You don’t need a fancy potting mix to repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Any good quality potting mix will do. The most important factor is that the soil is well-draining. You can find good quality potting soil at most hardware stores or nurseries.

Steps to Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Step One:
Remove the plant from its pot and gently remove as much of the old soil as possible. You can’t simply place the plant in its new larger pot and expect it to grow. Over time, the roots have been trained to grow in a particular direction and will continue to do so unless they are untangled and the old soil is removed.

If you're having trouble removing the old soil, don’t hesitate to dunk the root ball in a bucket of water or hose the old dirt away. You want the Fiddle Leaf Fig roots as free as possible, without damaging or removing any, including the small ones. If your plant is really root-bound, it’s not a bad idea to cut away some of the huge and long roots.

Step Two:
Fill your new pot with enough soil to ensure the top of the root ball sits at the right height. Gently compact the soil to prevent it from sinking over time. Place the root ball into the garden pot and fill around it with potting mix. Make sure you press soil around all the roots to limit air pockets.

Step Three:
Once the soil has been compacted enough that the plant can hold itself up, it’s time to give your Fiddle Leaf Fig a drink. Soak the plant the first time you water it after repotting. Soaking helps ensure there is enough soil and removes air pockets. Water the plant until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot (this only applies to the first watering post-repotting).

The Next Few Months

Your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs time to heal, similar to a patient recovering from surgery. If possible, position the plant in the same location as before, as Fiddle Leaf Figs don’t like being moved around.

 To avoid burning the roots, do not fertilize for two months. Moving forward, you only need to water your plant until the top half is damp. If water starts running out of the base of the garden pots, you’ve overwatered it!

While repotting your Fiddle Leaf Fig can seem daunting, it's ultimately best for the plant. I hope these tips make you feel more confident about repotting your Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Looking a list of the best plants for a Miami garden?