Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) is one of the most popular indoor plants, appreciated for its large, lush green leaves. However, as it grows in size, many people face the challenge of pruning their Fiddle Leaf Fig tree. Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive plant, but improper pruning can harm the plant or even kill it. In this blog post, we will guide you through the proper way to prune your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree.
When to prune
The best time to prune your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree is during its active growth period which generally starts in early spring and lasts till late summer. During this period, your plant will recover quickly from any damage caused by pruning.
What tools do you need?
To prune a Fiddle leaf fig tree successfully requires using sharp and clean tools that will prevent tearing or crushing of stems and branches leading to quicker healing times. Here are some recommended items:
– A clean pair of shears
– A sterilized knife
– Gloves
Common reasons for pruning
Pruning helps manage the shape and size of your fiddle leaf fig tree while promoting new growth at its base.
1. To promote bushiness – If you find that your fiddle leaf fig has grown tall with no side branches sprouting out from lower after a year or two of not being pruned – it’s time for action! Cut back ⅓ off each stem just above where a leaf emerges on each stem’s upper part rather than making cuts randomly throughout the entire branch.
2. Removing dead/ yellowing leaves – Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed immediately as they serve as an entry point for diseases.
3. Prevent crowding: As multiple small shoots grow close together within one area add more weight onto weaker parts when loaded up with water & foliage moisture adding potentially breaking points; removing excess stems creates space allowing stronger ones room enough sunlight energy.
Steps to prune your Fiddle Leaf Fig tree
Step 1: Identify what needs pruning
Start by inspecting your plant thoroughly and identifying which parts need to be pruned. This could include dead or yellowing leaves, branches that are rubbing against each other, or those that are growing in unwanted directions.
Step 2: Sterilize your tools
Using clean and sterilized tools is crucial for the health of the plant. You can use a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water to clean your tools.
Step 3: Prune
Make cuts at an angle when removing stems and branches. Cuts should be made above where a leaf emerges on each stem’s upper part rather than making cuts randomly throughout the entire branch.
Step 4: Observe
Observe how much foliage you have removed as it will affect the plant’s growth pattern going forward. Too much removal will cause stress on the fiddle leaf fig, while too little will not help shape its looks.
Conclusion
Pruning is vital for maintaining a healthy and attractive Fiddle Leaf Fig tree. It allows light to penetrate through more efficiently with proper air circulation promoting new growth from beneath; however, improper pruning can lead to irreversible damage like disease infiltration or even death! So make sure you follow this guide properly when considering how best someone should prune their fiddle-leafed friend!
