The Fiddle Leaf Fig may have a notorious reputation for being a fussy plant, but you can try and aim for the best chance by setting its environment right. Aside from putting fiddle leaf in bright sun, you’ll need to consider its soil medium and watering requirement as well to put the plant in a position to thrive.
So, what kind of soil for fiddle leaf fig is recommended? We’ll outline the possible media you can use for the best results.
What Soil is Best for Fiddle Leaf Figs?
The Fiddle Leaf Fig plant needs loose and well-aerated soil that drains quickly, mostly because its roots will want to stay hydrated without the medium getting too soggy. As for soil pH, you’ll want your fiddle leaf sitting in a neutral to slightly alkaline and anywhere between 5.3 to 6.7.
That said, the fiddle leaf fig isn’t too picky about its soil as long as it has excellent drainage. When choosing the kind of soil for your fiddle leaf plant you’ll also want to have a pot or container that has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to pass through.
Ideally, you’ll want a fast-draining mix that’s not too light and not too compacted. A pure garden soil mix is not recommended as it can keep air from getting to the roots and cause root rot with improper watering. There are commercial soil mixes designed with the ficus plant in mind, which is convenient if you don’t want to mix the medium yourself.
Fiddle leaf figs can benefit from potting soil that has plenty of organic material. A peat-based soil amended with perlite will work, as is a garden soil that has sphagnum moss, coconut coir, sand, charcoal, and bark.
If possible, you can add clay pellets to help absorb water and slowly release it over time. You’ll want to add this as your fiddle leaf grows into maturity and begins to look for heavy objects to anchor its roots into.
Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Like Coffee Grounds?
Adding coffee grounds on the soil of fiddle leaf fig plants is a good idea, but only if used in small quantities. The nitrogen, phosphorus, copper and magnesium content are beneficial for plants, but too much can turn the soil acidic, which is not a good thing for the Ficus lyrata.
You should also take note that too much coffee grounds can invite fungal growth and lead to excess moisture in the soil. That said, you might be better off feeding your fiddle leaf with other organic alternatives, such as aged compost if fertilization is your main concern.
Can You Use Cactus Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A cactus or succulent mix ticks the fiddle leaf fig soil requirement, but it may not have enough nutrients to support the plant’s growth.
For potting purposes, you can use a cactus mix and add several more components, including peat, moss or chunks of bark and clay pellets before planting your fiddle leaf fig in. You may also need to water more frequently and feed a specially formulated product designed for the plant to supplement its nutrient requirements.
Don’t forget to take into account the soil pH when taking care of a fiddle leaf fig plant. A neutral to slightly alkaline medium ensures your plant sits in an optimal environment.