Water: A Lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig, requires less water than other ficuses and should be kept on the dry side. Water the plant well, and then allow the soil dry out before you water again. The leaves will become softer and more flexible when the plant needs water. Brown tips and edges indicate the Fiddle Leaf is over watered; yellow leaves indicate it is under watered. Keep water off of the leaves of a Ficus Lyrata to prevent mold from developing

Fertilizer: Fertilize a Fiddle Leaf Fig monthly from February through October using a basic houseplant food. Too much fertilizer, when the plant is not actively growing, causes leaf burn due to the excessive build up of salts in the soil.

Temperature: Average household temperatures are fine for a Lyrata. The Fiddle Leaf, like other Ficuses, should be kept away from air conditioners, winter drafts, and heating vents. Too much cold or too much heat causes leaves to drop from the plant.

Pests: The broad leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig are pest magnets. They attract mealy bugs, thrips, whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids. I recommend spraying a Lyrata every other week with the green solution at ½ strength as a preventative measure. This also keeps the large leaves of a Fiddle Leaf dust free and clean so they can absorb more light. If the infestations get too bad, you may need to purchase a commercial systemic houseplant insecticide.

Propagation: Air layering is the best way to propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Pruning: If your Fiddle Leaf Fig is getting too tall, gently take it out of its pot and trim the roots. This will limit its height. You can do this every few years during the dormant season (winter and fall). Cutting the stems back in the early spring encourages the Lyrata to become bushier.

1. The new leaves on my Fiddle Leaf are small and far apart on the stem. Should I fertilize more?
Your Fiddle Leaf isn't getting enough light; it needs very bright indirect light. You may have to move it around your home as the seasons change to keep up the light intensity.

2. Can I move my Fiddle Leaf outside in the summer?
Yes you can, as long as you put it in the shade and transition it slowly when you move it back inside. A Fiddle Leaf, like other Ficuses, doesn't do well when there are sudden changes in light or temperature.

3. The bottom leaves of my Fiddle Leaf are falling off.
You are either over watering your Fiddle Leaf or the bottom of the plant is not getting enough light.

3. I am really careful about not over watering, but the leaves of my Fiddle Leaf are still turning yellow.
The leaves are turning yellow because the plant needs more water. The leaves of a Fiddle Leaf get brown edges and tips from over water.

4. Is the white sap that comes out of cuts in the Fiddle Leaf leaves harmful?
The sap is "latex." It can irritate the skin and cause problems if ingested. If you are allergic to latex, always use rubber gloves when working with a Fiddle Leaf Fig.

5. The leaves of my Fiddle leaf keep getting big brown ugly spots that spread over the leaf.
Without seeing the spots, I'll have to suggest a few things that might cause it. If there is not enough light, you will get dry brown spots on the older growth of a Fiddle Leaf. If the brown spots have gray edges, it is probably a fungal disease called Anthronose or Leaf Blight. For this problem, remove the diseased Ficus leaves, try to keep water off of the healthy leaves, and increase the air circulation around the plant.