Are you in search of the perfect soil mix for your fiddle leaf fig plants? Look no further! Ficus lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle leaf fig tree, thrives in a potting mix that has excellent water retention and drainage. In this guide, we will explore three incredible soil mixes that will ensure your fiddle leaf figs flourish. Additionally, we will provide essential growing tips to optimize your plant’s health.
Key Takeaways
The Best Soil for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant
Let’s dive into three fantastic soil mixes for your plant. The first two mixes can be used straight out of the bag, while the third mix is a simple DIY blend that you can create yourself. Adjusting your potting mix according to the amount of light your plants receive is an important consideration. Let’s explore each mix in detail.
1. The Rainforest Soil Blend
Are you tired of struggling with potting mixes? Look no further than Oh Happy Plants. They have crafted the best potting mix blends that you can use straight from the bag. These custom blends are designed to meet the specific needs of individual plants, mimicking their natural habitats. The Rainforest Soil Blend from Oh Happy Plants is perfect for fiddle leaf figs growing in higher light locations. If your plant basks in several hours of direct sunlight, this mix is ideal.
Oh Happy Plants’ Rainforest Soil Blend offers several advantages:
- Sustainability: Their mixes are free of peat moss and instead incorporate coco coir and coco chips, reducing environmental impact.
- Compostable: Even the bags and labels are compostable!
- No Perlite: If you dislike perlite due to its tendency to float to the top of the soil, Oh Happy Plants’ mixes are perlite-free.
- Nutritious Organic Matter: Their soils are packed with nutritious organic materials, including seed meals and rock dust that gradually release nutrients.
- Mycorrhizal Inoculant: The mixes contain a mycorrhizal inoculant, promoting plant vigor and increasing disease resistance.
- Charcoal Content: Charcoal in the blends helps maintain a healthy root environment for your plants.
For a 10% discount on your order, use this link when purchasing the Rainforest Soil Blend or any other products from Oh Happy Plants.
2. The Tropical Climber Soil Blend
Another excellent option from Oh Happy Plants is the Tropical Climber Soil Blend. This mix holds slightly less water than the Rainforest Soil Blend, making it perfect for fiddle leaf figs in windows with 2-3 hours of direct sunlight or less. Remember not to overthink your choice of mix. Simply wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out before watering. This is the key factor to consider. For crucial cultural notes on plant care, refer to the last section of this guide.
3. DIY Mix
If you prefer to create your own soil mixes, you have various ingredient options. Avoid using regular potting soil mixes like Miracle Gro or Espoma without incorporating additional materials for soil amendment purposes. In their pure form, these mixes lack proper drainage. However, if you do decide to use bagged mixes, Oh Happy Plants’ products come highly recommended.
If your plant receives at least half a day of direct sunlight, combine 3 parts of your favorite all-purpose indoor potting mix with 1 part perlite. Larger perlite, such as #3 perlite, is preferable as it improves drainage more effectively than smaller perlite.
If your plant only receives 2-3 hours of direct sunlight or less, or no direct sunlight at all, opt for an even chunkier mix. Combine 2 parts of your favorite all-purpose indoor potting mix with 1 part perlite and 1 part orchid bark.
Repotting and Care Tips for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Remember, while choosing the correct soil mix is crucial, there are other essential tips to consider when repotting and caring for your fiddle leaf fig.
Pot Size Matters
When repotting your plant, only increase the pot size by one increment, typically around 2 inches in diameter. For instance, if your plant is currently in a 6-inch diameter pot, move it to an 8-inch diameter pot. Avoid selecting a pot that is significantly larger, as excess soil volume takes longer to dry out. This can lead to root rot, especially if your growing conditions are poor or if your plant receives insufficient light. Drainage holes are a must-have to allow excess water to escape. Additionally, the type of pot you use affects how quickly the potting medium dries out. Terra cotta pots, being porous, dry out faster than other types.
Ideal Time for Repotting
You can repot your plant anytime it is actively growing. However, avoid repotting during periods of slowed growth, which often occurs in winter with shorter, darker days. If you provide your plants with grow lights year-round or experience long, bright days in your area, feel free to repot whenever necessary.
Proper Light is Crucial
Many people struggle to grow fiddle leaf figs due to insufficient light. These plants thrive with plenty of direct sunlight. When your plant receives adequate light, it efficiently utilizes water, resulting in healthier growth. For more detailed information, refer to our fiddle leaf fig care post.
We hope you’ve found this guide on the best soil for fiddle leaf fig plants informative. Remember, high-quality, well-draining soil is essential for your fiddle-leaf fig trees. However, don’t overlook other crucial factors like light exposure and proper watering. By considering all these aspects, you will ensure the best possible growth for your plants.
