The best pots for a fiddle leaf fig
Fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being dramatic. Most of that drama traces back to root disturbance and wet compost, and both are pot decisions.
What size pot does a fiddle leaf fig need?
A fiddle leaf fig wants a pot 3 to 5cm wider than its root ball, usually 30 to 40cm once mature. Choose something heavy enough to counterbalance the height, with drainage holes and a saucer. Repot every two to three years in spring, and never jump several sizes at once.
- Mature fiddle leaf figs need 30 to 40cm
- Size up by 3 to 5cm only, or the compost stays wet
- Weight matters - a tall fig in a light pot topples
- Repot in spring, never in the depths of winter
What we would use
Pots and kit for fiddle leaf fig
How to choose
- Pick a pot heavy at the base for stability
- Check the plant will still fit through doorways once potted
- Pot feet or a saucer protect floors from moisture rings
- Top-dress in years you do not repot
Questions
Fiddle leaf fig pots - FAQs
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves after repotting?
Root disturbance and a change of conditions. Repot in spring, disturb the roots as little as possible, keep it in the same spot afterwards and resist watering more than usual while it settles.
Can a fiddle leaf fig be in too big a pot?
Yes, and it is a common cause of failure. Excess compost holds water the roots cannot reach, so it stays soggy and the roots rot.
Does a fiddle leaf fig need drainage?
Always. If you love a pot with no hole, use it as a cover pot and keep the fig in a drainage pot inside it.
How often should I repot a fiddle leaf fig?
Every two to three years while it is growing, then simply top-dress the surface compost each spring once it reaches the size you want.