How to strengthen fiddle leaf fig trunk is a query if the tree has been looking weak, leaning, or has brown spots. Fiddle leaf fig is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, large leaves.
Even a healthy leaf fig tree can be quite skinny and get weakened. To strengthen the fiddle leaf fig trunk, you can follow some easy steps, which include shaking, wiggling, giving enough nutrients, and providing natural conditions.
This article will explore a list of steps that can help you strengthen your fiddle leaf fig trunk.
How To Strengthen the Trunk of Fiddle Leaf Fig
To strengthen the trunk of the fiddle leaf fig you must provide proper fertilization, adopt a watering schedule, shake and wiggle the tree often, prune off the dead leaves, give it some time outside, provide the right temperature, use the right soil, dust and mist the plant, and repot it.
– Provide Proper Fertilization
Fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig tree is a great way to encourage the growth and the strength of the trunk, in addition, you must keep the leaves healthy, because it is through the trunk that they are keeping their strength.
When fertilizing, remember a few things: use a balanced fertilizer, water thoroughly before and after applying fertilizer, and don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way when fertilizing fiddle leaf figs, because as you do so, the trunk will get its nutrients properly.
On another note, feeding less often, especially throughout the spring and summer seasons, would also work well. What you must do is to dilute the appropriate quantity by half or a quarter and give it to your plant once a week with every watering. The key reason here is that
– Adopt Watering Schedule
If you desire to keep your tree in its prominent health, you must water it regularly. Watering the figs’ tree once a week should be sufficient, but check the soil periodically to ensure it is not too dry. When watering, be sure to soak the roots thoroughly; this will help encourage vigorous growth and this, in precise, will leave the trunk stronger.
Note that, over-watering can cause rootedness when the roots become trapped in the soil. Check for brown spots and lean the tree if necessary. Brown spots signify leaning fiddle leaf fig and need support.
Lean the tree by gently pulling on one of its branches until the spot is visible on a different trunk part. Prune away any dead or damaged branches. Dead branches can inhibit water flow and nutrients to your fiddle leaf fig, while damaged branches can cause structural damage.
– Shake or Wiggle
A wiggling technique can be used to toughen up the trunk of indoor fig trees. The fig tree’s trunk will thicken significantly if you wiggle it for 1.5 to two minutes every one to two weeks. To mimic the wind outside, in a very proper way, you must shake your tree by moving the main trunk.
This is because of the origin of the tree, and it is prone to be in the wind, and when it gets shaken the trunk will find a better and stronger core to grow in.
As you shake the trunk, this act will help loosen up the roots and encourage new growth. However, while doing so, you must be careful about how you do it. Refrain from overdoing it, as too much shaking can damage the tree.
– Prune
Pruning stimulates growth and facilitates the formation of new fiddle leaf fig branches and leaves. When pruning your fiddle leaf fig, use sharp, and a very well sterilized shears. Make an angle cut slightly above a leaf node.
Pruning your fiddle leaf fig can be done as frequently as once a month or as infrequently as once every few months, of course if you spot the weaker colors or faded ones. Remove weak or dead leaves to focus the plant’s energy on the stronger parts. Just be sure to apply it on a regular basis over the spring and summer to promote growth, because this is its season to start shooting new ones.
In addition, if you find your leaf fig leaning a bit to the side with drooping leaves, it is an indication that you need to thicken the main trunk of leaf fig plants in order to achieve this you must for sure prune the dead ones, for the betterment of the tree’s core.
– Give It Sufficient Time Outside
If you want to help your fiddle leaf fig grow a strong trunk, try giving it some time outside. The airflow will help train the trunk and make it stronger. Just bring it back inside before the temperature gets too cold, or if the light is directly upon it, then you can bring it inside again, because it needs indirect light to grow.
The fresh air and increased airflow will help to train the trunk, resulting in a healthier, more vigorous plant, because the oxygen provided is from the outside, and not through the stuffiness of the inside. Just keep an eye on the temperature and ensure it doesn’t get too hot or cold!
– Provide Appropriate Temperature
You would want your fiddle leaf fig to have a strong trunk; you must provide it with the proper temperature and humidity. The optimal temperature range required for a fiddle leaf fig is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ideal humidity level is 40 to 60 percent. If you give your plant these ideal conditions, you will be on the path to achieving a healthy and robust trunk which is a healthy looking and strong standing one. You may do this by either investing in a humidifier, or placing a pebble tray near the pot, and the plant will feel safe and grow in a very happy environment.
– Use Well-draining Soil
Fiddle leaf figs are a popular houseplant, but they can be quite difficult to care for. One thing to be noted about the fig plants is that they require well-draining soil, where the water will not stay on top. The soil has a keen role in keeping the plant healthy, and it will grow it with a secure core.
If the soil is overly dense, it can retain too much water, resulting in root rot, and the root rot will damage the roots, and stress the plant, when this happens, the first thing that is going to be damaged is the trunk.
This is due to the vessels not being able to pass water in a safe way, because the roots are damaged, and the latter will spread to the trunk. To avoid this, use a good drainage potting mix or add per lite to your existing mix for the nutritional sufficiency of the plant.
– Dust Or Mist Your Plant
To make your fiddle leaf fig tree healthy and strong, it’s important to occasionally dust or mist the leaves. This will help to remove any built-up dust and keep the leaves from getting too dry, and losing the tall structure.
Be sure to avoid using too much moisture, though—over-watering can cause your tree to root too deeply and become root bound, and even giving some weakness to the trunk.
– Give Enough Sun
Fiddle leaf figs are large, elegant plants that add to the beauty of a house garden. These plants are homegrown in tropical regions and thrive in warm, humid conditions. They need plenty of bright, direct sunlight to grow and stay healthy.
If you live in a climate that does not provide enough natural sunlight, you can supplement it with artificial lighting. Moreover, increase light brightness and duration while avoiding harsh direct light.
Gentler direct sunlight in the early mornings or late afternoons should be acceptable; however, you must keep an eye out for leaf burn—dried brown areas. Rotate your houseplant; it needs light from all angles.
Rotating your plant ensures that it receives equal light exposure, which means that one side will not develop significantly faster than the other, resulting in a solid and symmetrical fiddle tree, as you do so, the trunk will even see some light and get aerated as well. Overall, doing so is a great idea to rotate your plant monthly or biweekly.
– Aerate The Soil Properly
Indoor plant soil can occasionally compress, slowing your plant’s normal development function. By doing so, you will notice this if a thick crust forms on top of the soil, or if lightly probing into the mud with your fingertips proves tough.
Make tiny holes in the soil medium surrounding the plant using chopsticks. You can simply insert the chopsticks in as far as you can, then gently spin them or move them in the soil left-right to loosen them. Try to be guided by your feelings; if you encounter resistance, it could be a larger root; try a different location.
Change your soil material once a year, preferably at the start of the growing season in early spring. Fresh soil combined with longer days is like rocket fuel for your plant. The Fiddle Leaf Figs want well-aerated soil that holds water while draining swiftly.
Remember not to go too far by removing all of the dirt from the roots. Modify the soil so that it may be readily and freely removed. The latter is because, as you would feed your fiddle leaf fig with compost or a balanced fertilizer every couple of months, it will help promote strong roots and overall health!
Keep an eye out for pests – including aphids, scale insects, and borers – and take appropriate action before they cause too much damage. Prune back excess growth in spring and autumn to ensure your fiddle leaf fig stays compact and attractive.
– Repot The Plant
Your plant’s root system will extend and eventually overflow its present pot as it grows, and this will help in not just the roots, but also as the roots get to strengthen, it will play a part in the trunk as well.
When this occurs, it would be best if you repot your fiddle leaf fig into a larger container, In addition, it will also give the roots the space to develop strong and healthy.
When repotting your plant, use fresh nutrient solution and a clean pot. Choose a pot maximum of two to three inches wider than the existing pot. Water your fiddle leaf fig thoroughly after repotting, and plant it in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
FAQ
– What Is The Cause Of My Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Bending?
There are four primary reasons fiddle leaf figs may tilt instead of grow straight. In most cases, this is due to poor watering, insufficient light, nutritional insufficiency, or insufficient ventilation.
– Is It A Good Idea To Shake Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?
It is always a good idea to shake your fiddle leaf fig from time to time. It is similar to an exercise for the plant. The act of shaking will enable the cells in the trunk to divide and eventually grow.
– What Are The Signs That My Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Doing Well?
New growth is always a good indicator of a healthy plant; if the leaves on the fiddle grow large and robust, your plant is doing well. If the new leaves appear small and stunted, this might indicate that your plant is deficient in nutrients.
– What Is The Best Way To Get More Branches On Fiddle Leaf Fig?
There are some ways to get more branches on your fiddle leaf figs; pinching removes new growth from the top of a tree to induce branching from the top.
Clipping fiddle leaf fig trees entails cutting, whereas pinching involves taking a section off the very top of the tree. Trimming is the removal of leaves and branches from a tree. All of these things help in more growth of the branches.
Conclusion
Fig trees are among the most popular plants for home gardens. They are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and very attractive with their unique leaves and ability to grow in various environments.
Here’s a breakthrough at how to strengthen a fiddle leaf trunk:
- You can make the trunk strong by watering and fertilizing it regularly.
- Fiddle plants love sunlight, and they do great when placed in an environment with sufficient sunlight.
- A proper and a well aerated soil helps them in growing healthier and thicker.
- Dusting and misting the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig can assist in maintaining the leaves’ health.
- Shaking the fiddle leaf fig trunk will keep providing strength to the tree, mimicking the wind of tropical places.
Are you considering buying a new fiddle leaf trunk? Or perhaps you already have one that is showing signs of weakness. Use these methods above to stabilize, sustain, and flourish your fiddle leaf.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340245/
- https://libguides.nybg.org/fiddleleaffig
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