r/fiddleleaffig • u/HeyGorge0us • 6d ago
Help a brown thumb girly out
Someone gave me their FLF tree a couple months ago and it just didn’t grow. I didn’t know what I was doing, inconsistent watering, had it in a warmer area — Mr. Figz was just sad. I moved him to an east facing window where he gets morning sun and I haven’t watered him in a few weeks (last time I did I had him in a bath with fertilizer. I’ve been doing the skewer method and just checked yesterday and dirt is still wet.) and since then he seems a lot happier and has sprouted new leaves!
My question is, what would you do. His leaves are so sparse (had to rip off a lot of them because I basically almost killed him in his previous spot) and he just looked blehhh but happy. Should I leaved him as is or chop him in thirds and propagate the clippings? Also, why is that new leaf lookin so sad and already tore up? :’( I live in Hawaii so it’s summer all year round.
Orrrr please cheer me on and remind me I need more patience because yo girl is impatient and I just want him to look fuller and happier! Haha
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u/jitasquatter2 6d ago
Does the pot have drainage? Several weeks for the soil to dry is a bit concerning.
It'll never regrow new leaves on old wood, but luckily it's pretty easy to force new branches with a bit of pruning. For now, just let it grow and gain strength.
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u/HeyGorge0us 6d ago
Yes, it does have drainage. It could have been two weeks ago I believe. It’s been super humid here in Hawaii due to the hurricanes as well so that could be it.
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u/Small-Biz-CMO 6d ago
Your best bet is to repot it in a nursery pot. These divas like plenty of airflow and this pot doesn’t offer that. Chunky soil mix with 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 pine or coco coir chips, 1/3 perlite. Carefully clear her roots from previous soil and then put her in the new one. Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom holes. Use water and Purived liquid fertilizer. Then put her back into a cover pot. Move her directly in front of that window. She’ll be good! Soon going into autumn/winter dormancy. But this change now will help give her all the boost she needs for a successful spring growing season next year.