How to Take Care of Fig Tree: Simple Tips for Success

Fig trees can be delightful and rewarding plants to grow both indoors and outdoors, whether it is the trending Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), or a more common fruit producing member of the fig tree family (Ficus carica). With quality care, these wonderful trees can be great contributors to your landscape and may even give you delicious fruit or gorgeous leaves. Here is your complete guide to fig tree care.

Understanding Your Fig Tree

Fig trees come in various species, but the two most commonly grown are:

• Common Fig Trees (Ficus carica) – Grown primarily for their sweet fruits
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees (Ficus lyrata) – Popular indoor houseplants known for their large, violin-shaped leaves

Whether you’re learning how to take care of a fig tree indoors or outside, understanding your specific variety’s needs is the first step to success.

Essential Care for Indoor Fig Trees

If you’re wondering how to take care of a fig tree indoors, particularly a fiddle leaf fig tree, here are the key factors:

Light Requirements

Fig trees crave bright, indirect light. When caring for a fiddle leaf fig tree indoors, place it near an east-facing window where it can receive morning sun but be protected from harsh afternoon rays. Rotate your indoor fig tree regularly to ensure even growth on all sides.

Watering Schedule

One of the most common questions about how to take care of fig trees is watering frequency. For indoor specimens:

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots

Humidity Considerations

Indoor fig trees, especially fiddle leaf figs, appreciate higher humidity. Consider placing a humidifier nearby or setting your pot on a pebble tray with water to increase ambient moisture.

Outdoor Fig Tree Care

If you’re learning how to take care of fig trees in your garden or yard, these tips will help:

Planting Location

Plant your outdoor fig tree in a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.

Soil Requirements

Fig trees prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. A slightly alkaline pH (around 6.0-6.5) is ideal for most fig varieties.

Temperature Needs

Most fig trees are hardy in USDA zones 8-10. If you live in a colder region, consider growing dwarf varieties in containers that can be moved indoors during winter months.

Seasonal Care Tips

Spring & Summer

• Increase watering as growth accelerates
• Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
• Monitor for pests like spider mites or scale insects
• Prune lightly to maintain shape if needed

Fall & Winter

• Reduce watering frequency
• Stop fertilizing
• Provide protection from frost for outdoor trees
• Move potted trees to sheltered locations if temperatures drop significantly

Common Problems & Solutions

Understanding how to take care of a fig tree includes knowing how to troubleshoot common issues:

Leaf Dropping

If your indoor fig tree is dropping leaves, it could be due to:

• Inconsistent watering
• Low light conditions
• Drafty locations
• Shock after repotting

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your fig tree isn’t sitting in water and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Brown Spots

Brown spots on fiddle leaf fig trees typically signal too much direct sunlight or fungal issues. Move the plant to a less bright spot and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.

Pruning Your Fig Tree

Whether you’re learning how to take care of a fiddle fig tree or a fruit-bearing variety, proper pruning helps maintain health and shape:

• Prune in early spring before new growth appears
• Remove dead or diseased branches first
• For indoor fig trees, trim to maintain desired size and shape
• For fruiting figs, focus on creating an open center to improve air circulation

Repotting Indoor Fig Trees

As part of understanding how to take care of a fig tree indoors, know when to repot:

• Repot young trees every 1-2 years
• Older trees can go 3-4 years between repotting
• Choose a pot just 1-2 inches larger than the current one
• Use fresh, well-draining potting mix

Final Thoughts on Fig Tree Care

Taking care of fig trees requires some patience and watchfulness. Fig trees are unique specimens and will require your care to adapt to your specific situation and environment with the specific environmental variables in your locale. Whether you are growing a stately fiddle leaf fig inside, or growing sweet figs in your garden space, these incredible trees will reward you for your patience and desire to help them along with beautiful foliage, and possibly sweet figs! 

As with any plant care, consistency is important when taking care of fig trees. Develop a consistent care routine, and watch and assess your tree’s response as you make small changes to what it is receiving and what it might need on a seasonal basis! With attention given to supplying light, water, and different seasonal needs, depending on what type of fig tree you own, fig trees can grow for many years at a time!