Listen up, plant parents! If you’ve got a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) that’s getting a bit wild and wonky, you’re probably wondering when to break out those pruning shears I’ve been growing these dramatic divas for years, and let me tell you – timing is everything when it comes to pruning!
The Best Time to Prune: Spring and Early Summer
There you have it: spring and early summer are the best times to prune your fiddle leaf fig. Why? Because:
- Plants are actively growing during these seasons
- There’s plenty of natural light to help recovery
- New growth appears faster
- The plant has more energy to heal
I always tell my plant-loving friends to avoid pruning during fall and winter. During these months, your fiddle leaf fig is basically taking a little vacation (we call it dormancy), and pruning during this time can stress it out big time!
Signs It’s Time for a Pruning Session
You don’t need to wait for spring if your plant is showing these signs:
- Dead or damaged leaves
- Height getting too close to ceiling (leave 8-10 inches of space)
- Lopsided growth
- Crowded branches crossing each other
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Multiple stems needing shaping
Emergency Pruning: When Rules Don’t Apply
Sometimes you can’t wait for the perfect season. Here’s when to prune regardless of timing:
- Diseased leaves showing brown spots
- Severely damaged branches
- Pest-infested areas
- Safety hazards from overgrowth
How to Prune Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Before you start chopping away here’s what you’ll need
Tools:
- Clean, sharp pruning shears
- Clean cloth or paper towels
- Gloves (that sap is no joke!)
- Drop cloth (trust me on this one)
Steps
- Clean your tools with rubbing alcohol
- Plan your cuts (I like using sticky notes to mark spots)
- Cut 1/2 inch above nodes at a 45-degree angle
- Never remove more than 10% of the plant at once
- Dab cuts with clean water to help healing
Pro Tips from My Experience
After countless pruning sessions, here are some tricks I’ve learned:
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Morning Pruning: I’ve found plants recover better when pruned in the morning
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Where the node is: Look for those little rings on the stem. That’s where new growth will start.
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Post-Pruning Care:
- Keep away from drafts
- Maintain consistent watering
- Don’t fertilize immediately
- Watch for new growth (usually appears in 2-4 weeks)
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but here are some biggies to avoid:
❌ Pruning during winter dormancy
❌ Removing too many leaves at once
❌ Using dirty or dull tools
❌ Cutting too close to nodes
❌ Forgetting to clean up sap drips
After-Pruning Care Tips
Your fiddle leaf fig needs some TLC after pruning:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is perfect
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist but not wet
- Humidity: Mist leaves or use a humidifier
- Fertilizer: Wait 2-3 weeks before feeding
Bonus: Propagation Opportunity
Hey, don’t throw away those cuttings! Pruning in the spring and summer is a great time to make new plants. Here’s a quick guide:
- Take 6-inch cuttings with at least 2 nodes
- Remove lower leaves
- Place in water or moist soil
- Wait for roots (usually 3-6 weeks)
When to Call in the Pros
Sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts. Consider professional help if:
- Your fig is super tall (over 8 feet)
- You’re dealing with multiple trunks
- Major reshaping is needed
- You’re not confident in your pruning skills
Final Thoughts
Remember, pruning isn’t just about controlling size – it’s about keeping your fiddle leaf fig healthy and happy! While spring and early summer are ideal, don’t be afraid to prune when needed. Just be gentle, clean, and thoughtful about your cuts.
Have a question about how to prune your fiddle leaf fig? Leave it in the comments—we’re all learning as plant parents together! Happy pruning, folks! ✂️.
P.S. Don’t forget to save those cuttings – they might just become beautiful new plants!
Remove Damaged Leaves and Stems
Regularly remove damaged leaves and stems by pruning.
Any leaves with large brown spots or holes can safely be removed to improve the overall health of your plant. An injured or sick leaf drains the resources of your plant and can spread an infection. When you notice damaged or sick leaves, remove them quickly any time of year. Pruning the damaged leaves and branches from this fiddle leaf fig could potentially save it.
Plan to Remove Damaged Leaves or Branches
Check how healthy each branch and group of leaves is as a whole so you can decide which parts of the plant to cut off first. If there are leaves with brown spots or branches with smaller leaf growth, mark those areas for removal.
If your branches are too close together, you should cut back on some of them to let more air flow and make the tree less crowded. Any branches that touch each other should be addressed, as well as leaves that are impeding each other’s growth.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning WITH 7 NEW BRANCHES! | Plant Care Tips Too
FAQ
How do I make my fiddle leaf fig bushy?
Nurturing a bushy fiddle leaf fig is fairly simple. Giving the tree enough light, water, and food so it can grow lots of leaves close together is the best way to get a stuffed, leafy fiddle. Without sufficient light, your fiddle will get leggy and won’t have the energy to grow lots of leaves.
What month is best to prune fig trees?
When should I prune my fig tree? The optimal time for pruning fig trees is in late autumn or early winter — November to January — while the plant is dormant. Dec 31, 2023.
Should you cut off brown spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves?
Don’t trim off the brown from the leaves, but you can remove those leaves entirely. It could help promote the plant to put out new growth instead of wasting energy trying to keep the brown leaves alive.