Why are you FLF’ing yourselves? Fiddle Leaf Figs and WHY They Look So Sad

Struggling With Your Fiddle Leaf Fig? Here's Why

Updated September 2025

Why do you keep FLF’ing yourself?

OK, so 2026 has been named the "Year of the Ficus" by the National Gardening Bureau. Plus, National Houseplant Week is the 3rd week in September, so it seemed a good time to revisit why so many plant parents struggle with this popular "houseplant".

Let me start out by absolving you of any responsibility for growing a beautiful fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) indoors, and any green guilt you may be carrying around because you keep killing them (or they constantly look so sad in your house that you feel like a bad plant parent).

That said, here’s where knowing a little botany and understanding some light science comes in handy. Folks, FLFs are BIG *SS trees, and not only that they are what we consider fruit bearing trees (you know, figs?). They are in the FIG and MULBERRY family, which should tell you something about the kind of light (ENERGY) these beasts really need.

Not only are these trees getting exponentially more light outdoors (even in a dense rainforest type situation, and many FLFs will grow quite happily out in full sun) but are also semi-epiphytic trees, which is why the root zone in containers needs good aeration and some drying between waterings, and like warm humid environments to sustain that form of growth.

So what do we do? We stick them in our dark, cold, dry homes, pack the pots full of fine potting mix, and keep the pots wet all the time.... and then wonder why FLF's always look so sickly.

I guarantee you, 99% of you that have a happy FLF have an FLF that lives OUTSIDE on your patio, at least for part of the year! OR you have several grow lights, or one more powerful grow light, that is keeping your FLF from the edge of death.

While FLFs that have been grown in commercial production for indoor use (under lower light levels), or have been inside in low light levels for a long time, can't immediately handle hot direct sun coming through a window and hitting it’s leaves (very high PPFD), that doesn’t mean the plants don't need a substantial DLI (daily light integral) - meaning the overall quantity of light it receives through the day - to thrive, rather than just barely survive. These plants may need longer exposure to the lower levels of indoor light to meet their requirements.

If you plan to move your FLF to a sunny spot outside, or to say a west-facing window with direct sun, do it in increments, moving the plant closer to the higher light levels over time, to allow for proper acclimation. Otherwise, you'll get leaf scorch.

Thigs to Remember about Fiddle Leaf Figs

1. You never have as much light in your house as you think you do.

2. It’s OK to get rid of plants that constantly frustrate you.

3. Your compost pile is your friend.