Fiddle leaf figs have surged in popularity for their lush leaves and larger-than-life presence, adding a touch of nature's beauty to our homes. Everyone loves an indoor plant with big leaves! But they are also known to be a bit finicky and are the reigning divas of the indoor plant biome. Ask any plant nursery and they’ll tell you that the fiddle leaf is the most killed houseplant. Finicky Ficus does have a nice ring to it!

But, how do you know if your plant needs a bigger pot? If you're finding your fiddle leaf fig leaves turning brown or yellow, leaves drooping, growing super slow, leaves getting smaller, or simply looking like its dying, it's may be time to check for roots overtaking the pot.

If you're worried about how to repot your fiddle leaf fig, we got you! Our step-by-step guide is sent down from the plant gods to rescue you from your plant-potting panic! We’ll walk you through the right way to repot your beloved fiddle leaf while giving it a new home that will make it feel like the luckiest plant in the biosphere.

Benefits of repotting your fiddle leaf fig

Buckle up for the benefits of repotting your unhealthy fiddle leaf fig.

• Improves nutrient uptake: Repotting your plant with fresh, sterile soil is like giving it a VIP pass to a five-star buffet, ensuring it can absorb all the nutrients it needs to thrive without competing with unknown nutrients already present in the soil.
• Prevents rootbound plants: Give your plant the space it craves! Repotting allows its roots to stretch out and explore, avoiding the tangled mess that comes with cramped pots. If you see roots circling the bottom or peeking through drainage holes, it's time to give your fiddle leaf fig some breathing room.
• Boosts aesthetic appeal: Repotting your fiddle leaf fig isn’t just about health—it's also about diagnosing issues you can’t always see on the surface. When leaves are discolored, small, or disfigured, a closer look at the roots can reveal underlying problems such as root rot, pest infestations, disease, or other soil issues. You can inspect the soil and roots up close and address any problems with a fresh pot.
• Refreshes soil: Fiddle leaf fig’s soil quickly becomes compacted and depleted of nutrients, like a worn-out mattress that’s lost its spring. Repotting your fiddle leaf fig provides a fresh start with nutrient-rich soil full of life and ready to nourish its roots.
• Promotes healthy new growth and longevity: Repotting is a long-term investment in your plant’s health and happiness. You’re laying the groundwork for years of healthy, rapid growth and longevity by providing a fresh and roomy environment. We’re sending our fiddle leaf to a rejuvenating spa day—afterward, the plant will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready to flourish.

If you've noticed your houseplant drying out quickly, or failing to push out new leaves, it may be time to check the roots. A root bound houseplant will struggle to hold moisture and eventually perish. Potting your plant up will give it the space it needs to continue flourishing.

Risks of repotting your plant 

• Root Damage: Handling plants during repotting can lead to accidental damage to the roots. Some plants are more sensitive than others, so just be careful.
• Shock: Even with careful handling, the change in environment can cause plants to experience shock. This may manifest as drooping leaves, wilting, or temporary growth stalling.
• Heat or Light Stress: Leaving your plant out of the pot with roots exposed for too long can stress them, so only repot when you have the time to do it quicly.
• Improper Soil or Pot Choice: Choosing the wrong type or size of pot, or an inappropriate soil mix, can negatively affect the drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability, hindering the plant’s recovery and growth.

Resist the temptation to give your tree a giant new home. The image above shows a young tree that was potted up too early in a pot that was far too large. Root damage and disease (such as root rot) are more likely to occur when your plant is re-homed in a pot that is too large.

Not to worry, we'll cover how to avoid these risks, read on:

The best time to repot your fiddle leaf fig

Like most garden practices, timing is everything.  You want to wait as long as possible for your fiddle leaf fig tree. Only pot your tree up when it absolutely needs it. In other words, leave it alone unless it's more harmful to keep your plant in the current pot. This cannot be stressed enough.

Resist the common impulse to repot your new tree immediately after bringing it home from the nursery. In most cases, your plant will be fine in its current pot for at least 6 to 12 months, or possibly even longer, before needing a change.

Repotting also happens to have a season. Spring and summer are the best times to repot your fiddle leaf fig, as this is when your tree will enter its active growing phase. These sunny seasons also provide the ideal conditions for adjustment since most fiddle leaf figs are a tad dramatic with environmental changes. Giving them ample sunlight during repotting can ease the shock and help them settle into their new homes without throwing a massive diva fit.

However, if you provide supplemental light (like a grow light) for your fiddle leaf fig during the repotting process, then autumn and winter can work, too. So, with some strategic timing and the ability to adapt, your fiddle leaf fig will thrive in its pot, no matter the season.

Choosing your fiddle leaf fig’s pot and soil

Attention to detail is part of giving our fiddle leaf fig the love it deserves. Whether finding the perfect pot or the best soil, follow these hard-earned tips to let your fiddle leaf shine for all to admire.

Perfect pot tips

• Drain Holes: Find a pot with proper drainage to prevent your plant from sitting in waterlogged soil. Be sure it comes with a saucer or tray to catch any excess water so you don’t end up with an overwatered fiddle leaf fig.
• Pot Size: Choose a pot that's only slightly larger (10-15% increase) than the previous one to encourage healthy leaf growth over excessive root expansion. This helps prevent issues such as water sinking to the bottom of the pot and not being drawn up by the roots, which can lead to potential disease, dryness, or even root rot. Additionally, a pot that is too large can cause the tree to focus on root generation rather than foliage, potentially stunting growth.

Picking the right soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for your finicky Ficus. You can also make a homemade sterile mix.
• We like to avoid typical "indoor potting mixes" that have organic materials (orchid bark, forest/wood materials, compost), as they tend to attract pests and break down into sludge over time.
• Look for semi-hydroponic soils with a good ratio of sterile moisture-retaining to drainage materials. Coir and peat are excellent for moisture retention, while pumice, LECA, sand, charcoal, and perlite are ideal for good airflow and reduced decomposition.
• Resist the urge to add a shallow layer of small pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the pot, just don't do it.

A few bonus tips

• Choose your repotting location wisely. Choose a shady or cool spot in the home or outdoors to avoid stressing the roots.
• Lay down a plastic tarp or old newspapers to catch any stray soil or mess – this will make cleanup a breeze!
• Make sure you have ample time to complete the potting process within the hour to reduce stress on the roots from too much air exposure.
• Give your plant a good watering! Watering your fiddle leaf ficus after repotting is essential to help it settle into its new environment. Repotting can disrupt the plant's root system, and watering helps rehydrate the plant and reduce stress. Additionally, watering helps to settle the soil around the roots and remove any air pockets that may have formed during the repotting process.

Step-by-step: how to repot a fiddle leaf fig

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to repotting your fiddle leaf fig.

STEP 1

Gently remove the plant from its current pot. Start by carefully tipping the pot and gently sliding the fiddle-leaf fig out. Avoid pulling it out forcefully, as this can harm the roots and delicate trunk. If your tree is in a liner pot, it's easy to cut the plastic pot, or simply press on it to loosen the soil and roots from the inside.

STEP 2

Inspect the roots and remove any damaged or rotten ones. Examine the roots once you successfully take the fiddle leaf out of its pot. Trim away any mushy, rotten, or damaged roots. Use a chopstick to aerate and loosen the roots to promote healthy growth. I love the chopstick for this because it causes the least amount of harm.

STEP 3

Give the roots a refresh with Big Leaf Energy®: Now that your fiddle leaf’s roots are exposed, take the opportunity to give them a boost with Big Leaf Energy®, a neem oil and essential oil-based plant spray that nourishes and protects the fig tree’s root system.

STEP 4

Add new soil to the bottom of the pot: Add a thin layer of soil in the new pot, then place your fiddle leaf fig directly in the middle of the pot. Backfill the edges of the pot with your well-draining soil mix. Follow this up with the “fill and shimmy” method. Avoid pressing down with too much pressure. Make sure the soil is evenly distributed around the sides, continue to shimmy to help the soil settle into the gaps. You can gently press the top to make the plant secure when you're done.

STEP 5

It's now time to water and feed: Once your tree is secure in its new home, thoroughly water it with Fiddle Leaf Treats™, a specialized nutrient-rich fertilizer (aka fiddle leaf fig plant food) that will also help your houseplant resist the shock of rehoming.

STEP 6

Place the plant in the same location you took it from: This will help minimize stress to the plant and reduce the amount of adjustment. Ideally, you want your fiddle leaf in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Aftercare tips

Now that your fiddle leaf fig has settled into its cozy new home, it’s time to pamper it with post-repotting care. Here are some foolproof FLF tips from one crazy plant lover to the next:

• To give the fiddle leaf stability, avoid moving it around or making drastic adjustments for at least a few weeks.
• Aim for a watering schedule of every 7-14 days to keep its roots happy without overwatering. Ensure the soil is almost completely dry each time before you saturate it.
• Check for drafts from vents or windows that could give your fiddle leaf a chill.
• Fertilize regularly with Fiddle Leaf Treats,™ the best fiddle leaf fig plant food for growth, vigor, and resilience for the finicky Ficus.

Repotting your fiddle leaf fig is a labor of love that promotes health, vitality, and happiness for these plants. These guidelines will help you navigate the process confidently and prevent shocking your fiddle leaf fig. By repotting, we're giving our plants a fresh start and investing in their long-term growth in our spaces.

Even though fiddle leaf figs can be challenging, the effort is worth it when you see them thriving with bigger, bolder leaves and renewed energy. A little repotting today can lead to significant growth tomorrow. Happy gardening, and may we all continue to explore new techniques to nurture our leafy friends.

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