How Fast Does A Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow?

Having plants in your home helps you to feel calmer, more relaxed, and allows you to take some time out of your day to care for them. Seeing your plants thrive and fully grow is very rewarding, but you need to make sure that you are taking care of them properly. 

Fiddle leaf figs have huge green leaves that transport you to a tropical island just by looking at them, but they need the correct conditions to grow properly. They can grow very tall and look beautiful in any home, but making sure that they grow to their maximum height can be difficult. 

If you don’t want to wait for fiddle leaf figs to grow, how fast can they grow? With lots of plants, you can encourage growth which makes them grow quicker, but does this work with fiddle leaf figs?

You can find out more about how fast fiddle leaf figs can grow below to make sure that you are taking care of your plant in the best way possible. 

What Is A Fiddle Leaf Fig?

A fiddle leaf fig is a plant that originates from Western Africa and is usually grown in tropical climates. The name of the plant comes from the shape of the leaves as the leaves replicate the shape of a fiddle. The plant is very striking to look at as the leaves can grow to a maximum of 18 inches, which makes them extremely recognizable plants. 

Despite the name suggesting otherwise, the fiddle leaf fig is not closely related to the common fig. In their natural habitat, fiddle leaf figs grow incredibly large, and this can sometimes be stunted when they are grown in colder habitats. 

How Fast Does A Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow Naturally?

When a fiddle leaf fig is in the right conditions with high humidity and warm temperatures, it can grow several feet in 2 years, sometimes even 2 feet every year. If they are not in conditions that are similar to their natural habitat, they can grow much slower, but they are still able to reach a similar height. 

After 3 or 4 years, depending on how fast your fiddle leaf fig has grown, your plant could be as tall as your ceiling. 

How To Speed Up The Growth

There are some ways in which you can help to speed up the growth of your fiddle leaf fig if you want to see it in full growth quicker than its natural growing pace. 

Lighting

Your fiddle leaf needs to be situated in the correct light for it to grow properly. Having lighting conditions that are similar to its native habitat will help your plant to thrive in your home. 

The best lighting for your fiddle leaf fig is to have it in bright indirect light. This will help the plant to receive the same amount of sunlight that it would get in Western Africa. 

As they grow very tall in their natural environment, they are used to getting some direct sunlight. This is okay for your plant, but not for too long. The best lighting is bright indirect sunlight, so a windowsill spot is perfect for them. 

Temperature

As the fiddle leaf fig needs warm temperatures to grow, you should aim to give them a consistent temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can handle higher temperatures, they can be inconsistent in climates where this isn’t natural. 

It is much healthier for the plant to have temperatures that are still warm, but lower than their natural habitat, so they can have a consistent temperature all year. 

Finding the right spot for your plant at home will prevent you from having to constantly move it and experience inconsistent temperatures. 

Humidity

In their natural habitat of Western Africa, fiddle leaf figs will thrive in 70% humidity. This helps them to thrive and grow to their full potential, but it can be difficult to replicate in your home. Humidity between 50-60% will help your plant to grow, but the higher the humidity, the better.

Inconsistent humidity for the plant will result in it not being able to grow properly, so it is important to maintain a high level of humidity for it. 

Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing Slowly?

There are a few reasons why your plant may be growing slowly, and they are easy things to change so that your plant can continue to thrive in your home.

It Is Overwatered

If you are overwatering your plant, the leaves will turn yellow and the roots will begin to rot. If the soil is too wet, the plant is unable to soak up the nutrients or water as the roots will begin to become too weak and damaged. 

The soil needs to be dry before you water the plant otherwise you will waterlog the soil and the plant won’t be able to grow properly. If you do not solve this problem, the roots will rot completely and you will lose your plant. 

The Pot Is Too Small

If the pot is too small to contain your plant, the roots will have nowhere to grow and they won’t be able to function properly. You need to begin by putting your fiddle leaf fig in a large pot and then gradually increase the size when you re-pot it. The roots need lots of space, so you need to make sure that the pot is large enough to contain them. 

Final Thoughts

To conclude, fiddle leaf figs do grow quite quickly as they are constantly growing when in your home. In 3-4 years, they can reach your ceiling, so they are constantly growing in the correct conditions. 

You can speed up the growth of your plant by providing it with the correct growing conditions similar to its native habitat, but it is important to help the plant if it is growing slowly. If the problem isn’t solved, your fiddle leaf fig could suffer permanent damage.