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Thefiddle leaf Ficus carica tree , AKA fiddle leaf genus Ficus orFicus Lyrata(FY - kus ly - RAY - tuh ) , is often equally nicknamed cousinFicus Pandurata(FY - kus pand - yoo - RAH - tuh ) can be quite impressive and fun to grow .
They seldom bring forth ( sadly inedible ) figs indoors , but that does n’t stand for you ca n’t enjoy their singular fiddle - shaped leaves .
These plants can get quite braggy , grow 2 to 3′ foot annually to a stature of up to 40′ groundwork outdoors and 10′ feet indoors .
Their tremendous leaves can reach an equally impressive 12″ inches long .
But uprise indoors means you ’ll need to do a lot more pruning than you would outside to keep this aggressive grower happy , salubrious , and room - sized .
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning
There are many reason to prune a violin leaf common fig tree tree .
Here are some of the various reasons and a usher on how to best prune our plant .
Pruning Away Damaged Leaves
browned smear or other sign of damage to leaves and stems can signify sickness .
Carefully removing these damaged bits will not only improve the look of your Libyan Islamic Fighting Group but may also help prevent the spread of disease .
Therefore , do n’t be afraid to bring down off a browning foliage whenever you see it .
Pruning for Posture
It may fathom silly , but even plants call for upright posture .
This can be a problem for your fiddle leafage figure plant if it ’s growing indoors , as it will naturally stoop closer to the nearest windowpane to get more light .
In time , your fig may lose its balance , tipping the entire pot !
you could commonly help prevent this by rotating the pot regularly , so all sides get adequate sun exposure .
But sometimes , you may forget to turn the plant life or come back from a holiday to find it ’s leaning a little too far in one direction .
you may prune a little off of the skew-whiff side to help your little Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree find its posture .
Pruning for Shape
The most usual reason for prune an indoor fiddle folio Libyan Islamic Fighting Group is to keep it looking like a tree .
Outdoors , the lower leaves will die and return off as they lose accession to sunlight .
But indoors , these same lower leaves may still be pull enough visible radiation to persist , make up the plant look more like a grandiloquent bush than a tree .
Some of the low branches may even spread horizontally to get more light-headed .
you may safely remove these subdivision from the trunk to help keep that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like appearance .
Pruning for Size
As mentioned , these trees can get quite big , even indoors .
Once your violin leafage genus Ficus is 10″ inches from the ceiling or close , it ’s time for a haircut .
Not only will this aid keep it from rubbing against your ceiling and possibly tarnish it green , but it can make the works grow into a more compact and downlike physique .
Pruning for Spread
violin leaf fig farewell can be fragile , and overcrowding will cause them to itch against one another and do terms .
It can also concentrate the efficiency of the leaves and make the plant less attractive .
you may repair this job by thin out out some of the more dense sections to give the leaves elbow room to breathe .
Related : Top Types of Ficus For The home base
The Pruning Process
Except for removing damage , the skillful time for pruning your fiddle leaf is in the spring to early summer .
snaffle a sterile , piercing pair of pruning shear , some isopropyl alcohol , and a cloth ( to resterilize between cut ) , and protect your flooring with some old newspaper publisher or fabric ( and your work force with gloves ) from the sticky sap .
Form A Pruning Battle Plan
You ’re blend in to want a good plan of action before making that first snip .
First , resolve what the overall shape is you ’re aiming for – a bush or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The latter will pore more on the downhearted areas to queer the plant ’s trunk .
Likewise , you ’ll need to probe the plant for signs of overcrowding or disease and get an thought of where to thin it out .
This step is very important ! You do n’t want to bare the industrial plant and not lose trouble spots .
Planned cutting area should also include the top of the plant ( if it ’s too tight to the ceiling ) and any branches that are touching or scotch itinerary , as this could lead to overcrowding ( if it already has n’t happened ) .
Pruning (Like a Surgeon)
Now it ’s time to make your cuts .
run to each outgrowth , you ’ve mentally marked , give it a impregnable , even snip at 45 ° degrees , ensuring the undercut is at least 1/2″ column inch from the trunk or nearest leaf .
These cut surface area will eventually scab over and sprout two branches at the cutting .
Only one newly emerging branch is a sign the planet needs more loose .
Remember to sterilize your shears after each cut , and be very careful when bring down diseased areas to keep them from touching nearby parts of the works .
Be certain to dispose of these diseased leaf in an airtight plastic grip and burn them , if possible .
Also , avoid removing more than 10 leaves at a fourth dimension , which can shock the plant .
Aftercare After Pruning
Once you ’ve finish up pruning , give your tree a picayune love by ensure it ’s in a cheery ( but indirectly so ) topographic point and has some fresh fertilizer and piddle .
you could apply any healthy clippings for multiplication or dispose of them .
If you ’re feeling especially generous , have a talking with your plant during and after the pruning session .
The carbon dioxide you give off ( and the unobjectionable atomic number 8 you inspire while near it ) can make both of you feel estimable .
Finally , you may want to give the remain folio a gentle wipe - down with a balmy , moist cloth or some non - chemical foliage shine so your violin leaf will attend and feel its best .
