Prevent Fiddle Leaf Fig Root Rot With The Right Soil Mix To Promote Growth

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a trendy big-leaf houseplant that adds drama to your home, reaching a height of 2 to 10 feet tall when happy. They are fantastic plants to go for if you want to create a mini jungle in your space, but like any houseplant, they can suffer if the conditions they are growing in aren't right. Fiddle leaf figs are prone to root rot, which is when fungi in the soil start to damage the roots of the plant. This, in turn, means that the plant can't take in the nutrients and water it needs to survive. Root rot can be a death sentence for fiddle leaf figs, which is why it is essential to take steps in order to avoid creating the right environment for the disease. One way of doing this is by using the right soil mix, which, for fiddle leaf figs, is a well-draining mix of general potting mixture and perlite. This is because these plants are used to soil draining quickly in their natural habitat. By using a suitable soil mix to avoid root rot, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig happy and healthy and help it put on beautiful growth. 

When creating the soil mix for your fiddle leaf fig, it is advisable to avoid putting soil from your garden in it. Instead, purchase a sterile potting mix. As fiddle leaf figs enjoy acidic soil, you may wish to supplement with some peat-free ericaceous compost. Then, add in some perlite and plant up your fiddle leaf fig. You may also want to line the bottom with pea gravel to further enhance drainage.

As time goes by, it is necessary to keep an eye on your soil mix and your fiddle leaf fig to avoid root rot occurring. As root rot tends to happen when the soil is overly wet, it is important to make sure you never overwater your plant and only give it water when it is needed. For fiddle leaf figs, this is when the top 2 inches of the soil becomes dry. 

You should also take care of the soil by aerating it regularly. It is useful to get into the habit of aerating the soil with a stick before every watering session, as this will help the water reach the roots for proper absorption. Over time, the potting mix will compact, lose nutrients, and degrade, which can affect its drainage and create the perfect conditions for root rot. To avoid this, it is helpful to repot your fiddle leaf fig every two to three years with a fresh mixture. However, these houseplants do like to be a bit root bound, so don't put it in a pot too large when doing so!