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How to prune Fiddle leaf fig indoors and outdoors in USA and pruning guide

Fiddle leaf fig is a very popular choice as an indoor plant. It can grow up to 3 to 4 meters indoors and bigger outdoors. 

It maintains the atmosphere indoors and keeps the air feeling good and removes the overall toxicity from the air. It also looks very attractive indoors. Fiddle leaf fig leaves are dark green that can grow as big as 20 inches. These leaves look like violin bodies in various sizes. 

Fiddle leaf fig pruning indoors and outdoors

Let's understand when and how to prune your fiddle leaf fig plants indoors and outdoors. Also, the safety tips for beginners are as well. 

But before that all, let's understand what are the causes so why we need to prune a fiddle leaf fig plant.

Pruning fiddle leaf fig

Why do we need pruning of Fiddle leaf fig?

Pruning of fiddle leaf fig is very important. These leaves get affected sometimes because of infection and overmoisture. You don't get enough time to recover these leaves so better to prune them. Also, in many cases, you need to shift your plants according to sunlight and reduce their bending towards light and keep them balanced.

If you keep these plants at the window in the early days, these plants get off balance and bend toward natural light. To improve this, we shift plants from time to time and remove the off-balancing leaves and twigs. 

Tools required for pruning 

You just need easy tools if you have small fiddle-leaf fig plants indoors or outdoors. 

  • Cutter 
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Hand gloves
  • Cloth or sheet

Even if you have a big plant then you can take the bigger version of these cutters and scissors. 

Preparation before pruning

Before pruning, you should at least prepare to be ready and make the plant ready for pruning. Though fiddle leaf plant show when they need pruning- 

  • Wear safety gloves

After cutting leaves, they release a liquid from their joints which is not poisonous but may be allergic to your skin sometimes if you have sensitive skin. 

  • Place a cloth or sheet to collect leaves

Place a cloth or a plastic sheet to collect the falling leaves and twigs from the plants. This is necessary because later when pets or kids walk there, the plant liquid may be left there which is not good for consumption at all even accidentally and there are chances that pets or kids may swallow that. 

Steps to prune a fiddle leaf fig plant indoors

I know your fiddle leaf fig plants are getting affected and showing brown dry color on leaves. Don't worry, tight your seat belts, wear safety gloves and glasses if required, and follow the steps- 

Step 1- Shift the plant in the opposite direction of the bend 

Initially, if your plant stem is bend in a particular direction and off-balanced, keep it in the opposite direction for at least a week. It will help to remove the bend stem to a straight tall. If leaves are in the worst condition, then don't wait for a week. Start pruning further. 

Step 2- Mark the twigs of affected leaves

Mark virtually all the twigs that are in bad condition and the leaves are mostly brown there. 

Step 3- Place a cloth on the floor

Place a big cloth on the floor to collect these leaves. Later, you can remove the whole cloth with twigs and leaves properly and clean. 

Step 4- Prune all the leaves which are getting dry

Use a cutter or scissors ad remove the leaves that are getting dry or mostly brown. If some leaves are getting light green color then don't remove them, drain the soil if it has moisture and provide full sunlight. 

Step 5- Remove the twigs near the ground

Prune the extra twigs near the ground and if bushy from the lower section of the stem. This will help plant release stress. 

Step 6- Collect all the leaves

Now, collect all the pruned leaves with the whole cloth. Grab will all the corners and take them to your organic compost bin. Don't use them for animal pasture. 

Step 7- Clean hands and tools properly

Finally, clean your tools with water and remove your gloves and throw them in the dustbin. Wash your hands cleanly. 

Step 8- Repeat the pruning when required

It is important to prune the fiddle leaf fig plants several times a year. Don't ignore them too early or too late. 

What to do after pruning?

After pruning the fiddle leaf fig, you can fertilize the plant pots once for the next two months. Also, you don't need to wet the soil even more often. Make proper drainage or use less irrigation water if drainage is leaking water in your house. 

Provide your plants sunlight and don't keep them in dark for too long. 

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