How to Overwinter Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees in Winter
As a star variety among tropical ornamental leaf plants, the fiddle leaf fig is deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its elegant, violin-shaped leaves. However, the low temperatures of winter pose a severe challenge to its survival, making the mastery of scientific care methods key to ensuring the plant's safe overwintering. This article will systematically analyze the key points of winter care from the dimensions of temperature, light, water, and fertilizer.
Core Elements of Winter Care
Temperature Precision Control Plan
The optimal overwintering temperature for fiddle leaf fig trees is between 10-15°C. When the temperature continuously drops below 5°C, the leaves will show symptoms of frostbite such as burned edges and leaf drop. In northern heating areas, it is necessary to avoid direct heating from radiators. In southern non-heating regions, it is recommended to use the "triple insulation method": wrapping the outer layer with thermal insulation film, adding a thick felt middle layer, and using breathable cotton cloth as the inner layer, with the use of a temperature-controlled heating mat for better results.
Optimal Lighting Configuration Strategy
In winter, the plant should be ensured to receive 4-6 hours of scattered light daily. The "stepwise lighting supplementation method" can be adopted: place the plant on an east-facing windowsill to receive soft light before 10 am, avoid direct sunlight at noon, and use full-spectrum plant grow lights to supplement light for 2 hours in the afternoon. Regularly rotate the pot 180 degrees to ensure even light exposure to the plant.
Scientific Water Management Skills
Use the "finger joint detection method" to determine the watering time: insert the second joint of the index finger into the potting soil, and water if it is completely dry. It is recommended to water on a sunny morning around 10 am, using water that has been sun-dried to about 25°C, and water slowly around the edge of the pot. For terracotta pots, water every 15-20 days, and for porcelain pots, extend to every 25-30 days, reducing the amount of water by 30% each time.
Notes on Nutrient Supply
From November to the following February, fertilization should be completely stopped, with a focus on "root care": apply EM bacteria concentrate at 1000 times dilution to water the roots once a month to enhance the plant's resistance. In early March, when the temperature rises, first apply a water-soluble fertilizer containing humic acid (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio 1:1:1) to wake up the plant, and then switch to regular fertilization after two weeks.
Through a four-dimensional联动 care system involving temperature, light, water, and nutrition, combined with regular checks of the leaf condition (with special attention to the back of the leaves for pests like red spiders), the fiddle leaf fig can not only survive the winter safely but also store sufficient energy for the spring sprout. It is recommended to establish a care log, recording daily environmental parameters and changes in the plant, gradually forming an individualized care plan.