Can I Put My Fiddle Leaf Fig Outside?

Do you want to transfer your Fiddle leaf fig out in the garden? Well, who doesn’t love those gorgeous houseplants decorating the interior space? However, growth spurts can cause the plant to outgrow the alluring aesthetic vibe it offers. In that case, you can shift the plant outside or even place it on your patio.

There are two instances that can lead to keeping the Fiddle leaf fig outside. The first one includes sending the plant outdoor to enjoy the summer warmth. Secondly, you can decide to shift the plant in your garden permanently. These are different conditions and thus need to be treated accordingly. In this article, we will talk about various fascinating information related to placing these stunning houseplants outside.

TL; DR

Yes, it is entirely possible to move the beautiful Fiddle leaf fig outside. However, for that, you will need to choose the best location and ensure that the environmental conditions are optimum. If you want the move to be permanent, the climate needs to be suitable for the plant to thrive. Here, it is essential to understand that Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive, and unexpected changes can induce shock, hampering the plant’s health.

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Is It Possible To Shift Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Out In Your Backyard?

Yes, you can keep your Fiddle leaf fig plant outside. There are two primary motivations that can lead to this decision. For that, you need to answer these questions. Do you want to keep the plant outside just for summer? Or, are you planning to make the shifting to the garden permanent?

Can You Transfer The Fiddle Leaf Fig Outside For The Summer?

There is no doubt that moving your gorgeous Fiddle leaf fig outdoors is achievable for the summertime. However, here, you need to consider some aspects. For instance, the first thing you need to ensure is a shady place for the plant.

Keep in mind that the houseplant is not habituated to external environmental conditions. In that case, you will need to acclimatize the plant slowly. You must make sure that the plant is kept safe from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and harsh sunlight.

While Fiddle leaf fig plants have an affinity for moisture, it is imperative to understand that too much of it can affect them negatively. An unusual rise or drop in temperature can send shock waves to the plant.

That is why you need to give the plant time for necessary adjustments. Keep the plant in a shady area where it can get ample indirect sunlight. With time, you can increase the duration of getting direct sunlight for the plant. Here, ensuring that the plant is stable is of utmost importance.

What If You Want To Shift Your Fiddle Leaf Figs Outside Permanently?

You can place the magnificent Fiddle leaf figs outdoor permanently, but only if you have a suitable climate. Here, the environment you live in plays a significant role. Knowing the ideal environmental conditions necessary for the plant to survive is crucial.

For starters, the temperature has a massive role in ensuring the survival of the fiddle leaf figs. The plant cannot thrive if the temperature is below 50 degrees or above 95 degrees. The ideal temperature is 65-75°F.

Another factor that you need to consider is humidity. The ideal humid climate for the plant is 30-65%. Keep in mind that Fiddle leaf figs, also known as Ficus lyrata, are indigenous rainforest plants. That means warm temperature and humidity make them thrive.

Sunlight is another determining factor you need to consider while transferring the plant outside. While sunlight is crucial for the plant to conduct photosynthesis, too much of it can become harmful. That is why you need to ensure that the plant encounters a slow yet steady transition.

For that, place the potted plant in a shady area. After a few days, you can increase the time period of sunlight exposure. Now, you can proceed with transferring the plant into the garden soil. However, you need to make sure that it is getting ample nutrients and well-aerated soil. Watering it periodically is essential to prevent the plant from drying out.

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Steps To Transfer The Fiddle Leaf Figs Outside

Fiddle leaf figs are rather demanding, and thus you need to excise caution and consistency while transferring them outdoors. Take a look at the steps listed below to know more –

• Firstly, you need to repot the plant to another fresh soil indoors.
• After that, keep the plant outdoors for three to four hours every day.
• Gradually, increase the time the plant is kept outside each day.
• After a week or two, keep the plant under direct sunlight. (Make sure that you choose the morning and evening time. Harsh afternoon sunlight is a strict no-no). For the remaining time, place the plant in a shady area.
• Let this schedule continue for another week or two.
• Make sure everything is satisfactory before you leave the Fiddle leaf fig plant outside.

Is Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Outdoors Essential?

The ideal environmental conditions ensure the healthy growth of the fiddle leaf figs outside. They tend to grow faster and thus need frequent repotting. You must conduct annual repotting of the fiddle leaf figs outside. Move them to a bigger pot, or you can try planting them in the garden soil.

How Much Cold Can Fiddle Leaf Figs Tolerate?

Being a rainforest plant makes it impossible for Fiddle leaf figs to tolerate extremely low temperatures. In fact, a temperature below 50°F is unsuitable for the survival of the plant. That is why you cannot place Fiddle leaf figs outdoor if you live in a climate that comes with harsh winters. In that case, you will need to shift back the plant indoors as soon as the temperature starts to drop. Keep in mind that you need to acclimatize the plant while transferring it inside too.

Related: Fiddle Leaf Fig Turning Yellow? Causes, Tips, And Solution

FAQs Related To Placing Fiddle Leaf Figs Outside

Do you need to rotate the fiddle leaf figs?

Even sunlight is crucial for the consistent growth of your Fiddle leaf figs. If the plant gets more sunlight in one place in comparison to others, the part exposed to light will grow more. It will result in the occurrence of a lopsided and weird-looking houseplant. That is why rotating your Fiddle leaf figs every two weeks is an excellent idea. Keep in mind that you need to do a ½ or ¼ turn at a time. After some days, you will observe the emergence of a healthy and gorgeous plant.

When is the best time to move the fiddle leaf figs outdoor?

The best time to shift your Fiddle leaf figs outside is the summer months. You can also opt for the spring season for the transplantation. As Fiddle leaf figs are rainforest plants, warm temperature plays a crucial role in their survival. However, you still need to make sure that the external environmental conditions are not excessively harsh.

How to ensure the survival of the fiddle leaf figs in winter?

It is true that Fiddle leaf fig plants cannot tolerate low temperatures. That is why you need to pay special attention to the plant during the cold months. For that, make sure that the location of the plant is suitable. It means that the place must receive bright yet indirect sunlight without the danger of encountering drafts. Other methods to ensure its survival include the use of a humidifier or growth lights.

Can your fiddle leaf fig plant survive full sun?

Contrary to popular belief, Fiddle leaf figs thrive under full sun. However, if the houseplant has been indoors for its entire lifetime, then it will need time for acclimatization. If you want to shift the plant outdoors, you must exhibit patience. Increase the time of getting sunlight gradually. When the plant has attained complete acclimatization, it can thrive under the full sun for about six to eight hours every day.

Is fertilizer essential for fiddle leaf figs potted outside?

Whether your Fiddle leaf fig place outdoors needs fertilizers or not depends on the soil. If the soil has the nutrient levels required, then using fertilizer is not essential. However, if the soil lacks the crucial nutrients necessary, you need to choose an NPK fertilizer in the ratio of 3:1:2. For best results, use the NPK fertilizer during the summer and spring months.

Conclusion

Even though Fiddle leaf figs are high-maintenance and sensitive, there is no denying that they are absolutely gorgeous. That is precisely why homeowners often use these plants as an interior décor element. However, increasingly growing plants might not fit into the aesthetic role anymore. In that case, shifting them outside is an excellent idea.

However, for that, it is vital to assess the external environmental conditions as it determines the ability of the plant to survive. You need to check out the thriving factors and choose the best place for the plant outdoors. Have you recently shifted your Fiddle leaf fig outside? Comment below and let us know what tips you used to ensure the plant’s survival.

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