One of the most photogenic and popular houseplants around, the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig takes on a fun twist from your regular ficus tree. It is much more compact and grows brighter leaves than its plant sibling, making it a great choice if you live in an apartment without a ton of space. It has green, heavily veined leaves that grow upwards into a miniature tree. Fiddle leaf figs are considered one of the most air-purifying plants as they improve your air quality by providing high levels of oxygen and cleaning the air of allergens.
Proper lighting is crucial for growing a healthy, thriving Bambino plant. But exactly how much light does this popular houseplant need? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ideal lighting conditions and signs your plant needs more or less light.
An Overview of Bambino Plant Light Requirements
The Bambino plant, a compact variety of the Ficus Elastica thrives in bright indirect sunlight. This means it wants a good amount of light, but not direct sun which can scorch its leaves.
As a rule of thumb most Bambino plants need 8-12 hours of bright, unobstructed daylight each day. Light levels should be at least moderately bright, similar to those found near an east or west-facing window.
Insufficient light will cause leggy, weak growth and loss of leaf vibrancy. Too much direct sun will burn leaves and cause leaf drop. Getting the lighting just right takes some tweaking, so read on for more details on maximizing this plant’s light exposure.
Where to Place Your Bambino Plant
Here are some ideal locations to situate your Bambino plant:
- Near an east-facing window (no direct afternoon sun)
- Near a west-facing window (no direct morning sun)
- 5-10 feet from a south-facing window (filtered sunlight)
- 3-5 feet from a large north-facing window
- In a brightly lit bathroom or hallway with a window
- Under a skylight or atrium (no direct sun)
Rotate the plant weekly to ensure even growth on all sides. You can always supplement natural lighting with grow lights if needed.
Signs Your Bambino Plant Needs More Light
If your Bambino plant isn’t getting sufficient sunlight, you may notice:
- Leggy, weak stems
- Sparse leaf growth
- Pale, lime-colored new leaves
- Leaves pointing upward or drooping
- Slow growth
Plants in low light will reach and stretch toward any nearby light source. If you notice your Bambino leaning, turn the pot to discourage uneven growth.
Providing Supplemental Lighting
If natural lighting in your space is limited, you can provide supplemental lighting for your Bambino plant with:
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Grow lights – Use full spectrum LED grow lights positioned 12-18 inches above the plant. Provide 12-14 hours of light per day.
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Fluorescent lighting – Standard fluorescent shop lights can work if positioned very close to the plant.
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Smart bulbs – Bulbs that provide full spectrum, grow light-type lighting on a normal light fixture.
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Reflective surfaces – Place near light surfaces like white walls or mirrors to reflect more light onto the plant.
Signs Your Bambino Plant Is Getting Too Much Light
Too much direct sun will cause damage to a Bambino plant. Look for these signs:
- Sunburnt, yellowed leaf edges
- Brown, dry spots on leaves
- Crispy, curled up leaves
- Leaf drop
- Fading leaf color
- Flower and leaf drop
If you notice any of these issues, immediately move your Bambino further away from the light source causing damage. Filter the light if moving isn’t possible.
Optimizing Sunlight from Windows
Careful positioning near sunny windows allows your Bambino plant to soak up bright, indirect light safely. Here are some tips:
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Sheer curtains over south, east or west windows prevent harsh direct sunlight from hitting the plant.
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For south-facing windows, place plants 5-10 feet back to avoid intense midday sun.
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Rotate the plant every few days so all sides get evenly lit.
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Move plants away from window immediately if leaves show signs of sun damage.
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Ensure the sunniest window areas are free for your light-loving plants.
Natural Light vs. Artificial – What’s Best?
Given the choice, natural lighting is always best for Bambino plants and other houseplants. Natural light provides the full spectrum of wavelengths plants need to photosynthesize and thrive. But supplementing with artificial grow lights can work very well too. Use the same signs described above to adjust artificial light intensity and duration to keep your Bambino vibrant.
Ensuring Adequate Light as the Seasons Change
One challenge with growing Bambino plants indoors is that available natural light changes with the seasons. Here are some ways to ensure adequate light year-round:
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Move plant closer to window in fall/winter when light is limited.
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Provide 14-16 hours of supplemental lighting in winter months.
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Filter light from south and west windows in hot summer months to prevent leaf burn.
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Rotate plant weekly and prune or tilt if growth becomes uneven on one side.
Tips for Maximizing Light
Here are some other clever tips for getting your Bambino plant the light it craves in any indoor environment:
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Rotate pot every 2-3 days for even exposure on all sides.
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Trim back any large leaves that shade lower leaves excessively.
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Use floor lamps or sconces to provide direct illumination from above.
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Position mirrors, reflective walls, and white surfaces near the plant to reflect more light.
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Keep the plant elevated at eye level to receive ambient room lighting.
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Dust broad leaf surfaces periodically to maximize light absorption.
Troubleshooting Light-Related Issues
Here are some common Bambino plant problems related to light and how to resolve them:
Issue: Leggy, weak growth
Solution: Provide brighter light, use grow lights
Issue: Leaves leaning and stretching
Solution: Rotate plant frequently for even exposure
Issue: Lower leaves yellowing and dropping
Solution: Trim shading upper leaves, increase light
Issue: Sunburnt leaves
Solution: Filter or reduce direct sun exposure
Issue: Uneven one-sided growth
Solution: Rotate more frequently, prune larger side
Finding That Sunny Sweet Spot
Bambino plants thrive in consistent, bright indirect light. But take it slowly when increasing light exposure and look for signs of stress. With a little trial and error, you’ll find that perfect brightly lit location in your home. Have patience, rotate frequently and make adjustments as needed until you find the sweet spot where your Bambino has the light it needs to really shine.
How to Growing Ficus lyrata Successfully
Propagating a Fiddle Leaf Fig can be somewhat challenging but rewarding for plant enthusiasts.
- Selecting a Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with several leaves. Cut just above where a leaf joins the stem, ideally 4-6 inches from the stem’s base.
- Rooting the Cutting: Place the cutting in water, ensuring at least one leaf node (the point where the leaf meets the stem) is submerged. Change the water every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh.
- Transferring to Soil: Once roots develop, typically after a few weeks, plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining potting soil.
The right potting approach is crucial for the health of your Fig.
- Drainage Is Key: Use a pot with adequate drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom. Overwatering is a common issue with Fiddle Leaf Figs.
- Size Matters: A pot that is too big for the plant can lead to excess soil moisture. Choose a pot that is just 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one.
- Best Time to Repot: Spring or early summer, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
- How to Repot: Gently loosen the plant from its current pot. If the roots are tightly bound, carefully untangle them. Place the plant in the new pot and fill around the sides with fresh potting soil.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your ‘Bambino’ Fig.
- Pruning Time: Prune your Ficus lyrata during the growing season (spring and summer) for the best results.
- Technique: Use sharp, clean shears to remove dead leaves, any brown tips, or excessively spindly growth. To encourage a bushier appearance, prune just above a leaf node.
- Post-Pruning Care: After pruning, make sure your plant has ample bright, filtered light and consistent temperatures to recover and continue growing happily.
- Watering: Wait until the top inch of the soil feels dry before watering. Overwatering can cause the leaves to drop.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care Guide
- Bright, Indirect Light: Figs thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that receives filtered sunlight for most of the day is ideal. Direct sunlight, especially during hot afternoons, should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
- Rotate Regularly: To ensure even growth, rotate your plant every few weeks. This ensures all sides receive equal light and promotes a well-proportioned shape.
- Consistency is Key: Water your Fig when the top inch of soil becomes dry. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue with these plants.
- Reduced Watering in Winter: During the cooler months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant’s growth slows down.
- Well-Draining Potting Mix: The ideal soil for a plant is a well-draining potting mix. You can use a standard houseplant potting mix and add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Repotting: Repotting every 2-3 years helps refresh the soil and provide more room for growth. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to prevent overwatering issues.
- Ideal Temperature: Keep your plant in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors, as sudden temperature changes can harm the plant.
- Humidity Love: These plants enjoy humidity. In drier environments, consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray nearby to increase moisture levels in the air.
- Balanced Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. This provides the necessary nutrients for robust growth.
- Rest in Winter: Hold back on fertilizing in the winter months, as the plant is not actively growing during this period.
LIGHTING for your Fiddle Leaf Fig: The COMPLETE GUIDE
FAQ
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