You might want to move your fiddle leaf fig outside because it has grown too tall, or you have a lot of them already and don’t have space for more indoors, or you might want it to get some fresh air.
Whatever the reason may be, you need to keep in mind the factors that can be an advantage or disadvantage if you move the plant outside. Let’s find out if fiddle leaf figs can survive outside.
Fiddle leaf figs can be moved outdoors if there is an appropriate environment for the plant to thrive. A sudden change in environment can shock the plant, so make sure the plant is transitioned slowly. Make sure the plant gets bright indirect light and gets watered whenever required.
Moving the plant at the wrong time of the year can have adverse effects on the plant, even if you make the environment even if you make the changes slowly.
You need to check the external conditions such as temperature, light, humidity, etc., to ensure that these are not too harsh for the plant.
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Can you keep a fiddle leaf fig outside?
Fiddle leave figs (Ficus lyrata) are native to Western Africa’s lowland rainforests. These plants thrive in the climate that the rainforests provide.
But as a houseplant, fiddle leaf figs might not be exposed to or accustomed to the same conditions, and if you decide to move the plant outside and take sudden action, your plant will suffer.
Fiddle leaf figs show stress even at the slightest change. So, the wisest thing would be to take action slowly.
It would be best to let your plant get used to the outside environment gradually. Always consider the external factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, and if they are balanced for the fiddle leaf fig, you can consider moving the plant outside.
If you live in a cold region, you should be more careful as fiddle leaf figs hate sudden rise or fall in the temperature. And if they are exposed to cold drafts, the plant will become dry and unhealthy in no time.
Therefore, there is a lot that you need to consider before you can finally move your fiddle leaf fig outside.
When to put fiddle leaf fig outside?
Coming from the tropical rainforests, fiddle leaf figs love the warm and humid climate. The best time to move your fiddle leaf fig outside is during the spring and summer months.
Move the plant outside when the climate of your area is warm. Summer provides the warmest months, and the plant will enjoy being outdoors during that time, given that you are not putting it under harsh afternoon sunlight.
You have to provide proper care to ensure that the plant is doing well outdoors. Keeping a check on the plant will help you identify any problems that the plant might have, and you will be able to work it out on time.
Never move the plant outside during the colder months as the fiddle leaf figs will get exposed to low temperature and low humidity that are not the best conditions.
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Factors to keep in mind before moving your fiddle leaf fig outside
Numerous factors can play a role in determining if the fiddle leaf fig will do well outside. Some of the crucial factors include:
- Temperature
- Light
- Water
- Placement
Some other factors that can affect your plant can be humidity, fertilization, and pests. We are going to check these out in detail.
Temperature
Temperature can play an essential role in the placement of your fiddle leaf figs. The plants have an ideal climate in which they thrive, and any significant difference in the temperature can affect its growth.
A sudden fall or rise in the temperature can hinder the plant’s growth. It is better to be sure than sorry, so make sure that the plant can survive in the outdoor weather.
What temperature can fiddle leaf figs tolerate?
Fiddle leaf figs enjoy a warm climate. The ideal temperature for them is 65-75°F.
When you move the plant outdoors, a slight change in the temperature will not affect the plant much. But a lot of differences can be detrimental for it.
Can fiddle leaf figs survive winter outside?
In their natural habitat, fiddle leaf figs are exposed to warm temperatures, and they are not used to freezing winters.
So, the fiddle leaf figs will suffer if the temperature drops below 50°F. You should never place the plant outside if the temperature levels are below 50°F.
Light
Light is one of the essential elements required for the growth of any plant.
It helps them to photosynthesize, and grow, and remain healthy.
Houseplants are not exposed to direct, intense sunlight, and they might not be able to adjust to such lighting conditions.
As houseplants, fiddle leaf figs generally do well in medium bright sunlight. They need at least 6-8 hours of bright light every day.
When you are moving it outside, you need to ensure that the outside lighting is not too harsh. You can consider putting it under a shade if you don’t want it to be exposed to direct and unfiltered sunlight.
Can fiddle leaf figs be in direct sunlight?
Fiddle leaf figs are not acclimated to direct sunlight. Harsh sunlight, especially during the afternoons, can be very harmful as it will scorch the leaves of the plant and make the plant dry.
When moving the plant outdoors for the first time, consider keeping it under shade, such as some tree or canopy.
Also read: How much light do fiddle leaf fig need?
Watering
As the external conditions change when you move the fiddle leaf fig outside, the plant’s water requirements will also change.
The temperature, humidity, and other conditions will change outside, and the water will evaporate quickly.
Therefore, the plant’s water requirements will probably increase, so you need to make sure that you are watering it more frequently.
How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig outside?
It is challenging to decide an exact amount or decide a fixed routine as the water requirements don’t remain the same always. As the external conditions fluctuate, the water requirements will also fluctuate.
You need to keep a check on the soil to understand if your fiddle leaf fig needs some water. If the soil feels cold and dry, then you water your plant, but if the soil is still moist and wet, you should wait before watering it again.
Don’t water when the soil is already wet, leading to root rot and fungal growth.
Also read: How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig?
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Placement
Fiddle leaf figs prefer indirect and bright sunlight. But harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Cold drafts can also have terrible effects on the plant. So, keep these details in mind while choosing a spot for the placement of your fiddle leaf fig.
Where should I plant my fiddle leaf fig outside?
The best outdoor spot for your fiddle leaf fig is under a shade so that direct light doesn’t hit it. You can place the fiddle leaf fig under a big tree or beside the wall of your house.
The south-facing side gets the most sunlight throughout the day, which works well when it is indoor, but it is not ideal when it is placed outdoor as you don’t want the plant to get intense sunlight and be exposed to cold drafts.
Also read: Where to keep fiddle leaf fig?
How to move indoor fiddle leaf figs outdoors?
As we have mentioned already, fiddle leaf figs love consistency, so you should move the plant carefully and follow these steps to do it.
- Transplant the fiddle leaf fig in a new pot with a fresh soil mix.
- Start slowly by moving the plant outdoors for only 3-4 hours a day. Please don’t put them under direct sunlight. Instead, put them under some shade and bring the plants inside before dusk.
- Increase the duration every other day by a few hours.
- Follow this schedule for a week and keep a check on the plant to ensure it is doing well.
- After a week, place them under the morning and evening sun for one or two hours, and the rest of the time, you can put them under a shade.
- Follow this schedule for another week and see how your plant reacts.
- If everything seems okay, you can leave the fiddle leaf fig outside.
- Take good care of the plant by watering it every 2-3 days.
- Give the fiddle leaf fig enough fertilizers as that will help its growth outdoors.
- Spray some pesticide or neem oil at least once a month to keep the pests away.
- Be extra careful on the bad weather days.
When to bring fiddle leaf figs inside?
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in a warm climate. Therefore, they will do well during the summer and spring months and early fall.
But cold weather and low temperature are not ideal for the fiddle leaf figs.
So before winter arrives, that is, by late fall, you should bring the plant inside. Otherwise, the low temperature and cold drafts will damage the plant.
Final Thoughts
Fiddle leaf figs can thrive outside, but since fiddle leaf figs get stressed due to sudden changes, you should gradually transition.
It is best to start moving the plant outside during the warm seasons, such as spring and summer.
If you live in the cold region, start moving the plant after three or four weeks of the last frost. The frosting is very harmful to the plants, and the damage might not be recoverable.
Fiddle leaf figs should not be exposed to harsh sunlight and cold drafts.
You need to take notice of the bad weather days and move the plant inside if required.
Spray neem oil to keep the pests away, understand the plant’s water requirements, and water it accordingly. Don’t forget to fertilize the plant to help it grow.
Sources: CABI.ORG, New York Botanical garden, University of Florida.