Fiddle leaf figs are beautiful houseplants that have become iconic in the indoor-gardening world, especially in the past year. They’re adorable and can make a vibrant addition to any home.
But man, can they be picky little plants! I’ve known so many people who have purchased a fiddle leaf fig, wide-eyed and hopeful, and who have lost it in what feels like a matter of days.
I’m here to change that!
Fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig is one of the easiest ways to encourage healthy growth. For plants so iconic (and oftentimes expensive) investing in a high-quality fertilizer can be a game-changer. With the proper nutrition they grow lush and beautiful, and it’s definitely satisfying to watch them thrive. Keep reading to learn how to properly fertilize your fiddle leaf fig so it stays happy and healthy in your home!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why you should fertilize your fiddle leaf fig
- How to choose the right fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig
- How fertilizer will promote healthy, lush growth for your fiddle leaf fig
- And much more!
Below is a quick list of my favorite fertilizers for fiddle leaf fig. Keep scrolling to learn more of my top tips to choose and use the best fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My Top Pick  | My Top Pick | EON Natural Premium organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food
|
| View on Amazon |
Best High-End  | Best High-End | Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Budget Pick  | Best Budget Pick | Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food - Slow Release Fertilizer Pellets
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Pick For Rapid Growth  | Best Pick For Rapid Growth | Liquid Houseplant Fig Tree Fertilizer
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Pick For Mature Plants  | Best Pick For Mature Plants | Fiddle Leaf Fig Slow-Release Fertilizer
|
| View on Amazon |
My Overall Top #1 Pick: EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food
Although I love all of these awesome fertilizers, I couldn’t help but choose EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food as my favorite (even if it is a mouthful!). There are so many reasons why this is the perfect fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig—let’s get into them!
Firstly, the words “natural” and “organic” are both in the name of this fertilizer. I love all-natural fertilizers for a number of reasons. Firstly, they’re better for the environment. I’ll talk specifics on this later, but for now, I’ll just say that while all types of gardening and farming impact the environment, inorganic gardening can add additional harmful chemicals to waterways and ecosystems.
I also love organic products because they’re safer for people and pets. Since your fiddle leaf fig is probably indoors, organic products are my recommendation, especially if you have a pet. I know my dog is super interested in fertilizer, and if your plant is within reach of a furry friend, I recommend going organic.
This fertilizer is also designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs, which is great. No generic, all-in-one fertilizer here! For plants as picky as fiddle leaf figs, you want a product that is tailored to their specifics needs. Think of a fiddle leaf fig as a person with really sensitive skin—generic products can actually do more harm than good.
I also love that this fertilizer comes in liquid form, which means no dealing with granules or having to mix them into the soil. Liquid fertilizers also tend to work faster, although there are a lot of factors that impact how quickly your fertilizer works. If your fiddle leaf fig needs a quick boost, this is a great product to use!
Oh, and it’s super easy to use, too. All you have to do is mix one capful into 2 cups of water and apply it to the soil. You can use it every time you water for maximum growth, since it isn’t too harsh. The nutrient composition is 3-1-2, so it won’t harm your plant when used properly. If you’re worried about overdosing your fiddle leaf fig, apply every other watering. Easy-peasy!
There’s really nothing bad I can say about this fertilizer, however, there are some other great products on this list that I highly recommend you check out. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best fertilizer for your beloved fiddle!
Wondering how long it takes for your hard work to take affect? Read this to understand how long it takes fertilizer to work.
Top 5 Best Fertilizers For Fiddle Leaf Figs
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these wonderful fertilizers for your fiddle leaf fig.
- EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food (My Top Pick)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food (Best High-End Pick)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food – Slow Release Fertilizer Pellets (Best Budget Pick)
- Liquid Houseplant Fig Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick For Rapid Growth)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Slow-Release Fertilizer (Best Pick For Mature Plants)
Why Should You Invest In A High-Quality Fertilizer For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Fiddle leaf figs are all the rage in the world of indoor gardening right now. They’re cute, trendy, and popular seemingly everywhere. You can tell just by the fact that all 5 fertilizers on this list are made specifically for fiddles. No generic, all-in-one houseplant fertilizer for them!
But fiddles are also pretty finnicky, not to mention expensive.
Recently I went to my local home improvement store looking for another fiddle to add to my ever-growing indoor garden. They were $50 apiece! I know high-quality plants can be expensive, but at a store whose name rhymes with Home Shmepot? I’d rather give the money to a local nursery. (I bought a mini fiddle instead since the nurseries around here don’t carry proper fiddles in the winter. Adorable and compact, I definitely recommend miniature fiddles for smaller spaces).
I digress. Fiddles are expensive, and you definitely don’t want to waste your money by purchasing one and then having it die on you. Investing in a high-quality fertilizer will, of course, help keep your fiddle leaf fig alive and well for years to come. I say the same thing about purchasing a high-quality fertilizer for your palm tree. It’s better to spend an extra buck on fertilizer than an extra hundred bucks on a new plant!
But, if you want to expand your fiddle leaf fig collection without breaking the bank, you can propagate them yourself! Check out this YouTube video on how to properly propagate your fiddle leaf fig:
Free plants for the win! Who doesn’t love that?
Like I said earlier, fiddles are picky plants. They need the proper conditions to thrive, and sometimes it seems like the slightest variation will send them dropping leaves all over the place. They’re kind of like succulents (who also require special fertilizer)—very dramatic
High-quality fertilizer can help your fiddle leaf fig toughen up a bit, allowing you to relax and not have to worry so much about it. Because they’re so picky, investing in the right fertilizer is crucial. Don’t worry though, I won’t steer you wrong!
If you choose one of these awesome fertilizers, you shouldn’t have a problem with your fiddle leaf fig. The added nutrients will help your fiddle thrive, and fertilizing cuttings can help root growth, too.
Now, fertilizers are composed of three main ingredients, those being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. All are vital in healthy plant growth, but they serve different purposes. I’ll get into more about composition later, but for now, know that nitrogen is the most important for leaf growth, which is kind of the point of fiddle leaf figs.
A high-quality fertilizer will have a balanced and specifically formulated ratio of nutrients. All of the fertilizers on this list are made just for fiddle leaf figs. I try to stay away from generic, all-in-one fertilizers.
Lucky for you, none of these fertilizers are generic–hooray! Keep reading to learn more about the specifics of choosing the right fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig to keep it vibrant and healthy.
How to Pick the Best Fertilizer For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Composition
I know I touched on the different components of fertilizer earlier, but an in-depth knowledge of fertilizer composition is vital for healthy growth for your fiddle leaf fig.
Fertilizer is composed of three main ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Any fertilizer you buy should have three numbers representing these three ingredients (they look like this: 10-10-10).
A good fertilizer for your fiddle will have a higher nitrogen content since nitrogen promotes green leafy growth, and will also have generally low numbers. For example, my top pick has a nutrient formula of 3-1-2, and some of the other products on this list actually have the same composition. The nitrogen promotes leaf growth, and keeping the numbers low in general means that the product won’t harm your plant.
There’s no need to stress over the numbers on your fertilizer, though. A little more potassium or phosphorus won’t hurt your fiddle. Nitrogen is simply the element that fiddles need more of, so as long as there’s a higher concentration of it, you’re good to go.
Any of the fertilizers in this article are great for your fiddle leaf fig and are designed specifically for them. I wouldn’t steer you wrong!
Organic Versus Inorganic
In my experience, organic fertilizer is almost always better than inorganic, regardless of the type of plant. I definitely stick to organic fertilizers when dealing with two types of plants: ones that I eat, and ones that my pet could potentially eat.
I included a mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers on this list because these are the best products for fiddles, and I know that both types of fertilizer have their pros and cons. Let’s get into the specifics:
Organic fertilizers are, of course, all-natural. It doesn’t mean they’re safe to eat like a bowl of ice cream, but they are safe to apply to plants that you eat. They’re also mostly non-toxic to animals, so if your dog gets into it, they might have an upset stomach, but it won’t be life-threatening.
Organic fertilizers are also less likely to crust on the soil or burn your plant, but when used properly, inorganic fertilizer shouldn’t do those things, either.
Inorganic fertilizer often contain chemicals which can be harmful to an animal or young child if they get into the bag If you’re an avid indoor gardener, I recommend reading up on potential toxins, including indoor plants, which could harm your pet.
Those chemicals are usually in your fertilizer to keep away common pests or other critters that could harm your fiddle leaf fig Despite some of the other problems they can cause, this is a huge perk!
My Reviews of the Best Fertilizers For Fiddle Leaf Fig
1. EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food (My Top Pick)
This awesome fertilizer is at the top of my list for a reason!
It’s designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs and it’s organic, which is really important for me as someone with a nosy dog.
The nutrient ratio of 3-1-2 is gentle enough for even the pickiest of fiddles, but contains enough nitrogen to promote shiny, healthy leaf growth.
I love that it comes in liquid form, so you don’t have to worry about your plant not receiving the proper nutrients. All the good stuff will soak right into the soil so that it gets to your plant’s roots even faster, meaning rapid growth and a healthier plant.
The only downside is that this product needs to be used frequently for the best results. If you have a legion of fiddle leaf figs, you might go through this product pretty quickly, especially if you use it every watering as directed.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Accelerates plant growth + Designed for fiddle leaf figs specifically + Easy to apply + Gentle NPK ratio + Organic | – Should be used frequently for best results – Easy to use the bottle up quickly |
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food (Best High-End Pick)
This product is my high-end pick, but in my opinion, it’s worth the money for your fiddle, especially if you paid a lot for it!
The formula is also designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs, and of course, is also a liquid. It encourages strong root growth and also has a nutrient formula of 3-1-2.
The coolest part about this product is that, with your purchase, you also get access to a free webinar and ebook on how to care for your fiddle. Talk about a perk!
The only downside is that for the best results, you should add 1 teaspoon to two cups of water every time you water. For forgetful gardeners like me, that can be tough!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Encourages strong root growth + Liquid formula + Made just for fiddles + Easy to use + Organic | – Should be used every watering for best results – Too gentle for hardier plants |
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food – Slow Release Fertilizer Pellets (Best Budget Pick)
This budget-friendly pick is perfect if you want to save a couple of bucks, but still purchase a high-quality product.
This is the first granular fertilizer on the list, and also our first inorganic product. No biggie though!
The 3-1-2 nutrient composition is, again, perfect for fiddles (ignore where it says 16-5-11). It’s also easy to use; just sprinkle a bit onto your plant’s soil, mix it in gentle, and water!
The only downside I could find with this product is the inconsistent labeling. I did some research and found that the nutrient composition is 3-1-2, so I’m not sure why it says 16-5-11 on the side. Kind of weird, but no big deal!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Gentle nutrient composition + Good for glossy leaf growth + Slow-releasing formula + Great for younger plants + Instant results | – Inconsistent labeling – Too gentle for mature fiddles |
4. Liquid Houseplant Fig Tree Fertilizer (Best Pick For Rapid Growth)
This fertilizer is an excellent option if you want a cheaper liquid fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers can be really expensive because of their convenience, but this one only costs $9.35 for 8 fluid oz. Especially for a slow-releasing product, that’s a steal!
The benefits of this fertilizer last “twice as long as other plant foods” so you don’t have to worry about applying it with every watering. It’s perfect for gardeners like me, who sometimes forget. Oops!
The 6-2-4 NPK ratio is the perfect middle ground, and is suited for both mature and baby fiddles. The higher nitrogen content also promotes rapid growth, and I highly recommend this product for younger fiddles that you really want to see pop!
And obviously, it’s liquid, which means no crusting on the soil or preventing your fiddle from getting the nutrients it needs. It can also be used if you’re propagating cuttings in water. Remember that video from earlier? This product is great for trying that out!
Really, the only ‘con’ to this product is that it isn’t organic. I know I have a very nosy dog who loves sniffing around my plants, so I can’t use this one on anything she can get to. If you have a curious furry friend, just keep that in mind!
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Liquid formula + Made specifically for fiddle leaf figs + Good for mature and baby fiddles + Higher nitrogen content + Promotes healthy leaf growth | – Not organic |
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig Slow-Release Fertilizer (Best Pick For Mature Plants)
And last but certainly not least, we have this slow-releasing granular fertilizer.
Again, this product is designed specifically for fiddle leaf figs, so your plant will get all the right nutrients. It’s aptly called “nutrient enrichment,” which is great if your fiddle needs a higher amount of nutrition.
The 16-5-11 nutrient composition is more suited to hardier or well-established fiddle leaf figs, but it also helps to produce more vivid results, and faster. It’s definitely not for younger fiddles though, as it is very potent.
Even though this is a granular and slow-releasing fertilizer, you’ll be seeing results quickly. Enjoy shinier leaves and an overall healthier plant!
The only reason this fertilizer is not higher on my list is actually the nutrient content. 16-5-11 is pretty strong, especially for such finicky plants (that are also usually kept in pots). It produces great results but is certainly not for the more dramatic fiddles out there.
| PROS (+) | CONS (-) |
| + Encourages glossy leaf growth + Slow-releasing + Promotes strong root growth + Easy application | – Strong nutrient composition could be too strong – Not organic |
My Top Pick: EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food
In my opinion, you can’t find a better fertilizer for your fiddle leaf fig than EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food! It might be a mouthful, but it’s also packed full of organic nutrients for your fiddle.
This fertilizer is designed specifically for your fiddle leaf fig, so it’ll get all the right nutrients and none of the wrong ones. The liquid formula means it won’t crust on the top of your soil, and the nutrients will get to the roots of your plant even faster.
The 3-1-2 nutrient composition is nice and gentle, yet still effective. That higher nitrogen content means glossier and shinier leaves, and sooner, too.
Fiddle leaf figs have a lot of pressure on them at the moment They’re all the rage in the indoor gardening world, and they’re pretty pricey, too. Setting up your fiddle leaf fig with EON Natural Premium Organic Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food will help it thrive.
Final Thoughts On The Best Fertilizers For Fiddle Leaf Fig
Like I said before, fiddle leaf figs are super duper popular right now. They’re everywhere on Instagram and TikTok, and they’ve become pretty expensive due to popular demand. You want to set your fiddle up for success, and the fertilizers on this list will do that for you.
A high-quality fertilizer will help your fiddle leaf fig not just survive but thrive. Since they’re such picky plants already, a good-quality fertilizer is vital in keeping them happy and healthy. And, because they’re quite dramatic, you’ll likely notice your fiddle perk up practically overnight!
I’m so excited for you to get your hands on a fiddle leaf fig if you haven’t already. If you have, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get some fertilizer on it and watch it amaze you!