Fiddle Leaf
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Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry completely. Overwatering (yellowing leaves) and underwatering (brown, crispy edges) can both be fatal.
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Best Light: Requires 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal; south-facing windows may require sheer curtains to prevent sunburn.
Location: Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning, and radiators. They thrive in warm, humid, tropical-like environments.
Rotation: Rotate the pot 90 degrees every time you water to prevent the plant from leaning toward the light.
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Not Pet Safe, While not typically fatal in small amounts, the sap can cause skin irritation, and ingesting leaves causes discomfort.
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Feed with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to 50% strength every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer. Stop feeding in late autumn and winter.
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They need high humidity. Mist leaves often, use a humidifier, or place in a bright bathroom to avoid brown tips.
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Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, which enables better photosynthesis.
Pruning: Trim damaged leaves or prune the top to encourage a bushier, branched shape, ideally in spring or early summer.
Pests: Watch for spider mites (webbing) or scale (sticky residue) and treat with neem oil if necessary.