Plant Care

Fiddle Leaf Fig Light Requirements: The Ultimate Guide

Q: How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?

Fiddle leaf figs {Ficus lyrata} require 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Position your plant 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) from south or east-facing windows for optimal results. Light intensity should measure 200-400 foot-candles (2,150-4,300 lux) at leaf level.

Last updated: October 31, 2025

Master fiddle leaf fig Ficus lyrata lighting—discover the exact window placement, grow light options, and light measurement techniques that keep your plant thriving year-round.

AAmanda Foster

October 31, 2025

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Fiddle leaf fig light requirements showing proper placement near bright window for optimal growth — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

TL;DR

Fiddle leaf figs Ficus lyrata need 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Position within 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) of south or east-facing windows. Signs of insufficient light include leggy growth, smaller leaves, and leaf drop. Too much direct sun causes brown, crispy edges and sunburn patches. Rotate plants 90 degrees weekly for even growth. Use grow lights during winter, positioned 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) above foliage for 12-16 hours daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?

Fiddle leaf figs Ficus lyrata require 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Position your plant 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) from south or east-facing windows for optimal results. Light intensity should measure 200-400 foot-candles (2,150-4,300 lux) at leaf level.

Can fiddle leaf figs tolerate low light?

No—fiddle leaf figs cannot thrive in low light conditions. While they may survive temporarily, prolonged low light causes leggy growth, small leaves, leaf drop, and eventual decline. These plants are not suitable for rooms without bright natural light unless supplemented with grow lights.

How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is getting too much light?

Too much direct sunlight causes brown, crispy leaf edges, bleached or faded coloring, and tan or brown sunburn patches in leaf centers. If you notice these symptoms, move your plant farther from the window or install sheer curtains to filter intense rays.

Do fiddle leaf figs need direct sunlight?

Fiddle leaf figs need bright indirect light, not direct sunlight. Direct sun exposure for more than 1-2 hours daily typically causes leaf damage. The exception is gentle morning sun from east-facing windows, which most specimens tolerate well.

Can I use regular LED bulbs as grow lights for fiddle leaf figs?

Regular LED bulbs lack the complete light spectrum plants need for photosynthesis. Standard bulbs emphasize wavelengths visible to human eyes rather than the blue and red wavelengths critical for plant growth. Invest in purpose-made grow lights for effective supplementation.

Should I rotate my fiddle leaf fig?

Yes—rotate your fiddle leaf fig 90 degrees weekly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. Without rotation, plants develop lopsided growth and lean heavily toward the light source. Consistent rotation produces symmetrical, attractive specimens.

How close to a window should a fiddle leaf fig be?

Position fiddle leaf figs 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) from windows depending on direction. South-facing windows: 2-3 feet (60-90 cm), east-facing: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), west-facing: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). North-facing windows provide insufficient light without supplementation.

Will a fiddle leaf fig survive in a north-facing window?

North-facing windows provide the least light and are generally inadequate for fiddle leaf figs to thrive. If this is your only option, position the plant directly in front of the window and supplement with LED grow lights for 12-16 hours daily.

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Written By

Amanda Foster

Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.