Plant Care

Fiddle Leaf Fig Winter Care (Keep Yours Thriving)

Last updated: November 15, 2025

Winter care adjustments keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy through cold months with proper humidity, lighting, and watering changes.

JJessica Chen

November 15, 2025

Fiddle leaf fig thriving in bright winter light near frosted window with proper winter care setup — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

TL;DR

Winter fiddle leaf fig care requires three key adjustments: increase humidity to 40-50% with humidifiers, supplement light with grow lights during short days, and reduce watering frequency as growth slows. Move plants away from heating vents and cold windows, maintain temperatures 65-70°F (18-21°C), and stop fertilizing from October through February during dormancy.

Product Recommendations

LEVOIT Humidifier for Large Rooms (6L)

($89-109)— Maintains optimal 45-50% humidity for healthy winter plants

LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroom Large Room 6L Warm and Cool Mist (LV600S)

https://www.amazon.com/LEVOIT-Humidifiers-Ultrasonic-Customized-LV600S/dp/B077HJBQZX

Large capacity ultrasonic humidifier with both warm and cool mist settings ideal for rooms up to 753 square feet. Features auto-mode maintaining preset humidity levels, essential oil diffuser tray, and remote control operation. Quiet operation under 38dB perfect for bedrooms and living spaces. Easy-fill top opening design with soft LED display that dims for nighttime use. Runs up to 36 hours on low setting with automatic shut-off when empty. Perfect for maintaining consistent 45-50% humidity levels required for fiddle leaf fig winter care.

Price: $89.99-$109.99

Mars Hydro TS1000 LED Grow Light

($149-179)— Full spectrum supplemental lighting for short winter days

MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light 3x3ft Coverage Samsung LM301 Diodes

https://www.amazon.com/MARS-HYDRO-Spectrum-Hydroponic-Indoor/dp/B07VL8FZS1

Professional LED grow light featuring Samsung LM301H diodes providing full spectrum white light ideal for fiddle leaf figs. True 150W power draw with high efficiency and low heat output. Covers 3x3 feet area perfectly sized for 1-3 large houseplants. Dimmable functionality allows adjustment from 40-100% output with daisy-chain capability for multiple units. Fanless design operates silently making it apartment-friendly. Includes adjustable rope hangers and comes with 3-year warranty. Provides essential supplemental lighting during short winter days when natural light drops below 6 hours daily.

Price: $149.99-$179.99

ThermoPro Digital Hygrometer (2-Pack)

($12-18)— Accurate humidity monitoring for proper winter care

ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer Humidity Gauge Monitor (2-Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-TP49-Hygrometer-Thermometer-Monitor/dp/B014VAIBLW

Professional accuracy digital hygrometer and thermometer displaying both current readings and 24-hour high/low records. Updates every 10 seconds with ±2-3% humidity accuracy and ±1°F temperature precision. Large LCD display easy to read from across the room with comfort level indicators (DRY/COMFORT/WET). Compact 2.8 x 2.6 inch design sits on surfaces or mounts to walls. Battery powered with low battery indicator. Essential for monitoring winter humidity levels and ensuring they stay within the optimal 45-50% range for fiddle leaf fig health.

Price: $12.99-$18.99

Perfect Plants Moisture Meter

($8-12)— Prevents winter overwatering with accurate soil readings

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter, Plant Water Monitor, Hydrometer for Gardening (T10)

https://www.amazon.com/XLUX-Moisture-Sensor-Meter-Soil/dp/B014MJ8J2U

Analog soil moisture meter with color-coded dial reading from DRY (red) through MOIST (green) to WET (blue zones). Features dual probe design with 7-inch length reaching deep into pot for accurate root zone readings. Battery-free operation eliminates maintenance and provides instant readings. Large easy-to-read gauge face with clear indicators. Essential tool for winter care when plants use significantly less water and overwatering becomes the primary cause of problems. Simply insert probes 2-4 inches into soil around plant base avoiding roots.

Price: $8.99-$12.99

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig in winter?

Water every 14-21 days during winter, compared to summer's 7-10 day schedule. Always check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering—the soil should feel completely dry at this depth. Winter's dormancy period means your plant uses 50-70% less water, making overwatering the leading cause of winter plant problems. Use a moisture meter for accuracy and water thoroughly until drainage occurs, emptying excess water within 30 minutes.

Do fiddle leaf figs need grow lights in winter?

Yes, most fiddle leaf figs benefit from grow lights during winter months when natural daylight drops below 6 hours daily. LED grow lights positioned 12-18 inches above the plant and run 6-8 hours daily supplement natural light effectively. Signs your plant needs supplemental lighting include smaller new leaves, increased spacing between leaves, heavy leaning toward windows, and loss of vibrant green color. South-facing windows may provide adequate light, but north-facing windows almost always require supplementation.

Should I stop fertilizing my fiddle leaf fig in winter?

Completely stop fertilizing from October through February. During dormancy, your plant cannot process nutrients efficiently, causing fertilizer buildup that can burn roots and alter soil pH. Excess nutrients often cause brown leaf edges and yellowing despite proper watering. Flush soil monthly with plain water to prevent salt accumulation. Resume feeding in late February at half-strength when new growth appears, gradually returning to normal fertilizer schedules by April.

Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping more leaves in winter?

Normal winter leaf drop involves 1-2 older, lower leaves monthly, but excessive dropping usually indicates temperature fluctuations, overwatering, or low humidity. Heating vents create hot air blasts reaching 90-100°F, while cold windows can be 10-15°F cooler than room temperature. Move plants 6+ feet from heat sources and 3-4 feet from cold windows during freezing weather. Reduce watering frequency and maintain 45-50% humidity with humidifiers. Consistent conditions typically stop excessive dropping within 2-3 weeks.

What humidity level do fiddle leaf figs need in winter?

Maintain 45-50% humidity during winter months when indoor air often drops to 20-30% due to heating systems. Use humidifiers, group plants together, or place pebble trays near (not under) plants. Monitor with digital hygrometers for accuracy. Avoid misting leaves in winter as cool, low-light conditions promote fungal growth. Brown crispy leaf edges are the primary sign of insufficient humidity, typically occurring when levels drop below 35% for extended periods.

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Tagged with

#fiddle leaf fig #winter care #indoor plants #houseplant care #plant dormancy #humidity #grow lights #seasonal care #plant problems #ficus lyrata

Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.