Plant Care
How to Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig (Step-by-Step Guide)
Last updated: November 2, 2025
Repotting a fiddle leaf fig Ficus lyrata properly prevents root rot, promotes healthy growth, and extends your plant's lifespan for decades.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
TL;DR
Repot your fiddle leaf fig Ficus lyrata every 2-3 years in spring when roots emerge from drainage holes or growth slows. Choose a pot 2 inches larger in diameter, use fast-draining soil with perlite, and water thoroughly after repotting. The key to success is handling roots gently and avoiding over-potting, which leads to waterlogged soil and root rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you repot a fiddle leaf fig?
Repot your fiddle leaf fig every 2-3 years or when roots emerge from drainage holes and circle the soil surface. During peak growing season, healthy plants produce 1-2 feet of new growth annually, which means the root system expands proportionally. Root-bound conditions restrict water and nutrient uptake, leading to slowed growth and increased susceptibility to stress. Spring (March through May) provides optimal timing when the plant enters active growth and can quickly establish roots in fresh soil.
What is the best time of year to repot a fiddle leaf fig?
Early spring (March through May) is the best time to repot fiddle leaf figs because the plant enters its active growth phase when it naturally produces new leaves every 4-6 weeks. Spring repotting gives your plant the entire growing season to establish roots in fresh soil and recover from transplant stress. Avoid repotting during fall and winter dormancy (October through February) when root growth slows dramatically—dormant plants lack the energy reserves to handle the stress of transplanting and take 3-4 months to recover instead of 4-6 weeks.
Can you repot a fiddle leaf fig in the same size pot?
Yes, you can repot in the same size pot if root pruning—but only when the plant is not root-bound. If roots have filled the pot, you must move to a larger container (2 inches/5 cm greater diameter). Same-size repotting works when refreshing soil that has broken down and lost drainage capacity after 2-3 years, even if roots haven't outgrown the pot. Remove the root ball, prune away 25-30% of the outer root mass with sterilized shears, then replant with fresh soil mix. This technique is common for maintaining large plants at manageable sizes.
Should you water a fiddle leaf fig before or after repotting?
Water thoroughly 24 hours before repotting and again immediately after repotting. Pre-watering hydrates roots and makes them more flexible, reducing breakage during handling. The moist soil holds together better, preventing the root ball from falling apart. Post-repotting watering settles fresh soil, eliminates air pockets, and initiates contact between roots and new soil particles—essential for the plant to begin absorbing water and nutrients. After the initial post-repot watering, wait until the top 50-75% of soil dries before watering again since fresh soil holds more moisture than compacted old soil.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves after repotting?
Mild leaf drop (2-4 lower leaves) is normal transplant shock as the plant adjusts to new soil and temporarily cannot support its full leaf mass while establishing new roots. This typically resolves within 2-3 weeks as roots grow into fresh soil. However, excessive leaf drop (more than 5-6 leaves) or leaves falling from upper portions indicates problems: overwatering in oversized pot, root damage during repotting, or burying the trunk too deep. Monitor soil moisture carefully and avoid watering until the top 2-3 inches feel dry. New growth should appear within 4-6 weeks if the plant is recovering successfully.
NEW PLANT DAILY
Think you know your plants?
Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!
Build your streak
One chance per day
Learn as you play
Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds
Tagged with
Written By
D
Dr. Sarah Green
Sarah earned her doctorate in plant biology and spent time working in botanical garden education before transitioning to freelance writing and consulting. Now based in Portland, Oregon, she teaches plant identification workshops at local community centers and maintains a modest collection of over 60 houseplants in her small apartment. Sarah specializes in helping beginners understand plant science without the jargon—her approach focuses on practical observation over theory. She's killed her fair share of fiddle leaf figs and finally cracked the code on keeping them alive.
