Live to Plant

How Much Sunlight Does Fiddle Leaf Plant Need?

Updated: January 28, 2023

Fiddle leaf plants are known for their large, violin-shaped leaves and are a popular choice for indoor plants. These plants are native to the tropical rainforests of western Africa and require bright, indirect light to thrive. In this article, we will discuss the amount of sunlight fiddle leaf plants need to grow and stay healthy.

Types of Light

Before discussing the amount of sunlight fiddle leaf plants need, it is important to understand the types of light they require. There are three types of light that plants need to grow:

Direct Light

Direct light refers to sunlight that hits a plant’s leaves directly. This type of light can be harmful to fiddle leaf plants and can cause their leaves to burn.

Indirect Light

Indirect light is sunlight that has been filtered through a barrier such as a window or sheer curtain. This type of light is ideal for fiddle leaf plants as it provides them with the necessary light they need without causing harm.

Low Light

Low light refers to the amount of light that reaches a plant in a shaded area. Although fiddle leaf plants can survive in low light conditions, they will not thrive and may become leggy and less healthy.

How Much Sunlight Does a Fiddle Leaf Plant Need?

Fiddle leaf plants require bright, indirect light to grow and stay healthy. Ideally, they should receive 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight per day. This can be achieved by placing them near a window with filtered light or by using artificial grow lights.

It is important to keep in mind that fiddle leaf plants can be sensitive to changes in their lighting conditions. If you move your plant from a low-light area to an area with bright, indirect light, it may experience shock and its leaves may turn brown or drop off.

If you notice your plant is not receiving enough light or is receiving too much light, you can adjust its placement. For example, if your plant is not getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or use artificial grow lights. If your plant is getting too much light, you can move it away from a window or use sheer curtains to filter the light.

Other Factors That Affect Fiddle Leaf Plant Growth

In addition to light, there are other factors that can affect the growth of fiddle leaf plants. These include:

Temperature

Fiddle leaf plants thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They are sensitive to drastic temperature changes and should be kept away from cold drafts or hot radiators.

Humidity

Fiddle leaf plants are native to tropical rainforests and require high humidity levels to thrive. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it with water or using a humidifier.

Watering

Overwatering or underwatering can be harmful to fiddle leaf plants. They prefer moist but well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

FAQ

Can fiddle leaf plants survive in low light conditions?

While fiddle leaf plants can survive in low light conditions, they will not thrive and may become leggy and less healthy.

Can fiddle leaf plants be placed outside?

Fiddle leaf plants are indoor plants and should not be placed outside as they are sensitive to temperature changes and direct sunlight.

How often should I water my fiddle leaf plant?

Fiddle leaf plants prefer moist but well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. This typically requires watering once a week.

In conclusion, fiddle leaf plants require bright, indirect light to grow and stay healthy. They should receive 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight per day and should be placed away from direct sunlight. By providing your fiddle leaf plant with the necessary amount of light and other factors that affect its growth, you can help it thrive and stay healthy for years to come.