Roots are growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Roots are growing up through the surface of the soil. The plant has grown tall enough that it’s in danger of tipping over easily. The soil, even when moist, pulls away from the interior of the pot (this indicates that the roots are pushing against the pot and compacting the soil). The plant’s growth rate becomes sluggish or stops during its typical growth season (usually spring and summer).
If roots are coming up from the surface or out of the drainage hole and the leaves are yellowing or falling off to an unusual degree, go ahead and repot the plant right away.
For instance, if the current pot has an 8 in (20 cm) diameter at the top, pick a new one that has a 9–10 in (23–25 cm) diameter. The new pot should be no more than 2 in (5. 1 cm) taller as well. Follow this 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) rule when repotting plants of any type—it’s a great rule of thumb if you want to have a green thumb!
If it’s a ceramic pot, keep it soaking in a bucket of clean water until you’re ready to use it. That way, the ceramic won’t suck up all the moisture the first time you water the repotted plant. Sterilizing the pot kills any disease-causing organisms that might have been left behind by the previous plant. But it’s not a bad idea to sterilize brand-new pots as well.
A garden knife is a very handy tool, but you can use any kind of flat, narrow blade if you don’t have one.
If the plant is too large to lift up and out, lay the potted plant on its side and slide it out. This is messy work, so either do the job outside or lay down some drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
You’ll be replacing this old soil with fresh soil when you repot the fiddle leaf fig.
When you’re done pruning off any bad roots, lightly loosen up and spread out the remaining healthy roots. Sanitize pruning shears by wiping them down with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or by soaking them in a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution (just like with the new pot).
Add a single layer of newspaper or paper towel first if you’re concerned about soil falling out of the drainage hole(s). Don’t add a layer of rocks, broken pottery, etc. —just stick with the potting soil.
Ideally, there should be around 2 in (5. 1 cm) of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the new pot.
If you think your “normal routine” may not be the best for your fiddle leaf fig, wikiHow has you covered! We’ll help you water it properly, give it the care it needs, and even revive it if it’s having a tough time.
