Fiddle Leaf Fig Roots Growing Out Of Pot – What It Means & Your 5-Step

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

You walk past your gorgeous fiddle leaf fig, admiring its big, glossy leaves, when you spot it—a rogue root, boldly escaping from a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Or maybe you’ve noticed a web of roots creeping across the topsoil. Your first thought might be panic. Is my plant okay? What did I do wrong?

Let me start by saying: take a deep breath, fellow gardener! Seeing fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot is incredibly common, and more often than not, it’s a sign that you’re doing something right. It means your plant is healthy, happy, and growing vigorously.

I promise, this isn’t a gardening emergency. It’s simply your fiddle leaf fig’s way of telling you it needs a little attention. Think of it as a friendly tap on the shoulder, asking for more room to stretch its legs.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything together. We’ll diagnose exactly why those roots are exploring, determine the best course of action, and give you a step-by-step plan to ensure your fiddle leaf fig continues to thrive for years to come. Let’s get those roots happy!

Why Are My Fiddle Leaf Fig Roots Growing Out of the Pot?

When you see roots making a great escape, it’s your plant communicating with you. Understanding what it’s saying is the first step. There are a few key reasons for this behavior, and most of them are perfectly normal.

The Most Common Reason: It’s Root-Bound

Nine times out of ten, roots growing out of the pot mean your plant is root-bound or pot-bound. This sounds dramatic, but it simply means the root system has filled up all the available space in its current container and has nowhere left to go but out.

Inside the pot, the roots are likely circling the bottom, forming a dense, tightly wound mat. The roots you see peeking out are just the explorers searching for fresh soil, water, and nutrients. This is a natural part of a healthy plant’s life cycle!

Searching for Water

Sometimes, roots growing specifically from the bottom drainage holes are on a mission for moisture. If your watering is inconsistent or you tend to underwater, the roots will naturally grow downward in search of any available water, sometimes poking right out of the pot.

They Could Be Aerial Roots

Have you noticed thick, woody roots growing from the stem above the soil line? These are called aerial roots. In their native rainforest habitat, fiddle leaf figs use these roots to anchor themselves to other trees and absorb moisture from the humid air. In your home, they’re mostly just a cool, natural feature. They aren’t a sign of distress and can usually be left alone or trimmed for aesthetic reasons if you prefer.

Is It a Problem? How to Diagnose Your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Root Situation

Okay, so you see the roots. Now for the big question: do you need to act immediately? Not always! A few visible roots on a healthy, growing plant might just mean it’s getting snug. But when being root-bound starts to stress the plant, you’ll see other tell-tale signs.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you assess your plant’s health. This is a key part of our fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot care guide.

Signs Your Fiddle Leaf Fig is Stressed and Needs Repotting Soon:

  • Stunted or Slowed Growth: Has it been months since you’ve seen a new leaf? A root-bound plant doesn’t have the resources for new growth.
  • Yellowing Lower Leaves: The plant may start sacrificing its oldest leaves because it can’t support them all.
  • Water Rushes Straight Through: If you water your plant and it immediately pours out the bottom, there’s likely more root than soil in the pot, leaving no medium to absorb moisture.
  • The Plant Dries Out Super Fast: Do you feel like you have to water it every couple of days? This is another sign that the root-to-soil ratio is off.
  • The Pot is Deformed: In extreme cases, a strong root system can actually bulge or crack a plastic nursery pot.
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If you see one or more of these signs coupled with escaping roots, it’s time to plan for a repotting day. If your plant looks happy and is still growing, you have some time, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about its next home.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting a Root-Bound Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ready to give your fiddle a fresh start? Don’t be intimidated! Repotting is a simple process. Follow these steps, and your plant will thank you for it. This is the ultimate “how to fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot” action plan.

  1. Step 1: Timing is Everything

    The best time to repot is during the growing season—spring or early summer. This gives your plant the energy and momentum to recover from the move and establish itself in its new home. Avoid repotting in the fall or winter when the plant’s growth is naturally dormant.

  2. Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

    Prepare your workspace (a tarp or newspaper makes cleanup easy!) and gather your tools:

    • A new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
    • Fresh, well-draining potting mix (more on this below).
    • Gardening gloves.
    • A pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
    • A watering can.

  3. Step 3: Gently Free Your Fiddle

    This is the trickiest part. Turn the plant on its side and gently try to slide it out. If it’s stuck, don’t pull on the trunk! Instead, gently squeeze the sides of the plastic nursery pot to loosen the soil. If it’s really stuck, you may need to carefully cut the plastic pot away.

  4. Step 4: Inspect and Tease the Root Ball

    Once it’s free, take a look at the roots. Are they a healthy, creamy-white color? Great! Are they tightly wound in a circle? If so, you need to gently “tease” them. Use your fingers to loosen the bottom and side roots, freeing them from their circular pattern. If some roots are extremely long and tangled, you can trim them with your clean shears. This encourages new, outward growth.

  5. Step 5: Settle It Into Its New Home

    Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. Place your fiddle leaf fig in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the pot’s rim. Fill in the sides with more soil, gently patting it down to eliminate large air pockets. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, which helps the soil settle.

Choosing the Perfect New Home: Pot & Soil Best Practices

Setting your fiddle leaf fig up for success goes beyond just repotting. The new environment you create is crucial. Following these fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot best practices will make all the difference.

Potting Perfection: Size and Drainage

The biggest mistake I see gardeners make is choosing a pot that’s way too big. It seems like a good idea—more room to grow, right? But an oversized pot holds too much excess soil, which stays wet for too long and can lead to the dreaded root rot.

The golden rule is to go up only one pot size, which means a pot that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter. And the most important feature? Drainage holes! Never, ever plant a fiddle leaf fig in a pot without them. It’s a recipe for disaster.

The Right Soil Mix for a Happy Fiddle

Fiddle leaf figs are prone to root rot, so they demand a soil that is chunky, airy, and well-draining. Standard indoor potting mix is often too dense. You can buy a specialty aroid or fiddle leaf fig mix, or you can easily make your own!

A great DIY recipe is:

  • 1 part standard indoor potting soil
  • 1 part perlite or pumice (for aeration)
  • 1 part orchid bark or coco coir chunks (for drainage and chunkiness)

Sustainable Fiddle Leaf Fig Roots Growing Out of Pot Solutions

Want to be an eco-conscious plant parent? You can make sustainable choices when repotting. Look for pots made from terracotta, which is a natural material, or pots made from recycled plastics. Creating your own soil mix using sustainable ingredients like coco coir is another great eco-friendly fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot strategy.

Beyond Repotting: A Proactive Care Guide

Once your fiddle is in its new home, your job isn’t quite done. The post-repotting period is important for recovery. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Watering Wisely After Repotting

You gave it a good soak right after repotting. Now, wait. Let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. The plant is recovering and its water needs might be slightly lower for a couple of weeks. Always check the soil with your finger before reaching for the watering can.

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Light and Location

Place your fiddle back in its favorite sunny spot where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid moving it around too much, as these plants can be fussy about their location. Consistency is key.

Hold Off on the Fertilizer

Fresh potting soil is full of nutrients. Give your plant at least 4-6 weeks to settle in before you resume your regular fertilizing schedule. Fertilizing too soon can burn the sensitive, recovering roots.

Common Problems with Fiddle Leaf Fig Roots Growing Out of Pot

Even with the best care, you might encounter a hiccup or two. Don’t worry! Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues.

Help! My Fiddle is Droopy After Repotting (Transplant Shock)

It’s very common for a fiddle leaf fig to look a bit sad and droopy for a week or two after repotting. This is called transplant shock. The plant is just adjusting to its new environment. Be patient, provide consistent care, and resist the urge to overwater it. It will almost always bounce back.

Did I Choose a Pot That’s Too Big?

If you notice the soil is staying wet for a very long time (a week or more) and the plant’s leaves are starting to get brown spots or yellow, you may have “over-potted” it. The excess moisture can lead to root rot. If you suspect this, you may need to gently repot it again into a more appropriately sized container with fresh, dry soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiddle Leaf Fig Roots Growing Out of Pot

What if I see roots growing on top of the soil?

This is very common and usually not a cause for concern. These are often just surface roots. However, if it’s combined with other signs of stress, it can also indicate the plant is root-bound. You can simply cover them with a thin layer of fresh soil or decorative moss.

Can I just trim the roots coming out of the bottom and leave it in the same pot?

While you can snip off an escaping root or two, it’s like putting a band-aid on a bigger issue. You’re trimming the symptom, not solving the problem, which is a lack of space. The plant will just send out more roots, and the stress of being root-bound will continue.

How often should I repot my fiddle leaf fig to prevent this?

A young, fast-growing fiddle leaf fig may need to be repotted every 12-18 months. A more mature, slower-growing plant might be happy in the same pot for 2-3 years. The best indicator isn’t the calendar—it’s the plant itself. When you see the signs we discussed, it’s time.

Your Fiddle’s Future is Bright

Seeing your fiddle leaf fig roots growing out of pot is a milestone, not a crisis. It’s a testament to your good care and a sign that your plant is ready for the next stage of its journey. By correctly diagnosing the situation and following a calm, simple repotting process, you’re not just solving a small problem—you’re setting your plant up for a future of robust health and beautiful growth.

So, embrace the opportunity to connect with your plant. Give it the space it’s asking for, and watch it reward you with even more of the lush, dramatic foliage you love.

Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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