Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Getting Too Tall – A Pruning Guide For A Fuller,

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

You’ve done everything right. You found the perfect sunny spot, mastered the watering schedule, and maybe you even sing to it (we don’t judge!). Now, you’re facing a problem that’s actually a sign of your success: your beloved fiddle leaf fig tree is getting too tall and is starting to give the ceiling a friendly nudge.

I know that feeling well. It’s a mix of pride and panic. You love that it’s thriving, but you’re worried it will outgrow your home. You might be staring at it, shears in hand, terrified to make the first cut.

Let me put your mind at ease. A tall Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) isn’t a crisis; it’s an opportunity. I promise to walk you through everything you need to know, transforming your towering giant into a lush, beautifully shaped, and perfectly proportioned houseplant. Don’t worry—this is easier than you think!

In this complete guide, we’ll cover why your plant is reaching for the sky, how to prune it with confidence, what to do with the cuttings (hello, free plants!), and the best practices for encouraging a fuller, bushier shape. Let’s get started!

Why Your Fiddle Leaf Fig is Reaching for the Sky (And Why That’s a Good Thing!)

First, let’s reframe the situation. A fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall is a sign of a happy, healthy plant. You are clearly providing it with the conditions it needs to flourish, so give yourself a pat on the back!

In their native West African rainforests, these plants grow into massive trees, sometimes reaching 50 feet or more. Their instinct is to grow upwards, towards the light. When your indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig becomes tall and a bit leggy, it’s simply doing what comes naturally.

Here are the primary reasons for this impressive vertical growth:

  • Excellent Lighting: Fiddle Leaf Figs crave bright, indirect sunlight. If your plant is getting several hours of good light each day, it will convert that energy into rapid growth, primarily upwards.
  • Proper Care: Consistent watering, appropriate humidity, and occasional fertilizing during the growing season all contribute to a vigorous plant that has the resources to grow tall.
  • Natural Tendency: This plant has what’s called “apical dominance.” This means it sends most of its growth energy to the very top bud (the apical bud), encouraging it to grow straight up rather than branching out sideways.

So, what are the benefits of a fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall? It means you have a strong, healthy foundation to work with. A vigorous plant will respond much better to pruning and shaping, recovering quickly and pushing out new, lush growth. You’re not fixing a problem; you’re sculpting a masterpiece.

The Ultimate Guide to Pruning a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Getting Too Tall

Alright, it’s time to embrace your inner garden artist. Pruning is the most effective way to control your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s height and encourage it to become fuller and bushier. It might seem scary, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of caring for this plant. This is the core of our fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall guide.

When is the Best Time to Prune?

Timing is key for a speedy recovery. The best time to prune your Fiddle Leaf Fig is during its active growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer.

Pruning during this period ensures your plant has plenty of energy to heal from the cut and push out new leaves and branches. Avoid major pruning in the fall or winter when the plant’s growth has slowed down.

Essential Tools for the Job

Before you make a single cut, gather your tools. Using the right equipment makes the job cleaner, safer, and healthier for your plant.

  • Sharp, Clean Pruning Shears or Loppers: A clean, sharp cut heals faster and is less susceptible to disease. For thicker branches, you might need a small pruning saw.
  • Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfectant Wipes: Always sterilize your blades before and after pruning to prevent the spread of bacteria. This is a crucial step!
  • Soft Cloth or Paper Towels: Fiddle Leaf Figs will ooze a milky white, sticky sap when cut. This can be irritating to the skin, so it’s wise to have a cloth ready to dab the wound.
  • Gloves (Optional but Recommended): To protect your hands from the sap.
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Your Step-by-Step Pruning Process

Take a deep breath. You’ve got this! Follow these simple steps for a perfect prune every time. This is how to fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall is properly managed.

  1. Plan Your Cuts: Stand back and look at your tree. Where do you want it to be shorter? Where would you like to see new branches emerge? New growth will typically sprout from the top 1-2 nodes (the small bumps on the stem where leaves grow) just below your cut. Visualize the final shape you’re aiming for.
  2. Determine the Height: Decide on the final desired height of your plant. Plan to make your cut about an inch above a leaf or node at that height.
  3. Make the Cut: This is the moment of truth! Take your sterilized pruners and make a clean, confident cut at a 45-degree angle. A slanted cut prevents water from sitting on the wound.
  4. Dab the Sap: Immediately after cutting, use your soft cloth to gently dab the white sap from both the main plant and the cutting. The sap will stop flowing after a few minutes.
  5. Admire Your Work: You did it! You’ve just taken a huge step toward creating a fuller, more beautiful plant.

Post-Pruning Care Guide

After the “surgery,” your plant needs some simple, consistent care to recover. There’s no need for anything drastic.

Simply return the plant to its happy spot and continue your regular care routine. Maintain your watering schedule, ensure it gets plenty of light, and hold off on fertilizing for a few weeks to let it heal. Be patient—it can take a month or more to see new buds emerge from below the cut. These new buds are the start of your new branches!

Beyond Pruning: How to Encourage a Bushier, Fuller Fiddle Leaf Fig

Pruning the top is the primary method for controlling height, but what if you want more branches lower down on a “leggy” trunk? Here are a couple of pro-level fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall tips to encourage a fuller look from top to bottom.

The Magic of Notching

Notching is a fantastic technique to stimulate branching on a bare part of the trunk. It involves making a small cut to trick the plant into activating a dormant bud.

Find a dormant node (a small bump or ring on the trunk where a leaf used to be) where you’d like a branch to grow. Using a clean, sharp knife, make a shallow cut into the trunk about one-third of the way around the stem, just above the node. You only need to cut through the very top layer. This interrupts the flow of growth-suppressing hormones from the top of the plant, encouraging the dormant bud below the notch to sprout.

Pinching for Proactive Shaping

Pinching is like a mini-prune. It’s perfect for younger plants or for maintaining a shape you already like. Simply use your fingers or small shears to pinch off the tiny, new growth bud right at the top of a stem. This stops upward growth on that stem and encourages the plant to branch out from below.

From Trim to Treasure: An Eco-Friendly Guide to Propagating Your Cuttings

Don’t you dare throw that cutting away! One of the best parts of pruning is that you get to create new plants for free. This is a wonderfully sustainable fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall practice that reduces waste and multiplies your green joy.

Propagating a Fiddle Leaf Fig is surprisingly easy. Here’s how:

  1. Prepare the Cutting: Your cutting should be at least 6 inches long and have 2-3 healthy leaves at the top. Remove any leaves on the bottom third of the stem.
  2. Choose Your Method: You can root your cutting in water or soil.
    • Water Propagation: Place the stem in a jar of clean, room-temperature water. Ensure the nodes are submerged but the leaves are not. Place it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. Roots should begin to form in 4-8 weeks.
    • Soil Propagation: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional, but it helps) and plant it directly into a small pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water it thoroughly and keep the soil lightly moist.
  3. Be Patient: Once your water-propagated cutting has roots that are 2-3 inches long, you can transfer it to a pot with soil. It’s now a brand new baby Fiddle Leaf Fig!
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Common Problems with a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Getting Too Tall (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues. Here are some common problems with fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall and how to troubleshoot them.

  • Problem: My tree is leggy with lots of space between leaves.
    Solution: This is almost always a sign of insufficient light. Your plant is stretching to find more sun. Move it to a brighter location and prune the top to encourage bushier growth.
  • Problem: I pruned my tree, but no new branches are growing.
    Solution: Patience is a virtue! It can take several weeks, or even a couple of months, for new buds to appear. Ensure the plant is in its growing season and receiving adequate light and water.
  • Problem: All the leaves are at the top, and the bottom of the trunk is bare.
    Solution: This is the perfect scenario for trying the notching technique described above! It can help activate dormant buds along the bare trunk to create a fuller appearance from the ground up.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Getting Too Tall

How much can I cut off my Fiddle Leaf Fig at once?

A good rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the plant’s total mass at one time. This ensures it has enough leaves left to photosynthesize and recover from the stress of pruning.

Will pruning my Fiddle Leaf Fig make it grow faster?

Pruning doesn’t necessarily make the whole plant grow faster, but it redirects the plant’s energy. Instead of focusing on growing taller, it will put its energy into developing new branches and leaves below the cut, resulting in a fuller, denser plant.

Can I prune a Fiddle Leaf Fig in the winter?

It’s best to avoid major pruning in the winter when the plant is dormant. It will recover much more slowly, and you may not see new growth until spring. If you absolutely must trim a broken or dead branch, that’s okay, but save any significant shaping for the growing season.

What is the white, sticky sap that comes out when I cut it?

This is latex sap, which is common in the Ficus family. It can be a mild irritant to skin and eyes, so it’s best to avoid contact and wash your hands after pruning. It also helps the plant seal its wound.

My Fiddle Leaf Fig is just one tall stalk. How do I make it branch out?

Pruning the top is the number one way to do this! By cutting off the top 6-8 inches of the main stalk, you remove the apical bud and signal to the plant that it’s time to send out side branches. This is how you transform a single stalk into a classic “tree” shape.

Take Control and Shape Your Dream Plant

Seeing your fiddle leaf fig tree getting too tall is a milestone, not a menace. It’s proof of your excellent plant parenting. Now, you have the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.

By following these best practices—pruning with clean tools during the growing season, caring for your plant post-trim, and propagating the cuttings—you can easily manage its height and create the lush, full Fiddle Leaf Fig you’ve always dreamed of.

So grab your pruners, take a deep breath, and get ready to shape your thriving green companion. You’re not just cutting a plant; you’re engaging with it, guiding its growth, and taking your gardening skills to the next level. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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