You can keep a fiddle leaf fig from growing taller primarily by pruning or pinching off its newest growth at the top.
Limiting the height of your fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) involves a technique known as pruning or pinching the terminal bud. This method interrupts the plant's natural tendency for apical dominance, where the main central stem grows more strongly than side stems. By removing the highest growth point, you encourage the plant to put energy into developing side branches, resulting in a bushier appearance rather than increased height.
The Pruning Method
The most direct way to control the upward growth is by removing the section of the plant responsible for extending its height.
Steps for Pruning to Limit Height:
- Identify the New Growth: First, you'll locate the newest part of growth on the tree — the highest, lightest lemon-lime-colored leaves. This is where the plant is actively growing taller.
- Prepare Your Tool: Use clean cutting shears to ensure a clean cut that minimizes stress on the plant and prevents disease.
- Make the Cut: Take clean cutting shears and cut off this new growth. Make your cut just above a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem) or above the newest set of leaves you wish to remove.
- Expect Sap: As mentioned in the reference, you'll see sap after making the cut. This is normal for fiddle leaf figs.
- Determine Cutting Length: The amount you cut depends on the plant's size and your desired height reduction. For a plant that is seven feet tall, as suggested in the reference, you can probably cut six inches to a foot. Adjust this length based on your plant's specific size and how much height you want to remove or prevent.
Benefits of Pruning
Besides controlling height, pruning the top of your fiddle leaf fig can stimulate growth further down the stem, often encouraging new branches to form from nodes below the cut. This leads to a fuller, more multi-branched plant over time.
Remember to make clean cuts with sharp tools to help the plant heal efficiently.
