Vinegar is effective at killing most young, tender, and shallow-rooted weeds such as chickweed or small annual weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wither. However, it’s less effective against deep-rooted or perennial weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, or thistles. These tougher weeds may require repeated applications, higher-strength vinegar, or a combination of vinegar spray with manual removal to fully eliminate them.
Yes. DIY weed killers such as vinegar, salt, and boiling water are non-selective, meaning they don’t distinguish between weeds, grass, or flowers. If they come in direct contact with your lawn, vegetable plants, or ornamental flowers, they can cause scorching, yellowing, or even death. To avoid harming desirable plants, apply these solutions carefully and directly on weeds, ideally with a spray bottle or by shielding nearby plants with cardboard or plastic during application.
Generally, yes—when used properly. Unlike chemical herbicides, homemade options like vinegar, salt, or boiling water don’t leave behind long-lasting toxic residues. Pets and children can safely return to treated areas once the vinegar has fully dried or the boiling water has cooled. However, concentrated vinegar (horticultural vinegar with higher acidity) can cause skin or paw irritation if touched while wet, so always let the treated area settle before allowing pets back.
Natural weed killers typically show visible effects within 24 hours. Weeds may start to wilt, turn brown, or dry up soon after application, especially in hot, sunny, and dry conditions, which speed up the process. For tougher weeds or cloudy weather, results may take longer, and you may need to reapply for complete control. Keep in mind that these methods work best on small or actively growing weeds, not large established ones.
No, most DIY weed killers are not a permanent fix. While they kill the parts of the weed above the soil, many weeds—especially perennials—can regrow from seeds or deep root systems. To maintain a weed-free garden, combine these natural treatments with preventive strategies such as mulching, pulling weeds before they seed, applying corn gluten meal to block germination, or maintaining dense, healthy plant cover to crowd out weeds naturally.
Yes, you can grow a banana tree indoors, especially if you choose dwarf varieties such as the Dwarf Cavendish. These smaller banana plants can thrive in large pots, provided they receive plenty of sunlight—ideally near a south-facing window—or supplemental grow lights. Indoor banana plants also benefit from high humidity, so regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help them flourish. With proper care, indoor banana trees can produce lush tropical foliage and, in some cases, even fruit.
Most edible banana varieties, such as Cavendish, are seedless and cannot be grown from seeds. Instead, they reproduce through suckers (also called pups) that grow around the base of the plant. However, wild banana species do produce large, hard seeds that can be germinated. These seed-grown bananas are not commonly cultivated for eating, as their fruit is often filled with seeds and lacks the sweetness of cultivated varieties.
Banana plants typically take between 9 to 15 months from planting to produce fruit, although the exact time depends on the variety, climate, and growing conditions. They grow fastest in consistently warm temperatures with high humidity and fertile soil. Once the flower stalk emerges, it usually takes another 2 to 6 months for the bananas to mature and be ready for harvest.
Yes, the main stem of a banana plant, often called the "mother plant," dies after it produces fruit. However, the plant doesn’t completely die out—it produces new shoots or suckers at the base. These suckers grow into new plants, continuing the cycle. Gardeners often select the healthiest suckers to grow into the next generation of fruit-bearing plants, ensuring a continuous supply of bananas.
Banana plants are tropical and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In regions with cold winters, they must either be grown in pots and brought indoors before the first frost or protected outdoors with heavy mulching and wrapping. Some cold-hardy ornamental varieties can withstand cooler temperatures, but fruit-bearing types generally need a warm, frost-free climate to survive and produce well.
It depends on the sunflower varieties you choose. When you’re growing sunflowers from seed, most sunflower plants take 70–100 days from the time you sow the seed until sunflower heads bloom. Smaller varieties are usually fast growing and bloom earlier, while a giant sunflower takes longer.
There are many types of sunflowers. The traditional giant sunflower can reach 12–15 feet tall, producing large seed heads packed with edible seeds. Small sunflower varieties are ideal for pots or borders. For continuous color, try succession planting with branching varieties. When deciding on sunflowers to grow, consider if you want cut flowers, acres of sunflowers, or seeds for roasting.
To plant sunflower seeds, choose a sunny spot or use seeds in pots. Outdoors, sow sunflower seeds 6 inches apart for smaller plants or several inches apart for giants. Indoors, you can plant seeds indoors in pots and later transplant them along a fence or in beds. The best planting time is after the frost has passed.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, with its large, beautiful green leaves, has quickly become a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. Known for its striking appearance, this plant can bring life and vibrancy to any room—if properly cared for. However, like all plants, Fiddle Leaf Figs have specific needs, and when those needs aren’t met, you might see signs like yellow or brown spots, leaves turning brown, or even leaves drooping and dropping from the plant. Understanding how to keep the soil around the roots moist but not soggy, providing the right amount of bright light without burning the leaves, and maintaining consistent humidity are all essential to growing a healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig. The fiddle leaf fig is also toxic, so be sure to keep it away from pets and children. Whether you're dealing with sudden changes in temperature that cause the leaves to drop or trying to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, this guide will provide you with everything you need to keep your plant thriving. Plus, we’ll cover some beginner-friendly tips, including how to prune your fiddle leaf fig, pot your cutting, and the best time for repotting in fresh soil during spring or summer. Let’s dive in and learn how to grow your Fiddle Leaf Fig into the stunning centerpiece it’s meant to be!
Fiddle Leaf Figs are highly regarded for their large, glossy, and distinctive leaves, making them a popular choice for indoor greenery. While the standard Ficus lyrata is the most commonly grown variety, there are several other types that cater to different preferences and living situations. Here are some notable varieties:
The Little Fiddle is a compact, dwarf variety of the Fiddle Leaf Fig, making it ideal for smaller spaces or tabletops. It retains the signature large, glossy leaves of its larger counterpart but remains much more manageable in size, typically growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet. This variety is perfect for those with limited space or for individuals looking to add a pop of greenery to areas like offices or apartments without overwhelming the room. Its growth rate is slower compared to the standard Fiddle Leaf Fig, making it easier to maintain for those who prefer a more controlled plant.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig – Costa Farms variety is a popular option found in many garden centers and nurseries, known for its robust growth and healthy, vibrant foliage. This version is often sold in a standard, ready-to-grow form and is cultivated to be low-maintenance and adaptable to different indoor environments. The Costa Farms variety is prized for its sturdiness and resilience, making it an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts looking for a reliable Fiddle Leaf Fig that grows well in most light conditions. It can grow quite large with the proper care, reaching up to 6 feet or more, and its foliage remains dense and lush throughout its life.
The soil for your fiddle leaf fig plays a critical role in ensuring its health and vitality. A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Avoid using heavy garden soil, as it holds onto too much moisture and doesn't allow the roots to breathe properly. A cactus or succulent mix is a good starting point, as it typically contains elements like sand or perlite that promote drainage. For even better results, you can add perlite, orchid bark, or pine bark to the mix. These additions create air pockets in the soil, which help prevent compaction and improve the overall drainage, ensuring your plant’s roots remain healthy and well-oxygenated.
Watering your fiddle leaf fig properly is crucial for its health. The general rule of thumb is to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This indicates that the plant has absorbed most of the moisture, and it’s time to rehydrate. When watering, ensure that you water thoroughly, allowing the water to flow out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root system receives adequate moisture. Fiddle leaf figs prefer room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots and cause stress. One key thing to remember is to never let the plant sit in water; stagnant water can lead to root rot, so always empty the saucer beneath the pot if excess water collects there. Proper watering prevents both overwatering and underwatering, both of which can harm the plant.
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in a warm, consistent environment. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keeping your fiddle leaf fig in a place where temperatures fluctuate too much, such as near a drafty window or an air conditioning unit, can cause stress and stunt its growth. Additionally, they prefer moderate to high humidity, between 40-60%. Dry air can cause the leaves to brown and curl at the edges. To help your plant thrive in less humid conditions, consider placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, which will increase the humidity around the plant as the water evaporates. Alternatively, using a humidifier near your plant can also help maintain the right moisture levels in the air, encouraging healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Fiddle leaf figs are light-loving plants, but they do best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially through a window with strong midday sun, can scorch their large, delicate leaves, leaving them with unsightly brown spots and crisp edges. Therefore, placing your fiddle leaf fig near a window where it can receive ample indirect sunlight is ideal. You can also use sheer curtains to filter out harsh sunlight while still letting in plenty of light. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it may become leggy, with long, thin stems and fewer leaves. This means that the plant is stretching to find more light. To keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy, rotate it occasionally so that all sides of the plant receive equal exposure to sunlight. Regular rotation also encourages more balanced, even growth.
Fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig is essential to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant. During the growing season, which includes spring and summer, feed your plant once a month with a balanced liquid plant food. This helps support its growth as it thrives in warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. As the weather cools and the plant enters its dormant phase in the fall and winter, reduce fertilization to every 6 to 8 weeks. The plant’s needs decrease during this time, so less frequent feeding is sufficient to maintain its health.
Pruning is a crucial part of fiddle leaf fig care, as it helps maintain its shape and removes any dead or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and trim just above a leaf node to encourage healthy regrowth. Regular pruning not only improves the plant’s appearance but also stimulates new growth, ensuring that the plant remains full and bushy. Removing dead leaves can also prevent the spread of disease and pests, keeping your fiddle leaf fig in optimal condition.
While mulching is generally not necessary for indoor fiddle leaf figs, it can be beneficial for outdoor plants, especially when they are exposed to varying temperatures and moisture conditions. A thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil, preventing it from drying out too quickly. However, for indoor plants, it’s important to avoid mulch that may trap excessive moisture and encourage root rot. Mulching outdoors can provide added protection and ensure that the plant’s root system remains healthy.
Repotting is an important aspect of fiddle leaf fig care to prevent root crowding and refresh the soil. It’s recommended to repot your plant every 1 to 2 years, selecting a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This provides the plant with ample space to grow and helps refresh the soil, which can become depleted of nutrients over time. When repotting, always check the drainage holes in the new pot to ensure proper water flow. Avoid overwatering the plant immediately after repotting to allow the roots to acclimate to the new environment.
During the colder months, it’s important to protect your fiddle leaf fig from cold drafts and temperature fluctuations. Keep the plant in a stable environment with consistent warmth. If you notice that the plant’s growth slows down during winter, it’s a sign that it is entering its dormant phase. During this time, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the plant’s environment is not too dry, but avoid excess moisture that can harm its roots and overall health.
These tiny, almost invisible pests are usually found on the undersides of leaves. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing yellowing and the appearance of tiny speckled dots. In severe infestations, the leaves may dry out and drop. To treat spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use a neem oil solution. It's also a good idea to rinse the leaves gently with water to remove any mites and their webs.
Mealybugs are white, cotton-like pests that often leave behind a sticky, sugary residue known as honeydew. This can attract ants and lead to sooty mold growth. To eliminate them, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe each mealybug, or spray the plant with a diluted alcohol solution (70% rubbing alcohol with water).
These pests appear as small, round, or oval bumps on the leaves and stems. They feed by sucking sap from the plant, which weakens it and can cause yellowing of the leaves. To remove scale insects, gently scrape them off using your fingers or a soft cloth. For larger infestations, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Root rot is typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to waterlogged soil. The affected roots become mushy and dark in color, and the leaves of the plant will begin to wilt and turn yellow. To address root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot, inspect and trim away any rotten or mushy roots, and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent future occurrences.
Leaf spots are often caused by fungal infections that thrive in damp, humid conditions. These spots appear as dark, water-soaked lesions or patches on the leaves, which can spread if not addressed. To manage leaf spots, remove any affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it properly or increasing ventilation. Fungicidal treatments may also help if the problem persists.3
A: While you can initially pot a fiddle leaf fig in a small pot, it will eventually need a larger container as it grows. Repotting into a bigger pot with fresh, well-draining soil every 1-2 years helps the plant continue to thrive and prevent it from becoming root-bound.
A: Fiddle leaf figs can thrive outdoors in tropical climates but must be protected from cold temperatures. Make sure the plant receives bright, indirect light and is in a well-drained area. Fiddle leaf figs like warmth, so keep them in a sunny location where they can grow and flourish.
A: During the winter months, your fiddle leaf fig may not be actively growing, so reduce watering. Keep your plant in an indoor space away from cold drafts, and ensure it still receives plenty of indirect light. Avoid placing it near heating vents, as this can dry out the plant.
