Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Outdoor Temperature Tolerance

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a popular houseplant known for its large leaves. While grown indoors, many owners consider moving their plants outside during warmer months. Understanding its temperature and sunlight needs is necessary to ensure its health in an exterior environment.

Ideal Outdoor Temperature Range

Originally from the warm and humid rainforests of West Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in conditions that replicate its native habitat. The ideal outdoor temperature is a consistent range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Slightly cooler nighttime temperatures within this band are well-tolerated and mimic natural cycles. The plant is sensitive to abrupt temperature fluctuations, which can cause stress and lead to leaf drop, so a sheltered patio or a spot under a larger canopy can provide a more stable microclimate.

Low-Temperature Risks

Exposure to cold is a threat to the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Temperatures that drop below 55°F (13°C) can cause stress and cellular harm. The plant is also vulnerable to cold drafts, so place it away from wind tunnels or exposed areas.

When a Fiddle Leaf Fig experiences cold shock, it displays distinct symptoms. The most common signs are brown or black spots on the leaves, especially around the edges. In severe cases, entire leaves may turn black and fall off. Drooping or wilting leaves can also indicate cold stress, and these symptoms can appear within hours of exposure.

Any encounter with frost is almost always lethal, as it causes irreversible damage to the plant’s cells. If the plant is in a container, it must be brought inside before the first forecasted frost. Plants in the ground in climates that experience frost require significant, often impractical, protection.

High-Temperature and Sunlight Concerns

Temperatures that consistently exceed 90°F (32°C) can lead to heat stress, especially when combined with low humidity. Symptoms of heat stress include wilting or drooping leaves as the plant struggles to retain moisture.

Direct, unfiltered sunlight can also damage the large leaves, causing sunburn. Sunburn appears as scorched patches on the foliage that may look pale, yellow, crispy, or brown. Leaves may also develop a bleached appearance or white spots.

To prevent this, place the plant in a location that receives bright, indirect light or dappled shade, avoiding hours of direct afternoon sun. An ideal outdoor spot is under a pergola, a covered porch, or the canopy of a larger tree. These locations provide protection from the harshest rays of the sun while still offering the bright light the plant needs.

Acclimating Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Moving a Fiddle Leaf Fig outdoors requires a gradual adjustment period known as “hardening off” to prevent shock. This process helps the plant adapt to changes in light, temperature, and wind over one to two weeks. An abrupt move can lead to sunburn, leaf drop, and other signs of stress.

Begin by placing your plant in a deeply shaded and sheltered outdoor location, protected from strong winds, for a few hours on the first day. Over the next several days, gradually increase the amount of time the plant spends outside by an hour or two each day.

After about a week in full shade, introduce the plant to short periods of gentle morning sun. Start with an hour of direct morning light and slowly increase the duration over another week, avoiding intense afternoon sun. Monitor the plant for stress, such as wilting or browning, and reduce the exposure if needed.

When it’s time to bring the plant back indoors before temperatures drop, the process should be reversed, though it can typically be done more quickly. Before moving it inside, thoroughly inspect the plant, its soil, and the pot for any pests like spider mites or mealybugs. It is a good practice to treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventative measure to avoid introducing pests into your home.