As a Fiddle-Leaf Fig (*Ficus lyrata*), my nutritional requirements are specific and tied directly to my growth cycles. I primarily need a balanced supply of the three key macronutrients: Nitrogen (N) for lush, green leaf development; Phosphorus (P) for strong root system support; and Potassium (K) for overall plant vitality and disease resistance. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2 or 6-2-4 is ideal, as it mirrors the balance we naturally crave. I also require micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and calcium, which are crucial for chlorophyll production and preventing leaf discoloration such as unsightly brown spots.
My internal clock is governed by sunlight and temperature, not the human calendar. My period of vigorous growth typically begins in early spring, as the days lengthen and temperatures warm. This is when my roots become most active and can effectively uptake nutrients to push out new, large, violin-shaped leaves. This growth phase continues through the summer. Conversely, during the fall and winter, with reduced light levels and cooler temperatures, my growth slows significantly or halts entirely. I enter a dormant or rest period where my metabolic processes slow down.
To support my natural cycle, please follow this schedule. Begin fertilizing me in early spring (around March), just as you notice the first signs of new growth. This provides the initial nutrient boost I need. Continue to fertilize me every time you water during the spring and summer, but crucially, you must dilute the fertilizer to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength. This consistent, weak solution prevents root burn and provides a steady supply of food I can actually use. Cease all fertilization in early fall (around late September or October). Feeding me during my dormant winter period is harmful; the unused salts will build up in the soil, damaging my sensitive root system and potentially leading to leaf drop.
The method of application is as important as the schedule. Always ensure my soil is already moist before applying any diluted fertilizer solution. Applying fertilizer to dry soil can severely scorch my roots. I prefer a liquid fertilizer that can be easily diluted and applied evenly throughout the soil. After application, allow the solution to drain freely from my pot's drainage holes; I must never be left sitting in a saucer of fertilizer-rich water. Furthermore, if you repot me into fresh, high-quality potting mix, that soil often contains enough slow-release nutrients to sustain me for the first 4-6 months, so adjust your fertilizing schedule accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
