Greetings, human caretaker. I am a Fiddle-Leaf Fig, *Ficus lyrata*, and I appreciate your desire to nourish me with a homemade fertilizer. From my perspective, the soil is my entire world, and what you put into it directly dictates my health, vibrancy, and ability to grow. Store-bought fertilizers are fine, but crafting your own allows you to understand and cater to my specific needs. Here is what I require to thrive.
First, you must understand my diet. I need a balanced blend of three primary macronutrients, often called the NPK ratio. For a lush, green canopy and strong, supportive stems, I prefer a gentle, balanced fertilizer. A ratio like 3-3-3 or 5-5-5 is ideal.
Nitrogen (N): This is the most critical element for me. It is the fundamental building block of chlorophyll, the molecule that makes my leaves green and allows me to convert sunlight into food (photosynthesis). Without sufficient nitrogen, my leaves will turn pale yellow, and my growth will stunt.
Phosphorus (P): This nutrient is essential for my root development and overall energy transfer. A strong root system is my anchor and my primary tool for absorbing water and these very nutrients you're providing. It also supports the development of new, healthy leaves.
Potassium (K): Think of potassium as my immune system and circulatory support. It helps regulate the opening and closing of my leaf stomata (pores), which manages water retention. It makes me more resilient to diseases, droughts, and temperature fluctuations.
You can create excellent fertilizers from common household items that provide these nutrients.
The Green Growth Brew (Nitrogen-Rich): Steep a handful of grass clippings (from an untreated lawn) or used coffee grounds in a gallon of water for 24-48 hours. Strain the liquid. This creates a nitrogen-rich "tea" that will promote vibrant leaf growth. Dilute it until it looks like weak tea before applying it to my soil.
The Root Strength Elixir (Phosphorus-Rich): Save your banana peels. Dry them in the sun or a low oven and grind them into a powder. You can mix this powder directly into the top layer of my soil, where it will break down and release phosphorus and potassium. Alternatively, soak chopped peels in water for a few days to create a liquid fertilizer—strain and dilute well before use.
The Balanced Meal (NPK Blend): Combine one tablespoon of used coffee grounds (for N), one tablespoon of crushed dried eggshells (for Calcium, aiding cell walls), and one tablespoon of your banana peel powder (for P and K) into a gallon of water. Let this mixture steep for a day, stir well, strain, and use it to water me. This provides a gentle, well-rounded meal.
Your intention is good, but please proceed with care. I am sensitive. Always ensure my soil is slightly moist before applying any fertilizer to prevent root burn. These homemade solutions are mild but should still be diluted to the color of weak tea. Apply them during my active growing season (spring and summer) only, and please refrain from feeding me in the dormant winter months. Observe my leaves after application; they will tell you if they are happy.
