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Hey everybody! I just picked up this fiddle leaf fig from Aldi that… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Lucas

Hey everybody! I just picked up this fiddle leaf fig from Aldi that was looking real rough. I cleaned it up and cut off its dying/dead leaves, but I just checked the soil with my moisture meter and it’s dry/moist, but WET near the bottom. What should I do about this? Should I empty it out and mix all the dirt up and repot it in the same pot, or should I just leave it until it dries out. I just don’t want the roots to rot… Thanks for your help!

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7 comments

  1. Plant Father

    i would suggest using a bamboo/wooden skewer or chopstick to check the level of moisture in the soil instead of a moisture meter. even the nicest one is junky and unreliable, as they measure the conductivity in the soil and not the actual moisture level. water is very conductive but not the only factor that affects conductivity in the soil

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    • Lucas

      Will do, if it’s still showing wet at the bottom do you recommend I just give it time to slurp it up or should I take some action?

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    • Plant Father

      if it’s not all sopping wet i’d just leave it. provide plenty of light and airflow to help the soil dry out faster

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    • Lindsey

      Agreed with above. You can also try gently poking a few small holes around the bottom (if you can, maybe through the drain holes) to help further its aeration and/or set the pot up on a stand of some type to allow its drain holes plenty of air flow. 🙏🏼🌿

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  2. Molly Aimée

    I love your plant! Definitely recommend adding drainage holes to the bottom of your pot, if it doesn’t already have some. That should help with the wet soil at the bottom. Make sure you have something the catch the water when it comes it; in case you overwater it! ❤️

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    • Lucas

      Yea it has a nursery pot in the gray cover it’s in so I think I’m just going to take it out of the decorative pot and let it air out a little on a plate or pan or something. And thanks! I actually convinced the cashier to give it to me for half off bc before I cleaned him up he was looking yucky. He really perked up so fast when I got him under grow lights and a humidifier. I also cleaned his leaves they were soooo gross… but he’s a happy Newton now

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    • Molly Aimée

      Way to go! 😁

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