Question
QUESTION: Hi Nick,
I have a large fiddle-leaf fig plant that I recieved about 4 months ago when my Mother passed away.  I noticed there were leaves that appeared quite healthy falling off. After a little research, I decided I was probably over watering, yet watering less resulted in drooping leaves.
I could feel and see large holes in the soil, so I repotted it.  It was horribly root bound, with many of the larger roots growing around the top of the pot just under the decorative "moss".  The leaf drop has deminished some, but the new growth on top is little more that bare sticks, and now the edges of some larger leaves are browning.
Any other suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Nancy, it needs to be put in a larger container (or the ground for that matter) with a new soil base; line the bottom of the new container with drainage medium like pebbles or gravel to assist in keep standing water away from the roots. It is going through a shock now from what you have already done, but it will be fine once it settles into its new container. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nick, and thanks for your help.
 I repotted this thing a short while back. New pot is about 4 inches wider and 4 inches deeper than the old...pebbles in the bottom over hole, and new Miracle-Gro soil. maybe it's still recouping from the transplant.
 I was suprised to hear to plant it outside.  I thought these were tropicals / house plants only. We are in Central Texas (zone 8 I think).  What conditions can this thing take? Some winters we get to the teens for several days, and summers are brutal. Does it need sun or shade?
Thank you so much for your insight,
Nancy

Answer
Hi again, yes you are a bit too cold for outdoor planting, so, the container you put it in should be fine, this time of year when it is actively growing, it should be kept evenly moist and fertilized once  every 10 days or so, then during the winter just water it once a week, but don't allow it to dry out. Give it time now to begin turning the corner and when it does, then start your fertilizing, but not until you see new growth. Again, wait until it starts new growth to give it the growing attention it needs, in the mean time don't let it dry out...:)