Can a fiddle leaf fig survive a freeze?

Answered by Tom Adger

Hey there! So, let me tell you about my personal experience with fiddle leaf figs and freezing temperatures. I live in a region that occasionally experiences cold snaps, and unfortunately, my fiddle leaf fig did not survive a freeze.

Fiddle leaf figs, or Ficus lyrata, are native to tropical regions and thrive in warm and humid environments. They are not equipped to handle freezing temperatures, as their delicate leaves and stems are extremely susceptible to damage caused by frost.

When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the plant’s cells can freeze, causing the cells to burst and leading to irreversible damage. This can result in wilting, browning or blackening of leaves, and even the death of the plant.

I remember one winter when an unexpected frost hit my area. Despite my efforts to protect my fiddle leaf fig by bringing it indoors and placing it near a heat source, it still suffered significant damage. The leaves turned brown and droopy, and many eventually fell off. It was a sad sight to see.

So, based on my personal experience and the fact that fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants, it’s safe to say that they cannot survive a freeze. If you live in a region with cold winters or anticipate freezing temperatures, it’s best to bring your fiddle leaf fig indoors or provide it with some form of protection, such as covering it with a frost blanket.

Fiddle leaf figs are not frost-tolerant and cannot survive a freeze. They are tropical plants that thrive in warm and humid conditions. If you want to keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and happy, it’s important to keep it away from freezing temperatures.