share post

Thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig & Healthy Home Story

by | Jan 24, 2017 | Decorating Inspiration, My Life, My Living Room, My Seattle House

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig & Healthy Home Storytable // pillow // cable-knit rug / chair (a few years old) / metal barrel

Can you believe that my fiddle leaf fig tree is still growing? I moved him to the dining room when we had the Christmas tree here. I was worried that moving him out of his spot would make him mad. But not only did he continue to thrive, he got another new leaf this week!

This is the fiddle leaf that was on its last legs (leaves? branches?) when we moved here. I had sadly killed a couple of his siblings in our old house (eek), and this one was looking pretty scrawny by the time we moved. But look at him now! YOU GO, FIDDLE LEAF! You’re making your mama PROUD!

The sun came out yesterday here in Seattle and it felt like spring had arrived inside and out! Plants were thriving, sun was shining on my face, the birds were even chirping. I could hardly contain my joy! I know I need to brace myself for more rainy days, but still. I was really happy to feel the warmth coming through the windows and the sunshine definitely gave me a much needed winter boost of vitamin D :).

Speaking of thriving in the winter time, I had mentioned last week (on the chemicals in the home post) that I would share my personal health story of why a healthy home matters to me. I got quite a few messages from readers who are on a similar journey, so as promised, I finally have my story up if you want to read it! You can find it here.

Don’t forget, I’ve been doing a fun little mini series focusing on how to have a happy and healthy winter home on my new Instagram @pureandlovelyliving. If you’re not on Instagram, you can also find the posts on Facebook! I’d love to have you join us.

39 Comments

  1. Taste of France

    I find that wiping the dust off the leaves regularly makes them happy.
    Beautiful weather here. We had our brush with winter and I am ready to move on.

  2. Bonnie

    Can you tell me how much and how often you are watering your fiddle leaf? We are trying with ours but it’s looking quite pathetic:(

  3. Cathy

    I find that plants don’t do well in our current house because of the energy efficient windows. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this.

    • Mary

      House plants need a spot 4 feet from a bright but not too bright window, with good circulation, but not where they’ll be touched or eaten. That is the middle of the sofa. ?

  4. Kay

    I noticed that the (modern!) re-do on Fixer Upper last week included a LOT of houseplants. I’m on board but draw the line at ones in their 70’s macrame hangers. Did that — don’t want to do that again. :-/

  5. Chrissy

    How often do you water him? And how much water at a time? Thanks!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      I water him about once a week! I’m going to guess I give him about 16 ounces of water for his size right now. :)

  6. Sandy

    Your baby is doing well. They love that light filled room. Plants just make a room as far as I am concerned.
    I read all of your story today. Don’t you just want to tell the world just like that doctor on the plane? I too have had a similar experience. I can tell you exactly when my health problems started. Late 90’s, the kids were in elementary school, the food supply changed with all the quick things and being a busy working mom, I started using so many different things. I have hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I came to a pretty screeching halt about 3 years ago. I was so blessed that a neurologist that I knew and respected that my mother went to left his practice (head of the neurology department at a prestigious hospital) and opened a wellness clinic. I am simply amazed at where I am today because of his visit. It was pricey, but I am now off all of the dangerous drugs for RA. I have radically changed my home and my foods. Everyone in my family is on board because of the change in me. Keep preaching it girl!!!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Sandy, you really can’t put a price on getting well, can you? In the end it is far less costly than all the drugs and chemicals and doctor’s visits and health issues. Thank you for your encouragement, I hope by sharing simple things we can all do people will feel more aware, empowered and motivated to make changes. Take care!

  7. Sallie

    WOW – I just read your Healthy Home post and am so happy to meet a kindred spirit in this regard!!! I don’t have Instagram or Facebook accounts, so I won’t be able to follow, but it’s SO encouraging to know that you’re on this path to healthy living!! My late daddy and his lovely lady friend helped save my life by leading me down the path to holistic treatments, and I continue to gain knowledge and make changes that improve the health of my family (even our dog!) and friends, as I pass the information along. Many people don’t want to hear it, but for those who do, it is LIFE CHANGING information. Thank you for spreading the word!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Sallie, if you click on this link https://www.instagram.com/pureandlovelyliving/ you’ll be able to see and open up the things I share on Pure & Lovely’s Instagram, even without an Instagram account. Just click on each photo to open up the captions. Soon I’ll have a website that you can look at, too. I’m so glad you had someone who helped get you on the right path to wellness! Yes, it is LIFE CHANGING info! I’m happy to share knowing it is going to help some people. Take care!!

      • Sallie

        Thank you, Melissa! I appreciate the link! And I’ll look forward to your new website, too!

  8. Karen Farber

    What a beautiful Fiddle Leaf Fig!! I kill all plants, sadly, but have always wanted on of these in my home. Plants just brighten up a home :)

    http://www.littleblackshell.com

  9. Beth Giannini

    So much of what you talk about here, and in the book, is what I’m attempting to do in 2017 – and I SO appreciate your ability to put into words what has been going on in my mind… the craziness of clutter and now the chemicals I need to pay attention to as I try to get myself and my home healthy and clutter free. Small steps is what I need to focus on… but I just wish I was at the end of the journey and looking back. Thanks Melissa!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Thank you, Beth! The important thing is that you are taking steps forward. Every step adds up. Take care, let me know if I can help!

  10. Stephanie

    Thank you for sharing your story, I’ve been going through something similar this past year. ?

  11. Christine

    I just read the post about your health conditions. I was wondering what the difference is between Pure and Lovely and Do Terra essential oils. Have you heard of Do Terra? Is Pure and Lovely the same quality or better? If you can answer any of these I’d appreciate it. I don’t have the money to get a starter set of any of them but hope to do so in the future. Thanks.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Christine! I use Young Living Essential Oils, the products are the highest quality and it’s the brand I trust. They are wonderful! I’ll message you with more details. Thank you!

  12. Lori

    I also live in the Seattle area and I’ve been wanting to try growing a fiddle leaf fig plant. Which ways do your windows face, and how warm do you keep your inside temperatures? I applaud you for making so many healthy changes. I was diagnosed 12 years ago with a auto immune disease and I have found I do much better the cleaner my home and my food are. Keeping my house organized, at least somewhat, makes a big difference to especially on the days when my energy is low. The last of our the sons have moved out recently so now I plan to go through everything thoroughly and get really organized. I am enjoying your books and loving your good ideas. I enjoy reading your blog as well and I especially appreciate your positive attitude!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Thank you so much, Lori! My windows face West or SW. We keep our home about 68 degrees or if I am freezing I’ll boost it to 70 this time of year. But usually on the cooler side as I’m always hustling around. :)

      I’m so glad you’ve found solutions to support your health, it is so true that a clean home and food make a difference. :)

  13. Sharon

    Your plant is a beauty! I understand a fiddle leaf fig can be quite temperamental but yours is a show piece. Plants always seem so cheerful to me.

    Thank you for sharing your story. It’s very inspiring. Best wishes to you for a healthy future.

  14. Marijean Jenson

    I have one that I got last fall and so far it’s doing great. I had to move it to a different room over the holidays, but it hasn’t bothered it. It has even got 4 new leaves! I try not to overwater and stick my finger into the soil to see how moist it is before I water it. I sometimes only have to water every couple weeks.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Wow, four new leaves! That is amazing. I think overwatering might be the cause of many Fiddle Leaf Fig deaths :). Good tips! Thank you!

  15. Jo Jo

    I’m so happy to see your Fig tree thriving in your new home! Thanks so much for sharing your story about your health issues and eating clean and paying attention to chemicals. My daughter was diagnosed with an immune disorder a few years ago that requires her to be on a biological medication that is infused intravenously Every 8 weeks for the rest of her life to maintain remission. This drug has potential for very serious, dangerous side effects. She’s only twenty six years old. We’re both researching into alternative treatment options, but so far the news isn’t good, but we’re not giving up. She has really changed her eating habits and eats clean, organic. Expensive, but so are her bi monthly infusions. Thanks for the encouragement to continue to make changes and to look for holistic treatment. May God bless you with continued good health.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Oh Jo Jo, that is so much. I’m so sorry she is going through that and that you are too, as her mama. Feel free to message me if I can ever be of help or encouragement. I’ll definitely pray for her. xo

      • Jo Jo

        Thank you so much for your prayers, Melissa. They’re greatly appreciated. ❤

  16. Joanna

    Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing. I have a similar story. With 5 children ages 8 and under back in 2001, one afternoon my body gave out. I felt it coming on for several years but thought I was just getting older as I was nearing my 40th bday. Long story short, after seeing 9 different doctors I heard of a Christian naturopath and he began my healing journey. I spent several years in bed with adrenal fatigue so severe that I also experienced debilitating panic attacks and depression. Darkest days of my life. 16 years later I am much better but still struggle with fatigue and now fibromyalgia. I love decorating my home so much and am so domestic but can only enjoy puttering and organizing on an inconsistent basis. It’s so frustrating. The worst part of everything was having to give up most of the dreams for my life that I had since I was a little girl, and the spiritual aspect where God seemed so very far away. I would cry and beg for His presence but I couldn’t find him in my brain fog and depression. I still struggle spiritually but am trying to find my way back to Him. This is long but my family went thru this time alone-all the friends I thought I had left to continue on with their lives so to have someone like you understand at least some of what I went through…it means a lot to me. I have a laptop now and can visit different home décor blogs and yours is the first one I visit everyday. I have your books and am reading them over-reading all things domestic feeds my soul even though I can’t consistently live that way. Sorry this is so long. Thanks for reading.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Thank you for sharing, Joanna. I do relate, so much, and will never forget how it felt. My heart goes out to you. I’m glad we connected, not only over shared trials, but a love of home. XO

  17. Melinda Young

    Thanks for sharing Melissa! That was very emotional, helpful and inspiring to read. I am so glad you shared your story.

    • Melinda Young

      And go fig go!

  18. Sue Davies

    Melissa,
    Thank you for sharing about your health issues. Very interesting reading. I agree that we alone have to take control of our health. Most doctors have no idea about natural methods and are ready to prescribe pills. It is because of you that I became familiar with essential oils and began using Young Living Oils. I know they make a difference in my health. Even my husband who is skeptical about those kinds of things is a firm believer. I diffuse oils at home and in my office at work. I’ve even been able to pass on information about them to co-workers and some are now also diffusing oils in their office. Thieves is a God send and I believe it has kept me healthy through this cold and flu season. I have not had a bad cold since I began using it. My daughter, who is a nurse, just began a new job at an urgent care clinic and she is trying to convince the doctor that owns it to diffuse essential oils there. So I’m hoping he comes to see the benefits. I’ve read that some hospitals in Great Britain diffuse oils. I think we can a lot from other cultures. Thanks again for sharing and I’m looking forward to your new website.

  19. Debbie

    Melissa,
    I have read this with deep interest because I suspect my daughter could especially benefit from the essential oil therapy you have described. It’s something I’ve read about in so many different places. I’m ready to purchase the starter kit for $160 but my question is this — if used on a daily basis, approximately how long does a vial of oil last? I haven’t found the answer to this in any of the FAQ tabs on their site. Any way you could help with this? Thanks so much for sharing your story with us.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Debbie! That’s great to hear, what a gift this will be for her. How long they last really depends on how you use them. The starter kit oils are 5 ml, which have about 85 drops of pure essential oil in each. So if a drop a day of a certain oil was used, a 5 ml bottle could last you around 3 months.

      Once she knows what oils she uses the most, the 15 ml bottles have about 250 drops in them, so at one drop a day it could last over 8 months. They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. You can dilute them with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) if you are going to use them topically. If you use them in a diffuser, you might use a couple of oils at a time so that can affect how quickly you go through your bottles as well. I hope that helps!

      The Young Living premium starter kit is the best way to begin, there are ordering details and the link to use in this post >https://theinspiredroom.net/how-to-order-essential-oils/. Please feel free to email me and let me know if you have other questions! I’m so happy you’ll give them a try.

  20. Pamela B

    I have killed many fiddle leaf figs in my life, I’m sorry to say. Now, I put my finger in the soil up to one inch, and if it’s dry, I water. My problem in the past was persistent overwatering.
    Once in a while, they go in the shower where they get cleaned up and leaves dried. Other than that, they live in a NW facing window in sunny Long Beach, CA

  21. Ellenor Davis

    What a lovely Fig plant! I love it and I want to try and get one, I have always wanted on of these in my home. Plants just lighten your home :)
    Thank you for sharing your story.

  22. Susan Shipe

    We can’t find a fiddle leaf fig tree anywhere in North Carolina. My daughter and I want one badly!!!

  23. Barb

    Regarding your “health” post, can you you tell me what you DO drink? If not diet soda due to chemicals, then what? Water is too dull for me to live on, even with fruit or something added. I like Crystal Light but that must be full of chemicals too. What is left that is low calorie?

 

Decor Finds:

browse categories:

browse archives:

let’s stay connected!

Follow for daily
Home Inspiration:

get my free decorating guide

home decor inspiration, free downloads,
and more, straight to your inbox

css.php