How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig? Full Guide

It can be difficult to remember to water your indoor plants. Don’t worry; we’ll look more closely at when and how to water your fiddle leaf fig tree.

Even the most ardent gardeners may find their indoor plants difficult to water, particularly those belonging to the ficus family. The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) is particularly well-known for making its owners miserable with its finicky watering requirements.

Inexperienced gardeners of these plants are more likely to overwater them, which can result in health problems like root rot. Those who are worried about overwatering their fiddle leaf figs do so by submerging them.

So how do you water while striking a happy balance? Read on to find out.

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How Often Should You Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

These magnificent tropical rainforest trees are among the most well-liked house plants available. Moreover, they can be grown in gardens in areas with adequate sunlight and moisture. The plant’s ability to survive depends largely on how well it is watered. How to water your fiddle leaf fig tree is what we’ll discuss now.

Indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree’s Water Needs

Without the ideal balance of light, moisture, and humidity, fiddle-leaf fig trees can be difficult to grow. The plants may die from root rot and fungus if they receive too much water. The leaves may become brittle, dry, and lose their shape if there is insufficient water. So how much water is the ideal quantity?

When watering your indoor fiddle leaf fig, be sure the soil is evenly moist all the way to the top of the pot. After that, wait to water it once more until the soil has dried to a level 1-2 inches below the surface. Then, carry out the procedure once more. Once a week is usually sufficient for indoor fiddle leaf fig trees.

Outdoor Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees Water Needs

Its watering requirements may differ from those of your indoor plant if you live in a climate where your fiddle leaf fig tree can thrive outdoors or if you simply move yours outside for the summer. First, the weather conditions of temperature, sunlight, and rainfall will all affect how thirsty your plant is. Your fiddle leaf fig tree may require weekly waterings during the summer.

To prevent any danger to the plant, be sure to be aware of the signs of underwatering, such as browning or leaf loss. A type of automatic watering system might be something to think about if you’re going on vacation or will be out of town.

These water spikes work with a straightforward water bottle to give your plant the liquid it needs, making it easy to provide some automatic watering to plants without installing an irrigation system.

What Are Some Signs That a Fiddle Leaf Fig Needs Water?

You should establish a watering schedule for your fiddle leaf fig tree. Use a finger to always feel the ground. If it is dry 1-2″ down into the soil, it probably needs watering. The leaves are another interesting aspect. Examine the soil if the leaves begin to droop. Your leaves are clearly telling you to water me if it’s dry.

You’ll notice that the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig begin to curl in and the edges begin to brown when it is seriously water-starved. The brown spots might even feel brittle and flake off because they are so dry to the touch. They will eventually lose their color and fall off.

How to Tell How Much Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Really Needs?

For some people, determining whether their Fiddle Leaf Fig has been getting too much or too little water can be challenging. However, the leaves and soil of your plant will always let you know what it needs. Fortunately, learning to read these signs gets easier over time. Some simple questions to ask yourself to know if you are overwatering are:

1. A week’s worth of watering is enough? Your fiddle leaf fig only requires watering once per week, at most. It might even be less depending on environmental factors (light, humidity, and temperature).
2. Should I probe the soil of my plant before watering it? To check the soil’s moisture level, always insert your finger one or two inches into the plant. Wait until the soil dries out more if it is still moist to the touch from your last watering. It’s simple to overwater if you don’t check in first.
3. Are the edges or spots on the leaves of my plant dark? Overwatering and root rot are both indicated by brown spots on the edges or centers of leaves.
4. Is the smell coming from my plant musty? Verify that your plant’s decorative container doesn’t contain a water-filled basin. This may result in fungus infections and draw insects.
5. Are there any drainage holes in the pot my plant is in? Your plant ought to be inside its decorative container in its plastic nursery pot, if possible. It also makes it easier to move your plant around. This enables the best drainage. Make sure it has a drainage hole if you just want your plant to be in a decorative container.

Owners of this plant may become wary of overwatering for all the aforementioned reasons. However, the Fiddle Leaf Fig may experience a variety of health problems if water is withheld too much. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you suspect you’ve been under-watering your plant:

1. Are the younger leaves actually smaller than the more mature ones? Your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant is probably having trouble getting what it needs if the newest leaves are significantly smaller than older ones. A lack of nutrients, light, or water can be indicated by smaller leaves.
2. Is your plant losing leaves at a rapid rate? A low humidity level or thirst may be to blame. Make sure your plant isn’t exposed to dry air blasts from being in front of a vent.
3. Are you able to touch the top inch of the soil? You should allow your Fiddle Leaf Fig to dry out a little bit in between waterings, but you don’t want to allow your plant to become completely parched. Prior to watering, let your plant briefly dry out.
4. Are the leaf’s edges brown and wilted? Beginning at the outer edges of the leaves and moving inward are these brown blotches. Your plant is probably thirsty if they feel dry.
5. Are the leaves wilting or curling inward? This indicates that a fiddle leaf fig is seriously underwatered. You can water your plant, but it probably needs some time to recover completely.

It is usually safe to assume that you are overwatering your fiddle leaf fig if answering these questions did not make it clear whether you are doing so.

Should You Mist a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You’d think misting would be wise for a plant that enjoys humidity the way a fiddle leaf fig does. It’s actually not, which is a shame. Misting issues can manifest in various ways. First, the water from your mister may contain minerals. These minerals may accumulate on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves and result in spotting.

The buildup can be removed by cleaning the leaves, but you can avoid this step if you use a humidifier or pebble tray instead.

What is the Best Way to Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You need to be aware of a few techniques for watering your plants correctly now that you are aware of how frequently to water Fiddle Leaf Fig trees. Others are more cautious, while some growers are very generous with their plant watering. Keep your Fiddle Leaf Figs happy and healthy by avoiding these two common mistakes.

Every method of watering has benefits and drawbacks. You should try each of these watering techniques at least once to get the best results for both you and your plants.

Further Reading: Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Toxic to Pet Cats, Dogs or Other Animals?

Showering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

On their leaves, Fiddle Leaf Figs commonly accumulate dust. This might cause the leaves to appear unhealthy and might even promote scaling.

Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to keep dust at bay. You could also spritz water on your plant. You can also soak your smaller pot in the shower or leave it out in the rain. By doing this, you can guarantee that your plant gets enough water and gets rid of any pests or bugs, like fungus gnats, that might have settled on your stems and leaves.

For the duration of the day, some people leave their plants outside so that the extra water dries up. After an hour of rain or a brief shower, move your plant to a sunny area of your house to dry. This allows your Fiddle Leaf Fig to “air out” and prevents any fungal or bacterial infection in the soil.

Top Watering

The most widely used irrigation technique is this one. Top watering may not provide enough water to your plant’s roots, which can lead to issues. Your plant should ideally be slowly watered every other day. You can fluff up the top layer with your finger to ensure that it absorbs water more effectively.

Fill the area around the top with a little water. Allow it to settle, then repeat the process until water begins to drain from the bottom. This will show that there is enough moisture in the pot. Before top-watering, be sure to examine the soil.

Bottom Watering

It sounds exactly like bottom watering. This is bottom-up watering for the plants. This is accomplished by placing a bowl of water where safety is guaranteed and then submerging the pot therein.

Depending on how big your plant is, you might want to water it in the same tray that it is currently sitting in. Others favor using a mobile self-watering planter to relieve stress.

As long as you need to, leave your fiddle leaf fig in the water. Water will start to collect above the top soil layers, making them damp.

Drain the tray and move the plant so that the water can drip out once you’re sure the roots have received enough moisture. A great way to guarantee that your roots receive enough water is to use this method, despite the fact that it takes more time.

Tips for Watering Fiddle Leaf Figs

Here are some tips when it comes to watering Fiddle Leaf Figs:

Be Consistent

Your watering routine must be consistent. It is best to stick to a regular watering schedule because fiddle leaf figs can be sensitive to changes in the environment. A weekly watering and daily misting of water are recommended for your Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Use Room Temperature Water

Water your Fiddle Leaf Fig plants with room temperature water, even though it might seem obvious. Cold water has the potential to shock the leaves, which could result in them falling off.

Keep An Eye on the Leaves

The amount of water a Fiddle Leaf Fig requires can be estimated by looking at its leaves. The plants require more water if their leaves start to droop. Overwatering can be detected by the leaves turning yellow or developing brown spots.

Use a Humidity Tray

To raise the humidity in your home, place a humidity tray there. Put a tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the pot to accomplish this. As the water evaporates, the humidity will rise.

Mist the Leaves

In addition to watering, mist the leaves every few days with water. The humidity will rise as a result, preventing the leaves from drying out.

Use a Watering Can

A watering can with a long spout is recommended when watering fiddle leaf figs. This will enable you to direct water to the area at the plant’s base that needs it the most.

Water the Soil, Not the Leaves

Instead of watering directly on the leaves of a tropical plant, water the soil around its base. Infected fungi can grow on wet leaves.

Let the Water Drain

After watering the Fiddle Leaf Fig, let the water drain from the pot. In order to prevent root rot, don’t let the house plant sit in water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so that water can escape from the roots.

Filtered Water is the Best

Before using it, tap water needs to be filtered. Chlorine and other chemicals present in tap water can have an adverse effect on fiddle leaf figs.

Before Watering, Check the Soil

Before watering your Fiddle-Leaf Fig, insert your finger into the soil to measure the moisture content. Whenever the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still wet, wait a few days before watering it once more. With the help of these suggestions, your fiddle leaf will live happily and healthily!

FAQs

Conclusion: How Often to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Giving your fiddle leaf fig a cup of water at first and adjusting it later is the easiest rule for watering it. In accordance with the plant’s size, you must adjust the watering.

Always keep an eye out for signs of underwatering or overwatering in your fiddle leaf fig tree’s leaves. Check the soil for the 1-2″ test of dry topsoil, and maybe make a calendar entry to help you to keep your plant on a schedule. By doing this, you’ll maintain a beautiful and healthy fiddle leaf fig tree.