How Often Should You Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig (An Easy Guide)

You should water a fiddle leaf fig about once a week. However, this can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the room where it is located. It’s a good idea to check the plant’s soil moisture levels every few days. During the summer, when temperatures are warmer, you will need to water your fiddle leaf fig more often. During winter, you can stretch your watering intervals to around once every two weeks.

Do you find it challenging to keep track of how often to water your fiddle leaf fig plants?

Do you feel like you’re always either overwatering or underwatering them?

If so, this guide is for you!

In it, we’ll break down the basics of watering a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) and offer some tips to make it as easy as possible.

We’ll look at how often you should water a fiddle leaf fig tree, one of the most popular houseplants.

How Often Should You Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs prefer to have their soil moist but not soggy. You should water your plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

You should generally water your fiddle leaf fig once a week. However, this can vary depending on the pot size, type of potting mix, and temperature/humidity levels in your home.

If your pot has good drainage and the soil dries quickly, you may need to water it more frequently.

On the other hand, if your pot drains slowly or you live in a humid climate, you may need to water less frequently.

The best way to determine how often to water is by checking the soil.

Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still damp, you can wait a few days before watering again.

The goal is to keep the soil moist without letting it get soggy. It’s best not to let the soil get completely dry and to water when the top few inches of soil are drying out.

When watering, use room-temperature water and let it flow slowly through the soil until it drains out of the pot’s bottom.

Never allow your fig to sit in water, leading to root rot.

How Often To Water Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants in Summer

During the summer, your fiddle leaf fig may need to be watered more often.

This is because the heat and dry air can cause the soil to dry out quickly.

To prevent your fiddle leaf fig tree from drying out, you may need to water it every 5-7 days during the summer months.

Again, this will depend on your environment and potting mix, and it’s a good idea to check the soil regularly to determine when it needs to be watered.

You should never let the soil dry out completely or remain soggy for an extended period.

If you live in a particularly hot or dry climate, you may need to water more often.

To help your plant retain moisture, consider using a humidity tray or pebble-filled saucer filled with water. This will help keep the air around your plant more humid.

How Often To Water Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants in Winter

During winter, your fiddle leaf fig may need to be watered less often.

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels mean the soil will not dry out as quickly as in summer.

You should only water your plant every 10-14 days during the winter months, and always check the soil first to ensure it isn’t still damp.

Ideally, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

In winter, you may also want to reduce the amount of water you use when watering. This is because cooler temperatures can mean less evaporation, which means more water will stay in the soil for longer.

It’s also important to avoid overwatering your fiddle leaf fig in winter, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Watering an Indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig

Indoor fiddle leaf figs generally need to be watered about once a week. The frequency may vary depending on your home’s climate and the pot size you have chosen for your fig.

If your fiddle leaf fig is in a pot that is too large, it can take longer for the soil to dry out and require watering less often.

On the other hand, if your pot size is too small, you may need to water more frequently due to faster drying of the soil.

When your home is cooler, your fig will need less water. During warmer months, you may need to water more frequently as the soil dries out more quickly.

The best way to determine how often to water your fiddle leaf fig is to check the top inch of soil in the pot every few days. If it feels dry or crumbly, it’s time to water.

Remember, the goal is to keep your fig’s soil consistently moist without letting it get too wet or dry.

When you water your fiddle leaf fig, make sure you use lukewarm or room temperature water and thoroughly soak the potting mix.

Let the water drain out of the bottom of the pot before returning it to its spot.

Watering an Outdoor Fiddle Leaf Fig

If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor fiddle leaf fig, your watering needs will differ slightly from indoor plants.

You should water when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Outdoor plants require more water than houseplants because they’re not insulated against evaporation by glass or walls.

Water slowly and deeply when you do, sinking directly into the soil and not onto leaves.

Watering an outdoor fiddle leaf fig one to two times per week should be enough.

However, depending on your climate and seasonality, it may require more or less frequent watering.

During very hot months or in a hotter climate, you may need to water more often. On the other hand, in cooler temperatures or during winter months, the plant is likely to require less frequent watering.

Check the soil often to ensure it is not drying out too quickly or staying too wet for an extended period. This will help you adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

How To Know When To Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

The bottom line is that the frequency of watering your fiddle leaf fig will depend on its pot size, environment, and climate.

It’s essential to keep an eye on the top inch of soil in your pot, as this is where you can determine when it’s time to water.

If the soil feels dry or crumbly, it’s time to water. If the soil is still damp, hold off until it has dried out slightly before watering again.

It is also important not to overwater or underwater your fiddle leaf fig, as both can lead to issues with your plant. This is why it is essential to know what an overwatered, or underwatered fiddle leaf fig looks like so you can adjust the amount of water your plant receives.

What Does an Overwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig Look Like?

When overwatered, a fiddle leaf fig will suffer the same problems as any other houseplant.

The most common sign of overwatering is root rot, which can cause wilting leaves and yellowing foliage.

The leaves of an overwatered fiddle leaf fig may also appear droopy or dull instead of their normal bright green hue.

The stems and branches of the plant can also become mushy, indicating that the roots have been damaged by too much water.

If you think your fiddle leaf fig is overwatered, there are steps you can take to help it recover.

1. Cut back on watering. Instead of giving the plant a generous amount of water each time, wait until the soil is dry before adding moisture.
2. Prune off any affected leaves or stems that appear damaged beyond repair. These should be removed, so they don’t contribute to root rot and other related problems in the future.
3. Repot your fiddle leaf fig in fresh, well-draining potting soil and provide it with more indirect light. This will help the roots recover from any water-related damage.
4. Ensure that the plant is in a pot with adequate drainage, and consider adding some perlite to the soil. This will help promote better water drainage and provide a healthy moisture balance for your fiddle leaf fig.
5. Make sure you’re not overfertilizing. Too much fertilizer can cause root rot and make it difficult for the plant to absorb vital nutrients.

By taking these steps, your fiddle leaf fig should be able to bounce back from any injury caused by overwatering. With the proper care, your plant will remain healthy and vibrant.

What Does an Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig Look Like?

Underwatering a fiddle leaf fig can also cause issues with your plant’s health.

This type of dehydration typically leads to wilted or dry leaves, as well as brown spots on the foliage. The stems may also look shriveled or discolored.

The leaves on an underwatered fiddle leaf fig may also appear drooping and limp, and the plant will look weak and deflated.

If you think your fiddle leaf fig needs more water, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly. This will help ensure that the soil is moist all the way through.
2. Increase humidity levels around the plant. This will help it absorb more water and ensure it stays hydrated.
3. Consider adding a pebble tray underneath the plant. This will create additional moisture for your fiddle leaf fig and provide extra drainage.
4. Check the soil regularly, as this can indicate when the plant needs additional moisture.
5. Be sure to use tepid water when watering your fiddle leaf fig tree, as cold water can shock the roots and cause damage.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is getting the right amount of water for optimal health.

How Much Water Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig Need?

The exact amount of water your fiddle leaf fig needs will depend on the size and age of the plant, as well as environmental factors such as humidity and temperature.

You should aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. In other words, make sure it’s not drying out between waterings.

For younger plants, 1 cup of water once a week should be enough. As the plant matures and its root system becomes more established, you may need to increase this amount to 3-4 cups per week.

It’s also important to remember that different climates require different amounts of water. If your area is particularly humid or dry, you may need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Finally, ensure to water your fiddle leaf fig from the bottom of the pot and avoid getting the leaves wet. This will help prevent fungal diseases and other issues related to overwatering.

How Long Can a Fiddle Leaf Fig Go Without Water?

The average fiddle leaf fig plant can go without water for about 2-3 weeks.

But, this is only under ideal conditions – such as if the plant is growing in optimal temperatures with high humidity.

As temperatures get warmer and humidity levels drop, your fiddle leaf fig may need to be watered more frequently.

If you’re unsure when to water your plant, it’s best to err on caution and give it a drink before it starts wilting. If you wait too long, it may be too late to save your plant.

Final Thoughts

Fiddle leaf fig care isn’t complicated, but it requires attention and effort to keep your plant healthy and happy.

To ensure that your fiddle leaf fig thrives indoors, water it regularly and adjust the amount depending on the season.

If you notice signs of dehydration or overwatering, adjust the frequency accordingly.

With proper care, you can keep your indoor plant looking its best for years.