You have a brand new fiddle leaf fig and you need to know, how often do you water a fiddle leaf fig tree? We've checked with our favorite house plant experts and have gathered the necessary information for you here.
Fiddle Leaf Fig trees need regular watering. Typically, this means about once a week for indoor plants. Outdoor fiddle leaf figs need water a couple of times a week but that can include rain. Too much water and they succumb to root rot. Too little water and they begin to dry out. Always test the soil before watering.
We're going to take a closer look at knowing when and how to water your fiddle leaf fig tree. We'll also examine the advantages and disadvantages of misting your plant, if bathrooms are good locations for fiddle leaf fig trees, and what type of water they need after repotting. So please, keep reading.
How Often Should You Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
These glorious tropical rainforest trees are also some of the most popular house plants out there. And in climates with enough moisture and sun, they can also be grown in the garden. But their watering needs can make or break the plant in terms of healthiness. Let's take a look at watering your fiddle leaf fig tree.
Indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree's Water Needs
Fiddle leaf fig trees can be finicky without the right combination of light, water, and humidity. Too much water and the plants can succumb to root rot and funguses. Too little water and the leaves can grow brittle, dry up, and fall off. So how much water is the right amount of water?
For our indoor fiddle leaf fig, you want to thoroughly water your plant, making sure the soil is damp all the way to the top of the pot. Then, don't water it again until the soil has dried out to a level 1-2 inches below the top of the soil. At that point, repeat the process. For most indoor fiddle leaf fig tree's, once a week is all you'll need.
The Right Soil And Pot
The right soil and pot makes a difference for watering your indoor fiddle leaf fig tree.
One way to assure your fiddle leaf fig doesn't end up saturated, is by setting up your pot for success. You want your fiddle leaf fig tree planted in a pot that drains. If for design reasons, you've chosen a pot that isn't draining, there's a way to get around this. Plant your fiddle leaf fig in a draining pot, then set it inside of your designer pot.
Many pots these days incorporate a drainage area into the pot that is so subtle you don't even notice it's there. This 14" diameter pot is large enough to hold a fiddle leaf fig and has a really inconspicuous drain saucer.
With soil, you want to choose something that includes materials that add aeration and drainage. There are potting soils on the market made specifically for fiddle leaf fig trees that include fertilizer, soil, and aeration materials.
Outdoor Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees Water Needs
If you live in an area where your fiddle leaf fig tree can survive outdoors, or if you simply move yours outdoors for the summer, its watering needs may vary from your indoor plant. First, the factors of weather—temperature, sunlight, rainfall—will all play a role in your plant's thirst level. In the summer, your fiddle leaf fig tree may need to be watered several times a week.
Be sure to know the signs of underwatering (see our section below for full details) like browning or dropping leaves, so that you can stay ahead of any danger to the plant. If you're going to be traveling or be out of town, you might consider an automatic watering system of some type.
For a simple way to provide some automatic watering to plants that doesn't involve installing an irrigation system, these water spikes work with a simple water bottle to provide your plant with the needed liquid.
What Are Some Signs That A Fiddle Leaf Fig Needs Water?
You'll want to get into a watering routine with your fiddle leaf fig tree. Always check the soil with your finger. If it is dry 1-2" down into the soil, it probably needs watering. The other thing to look at is the leaves. If the leaves start to droop, check the soil. If it's dry, your leaves are sending you a clear message: water me.
When your fiddle leaf fig gets really water-deprived, you'll start to see the leaves curl-in and the edges will start to brown. The brown spots will be dry to the touch and might even be brittle and flake away. Eventually, they'll turn completely brown and fall off.
Should You Mist A Fiddle Leaf Fig?
With a plant that loves humidity the way a fiddle leaf fig does, you'd think misting would be a great idea. Unfortunately, it's really not. Problems with misting come in a couple of ways. First, your mister water may contain minerals. These minerals can build up on the surface of your fiddle leaf fig's leaves and cause spotting.
Yes, you can clean the leaves to remove the build-up, but using a humidifier or pebble tray instead will save you that step.
A small humidifier like this one is easy to tuck in behind your fiddle leaf fig. This way moisture releases into the air without building up on the leaves as misting does.
You can make your own pebble tray with a low dish, stones, and water, or you can buy one already pre-prepared. The idea behind a pebble tray is to create an environment where moisture rises without feeding the roots.
The other problem with misting is that it might cause the spread of disease. If there's any bacteria or fungal spores on your leaves, misting may cause them to jump to lower leaves in the dripping water. And if you don't have great air circulation around your plant, the moisture of wet leaves might even lead to disease.
When Is It Okay To Mist Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
The new shoots and leaves of a fiddle leaf fig tree might enjoy some misting. Because the newly budding leaves are fragile and can stick together, misting can help them. Be sure, however, to wipe up any extra moisture with a soft cloth for the reasons listed above.
Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Like Bathrooms?
These tropical rainforest plants will absolutely love a bright, airy spot in your bathroom. Because the plants are large, they're probably best suited for a master bathroom that includes a sunny window. The window will let in the bright, filtered light that these large house plants adore. If you have an east-facing window, that's even better.
Be sure not to let your fiddle leaf fig get too wet in your bathroom. It loves being in a humid environment but doesn't like to drown its roots. Get a good pot with a water catchment base and be sure to add some drainage materials in the bottom of the planter to allow the water to filter through and away from the roots.
This large 12" pot on wheels features some pretty cool features when it comes to planting fiddle leaf fig trees. It is self-aerating, self-watering, and has high drainage to help prevent root rot that comes from too much moisture. It also comes in black, green, red, and white options.
Should You Water A Fiddle Leaf Fig After Repotting?
Fiddle leaf figs grow quickly, and as a result, they need to be occasionally repotted. Repotting the plants keeps them from getting root-bound and allows them to grow nice and tall. Even if you are trying to contain your fiddle leaf fig to a smaller size and are simply refreshing your potting soil, these tips still apply.
When you re-pot your fiddle leaf, you're going to want to knock off all of the old potting soil from its roots. If it's gotten root bound, then take the time to trim back some of the outer roots. You don't need to take much off, but a couple of inches will help your plant. Then once you've situated the plant in its new pot and filled it with proper soil and drainage materials, give it a good watering. Water till you see the water escaping the bottom of the pot.
Once it's watered after repotting, don't rewater it until the first couple of inches of soil are dried out again.
A Well-Quenched Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Is A Happy Tree
Remember to watch your fiddle leaf fig tree's leaves for signs of underwatering or overwatering. 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. This way, you'll keep your beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree well-watered and healthy.
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