"Achieving Success with a Finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig: Unveiling the Key to Thriving Plants Through a Watering Technique"
The fiddle leaf fig is a popular high-maintenance houseplant, known for its large, glossy leaves and striking appearance. To ensure the health and growth of your fiddle leaf fig, it's essential to maintain an optimal watering routine.
Neglecting the watering regime can lead to issues such as leaf drooping and excessive browning, potentially resulting in leaf drop. To avoid these problems, water your fiddle leaf fig thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
In active growth periods (spring and summer), water approximately every 7–10 days; during slower growth in fall and winter, extend watering intervals to every 10–14 days. Always check soil moisture before watering, using a moisture meter or by feeling the soil, to avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out excessively.
Key watering tips for optimal fiddle leaf fig health include:
- Water deeply until water drains from the pot's drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry before watering again.
- Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this causes root rot; ensure pots have good drainage.
- Use filtered or rainwater if possible, as tap water may contain chemicals harmful to the plant.
- In dry indoor conditions, increase humidity by misting leaves or using a humidifier to support a moisture-loving tropical plant.
- Avoid watering on a strict schedule without checking soil moisture, since environmental conditions affect water needs.
Signs of improper watering include brown, dry, or cracked leaf spots indicating dehydration, or yellow leaves from overwatering.
Both bottom watering and soaking are beneficial for fiddle leaf figs, especially if soil gets compacted over time. Using a self-watering pot can also make care easier.
Ian Drummond, an interior landscape designer and author who has won multiple gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in England for his indoor gardens, recommends a blend of both top and bottom watering methods for fiddle leaf figs. Hugh Metcalf, an editor who is a pro at growing fiddle leaf figs, also advocates for the use of a self-watering pot.
Jo Lambell, the head of Plant Education and Community at The Sill and a plant expert with over ten years of experience growing houseplants, suggests watering a fiddle leaf fig when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Paris Lalicata, another plant expert, advises giving a fiddle leaf fig a good soaking until excess water drains away.
Weekly watering is recommended for fiddle leaf figs, but allowing the soil to completely dry out between waters is important. Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to drought and should not be allowed to go too long without water.
Maintaining this watering rhythm, along with adequate indirect bright light and humidity, will promote healthy growth of your fiddle leaf fig. With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig can make a statement in your home.
