How often should I water a fiddle leaf fig?

A fiddle leaf fig likes a steady routine, and most of its famous sulks are a reaction to a change in water, light or position.

Every 7–10 days
A starting point, not a rule — check the soil before each watering and let the top few centimetres dry out first.

Always confirm with the soil: water when the top 2–5 cm is dry, whatever the calendar says.

Light

Ficus lyrata needs more light than its reputation as a living-room plant suggests: a spot right beside a bright window, ideally with a few hours of gentle morning sun. In weak light it stops growing, holds wet soil for longer and drops lower leaves. Near a window in summer the calculator’s figure is every 6–8 days. Turn it a quarter every few weeks so it grows straight.

Pot and soil

Use a pot only a few centimetres wider than the root ball; a large pot holds a volume of wet soil the roots cannot reach, and that is where rot starts. A mix of houseplant compost with bark and perlite drains well. Give it a deep soak each time, until water runs from the base, rather than small, frequent top-ups.

Through the year

In medium light the calculator starts at every 7–10 days in spring and summer, 9–13 in autumn and 11–16 in winter, and 15–21 days in low light in winter. Keep it away from radiators and cold draughts, both of which make it dry out unevenly and shed leaves whatever the watering.

Too much or too little

Overwatering shows as dark brown patches that start in the middle of the leaf or along the veins, often on lower leaves first, followed by leaf drop. Underwatering gives lighter, tan, crispy edges and leaves that droop and feel papery. Sudden heavy leaf drop can come from either, or from a move to a new spot, so check the soil before changing anything.

The plant watering calculator explains how the intervals are worked out for every plant on the list.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my fiddle leaf fig have brown spots?

Where the brown appears tells you most. Dark, soft patches spreading from the centre of the leaf, usually on lower leaves, suggest root rot from too much water or poor drainage. Crisp, light brown edges point to dry soil or very dry air. Small red-brown specks on new leaves are often oedema, from uneven watering, and tend to fade as the leaf matures.

Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves?

Fiddle leaf figs shed leaves in response to change: a move to a new room, a cold draught, a sudden drop in light or a swing between soggy and bone-dry soil. Check that the top 5 cm dries between waterings but the root ball never dries out completely, keep the plant in one bright spot, and new growth usually follows within weeks.

Leaflet works out this schedule for every plant you own and reminds you.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Other free tools