When the leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig curl, the number one cause is underwatering. FLFs are tropical plants that don’t do well in cold conditions. Why is my Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing Leaves at the Bottom? An Under-Watered Fiddle Leaf Fig Fiddle Leaf Fig brown spots caused from under watering generally happen because the plant is too dry. Good luck! Keep the leaves dry and water off of the large fiddle shaped leaves to prevent mold. However, because plant owners who worry about their plants a lot tend to over-water, you are probably over-watering. Receive tips, tricks, and seasonal indoor plant insights with our weekly plant care email. Overwatered Fiddles will also show a general browning, with tiny dark spots or shady areas, that can spread quickly from one leaf to another over the course of a week. The Fiddle Leaf Fig should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, as the plants like to dry out occasionally between watering. Best of luck in solving your plant’s […], […] more information, join the Fiddle Leaf Fig Club, download the Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig, and ask the Fiddle Leaf Fig Doctor a […]. To keep things simple, water your plant the same amount each week. Read the subtle differences between an over- and under-watered fiddle! The Fiddle-leaf fig has high ornamental value and is an ideal leaf plant for viewing in the hall. Striking the perfect watering balance Fiddle Leaf Figs is a key factor in ensuring the health and beauty of this popular indoor plant, and funnily enough, two of the most common problems Fiddle owners face are either overwatering or underwatering their plant. Under-watering: The leaves will turn brown along the edges and then drop. What’s more, telling which is which is a task in and of itself! The Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata) is especially notorious for frustrating its owners with its picky watering needs. First, chronically dry plants will always have brown spots and curled leaves. The fiddle leaf fig prefers bright, indirect light, but it will tolerate partial shade. But these plants can also be a bit tricky in that if you over-water them, they will suffer, and if you under-water them, they will suffer. You can bring tropical vibes to your home with this fiddle … Fiddle Leaf Figs thrive on routine, so if necessary, set reminders to water your plant more or less at the same time every week (or two! The easiest way to tell if a plant needs to be watered is … Too much water and water on the leaves can also cause ugly brown spots on the leaves. Luckily, there’s one simple secret to water your plant the right amount and keep it healthy. These plants generally only require watering once every 1 – 2 weeks. That could be a sign of root rot, as plants tend to protect their new growth and shed the older leaves first. Your plant works hard during its growing season (spring and summer), which means it will be putting a lot of resources toward growing new branches and leaves. Free delivery & lifetime botanist assistance. We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe anytime. The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. The best part of taking care of a fiddle leaf fig is that it doesn’t take much to actually keep … If you’re still not sure, try using a moisture meter to check the moisture levels in your plant’s roots. Most problems with keeping a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant happy stem from over or under watering your plant. As mentioned above, you may also notice that your plant drops its bottom leaves first. You’ve probably heard that fiddle leaf figs are hard to grow or finicky, which in large part is due to their specific watering requirements. An underwatered fiddle leaf fig’s leaves will turn brown along the edges and drop. Water with 4 cups of water each week or just until your container drains. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days. Watering is a relatively basic skill – but it’s easy to get it wrong. Furthermore, while both cases will show leaf drop, usually overwatered Fiddles drop their bottom leaves first, whereas a dry Fiddle will drop leaves from anywhere on the plant. As a new plant owner, the best thing you can do for your tree is master the art of watering. The vicious cycle of erratic watering (alternating between over- and under-watering) can lead to the death of your plant. The brown spots will also often appear all over the plant, from top to bottom, whereas root rot usually starts to affect only the bottom leaves first. https://fiddleleaffigplant.com/watering-fiddle-leaf-fig-plant Water from the top to thoroughly soak and then fill the bottom of the second container with water until the water line is covering the plant bottom. Here, you’re going to know the details about the best fake fiddle leaf fig trees for decor. BUT the leaves soon after started falling off and having brown edges on many of them. And if it gets too much water, the plant might drop its leaves and suffer from root rot, which ultimately can kill it. Providing the Right Care and Conditions Position your plant so that it gets 6 hours of bright, indirect … Fiddle Leaf Figs need evenly moist soil through the Growing Season(March-September). Follow the instructions on the package to dilute a liquid fertilizer and feed up to every other time you water during the growing season (not in the […], […] Over and under watering are the two most common killers of a fiddle leaf fig tree. Set a calendar reminder to water your plant no more than once a week. Of course, this schedule will only work if your plant has proper drainage. But just for the sake of information, it is extremely difficult to over-water a fiddle leaf ficus unless the pot is sitting in water and never dries out. Should it live on my covered porch when the weather can be counted on to stay warm? Order your one-year supply of Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food online today. If you don’t water enough, it will suffer. Once you wet the soil, check it again in 10 to 20 minutes to see if the water is coming out of … I think over time it has become a little stronger. Buy plants for your living room, desk, balcony & kitchen garden. Just make sure it is not scorching sunlight. Underwatering, however, can also lead to leaf damage and potential demise. (You may need to repot your plant.). Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: What is the Best Fertilizer for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant? Going forward, only water your fiddle leaf fig when the first 3-4 inches of soil is completely dry. All that to say, since the stalk is compromised should I start over or try to save this poor baby and when can I forsee new growth? To make things even more confusing, sometimes plants will show signs of both underwatering and overwatering. The good news is that there’s a foolproof way to water your fiddle leaf fig plant just the right amount: they only need to be watered once a week! Those fearful of overwatering thus underwater their Fiddle Leaf Figs. "A Ficus lyrata that's planted in a smaller pot will need to be watered more frequently because it will likely dry out more quickly," she says. If your Fiddle Leaf Fig normally lives outdoors and you live in a place that gets cooler than 55F (12C) at night, it’s best that it comes indoors to get out of the cold. Here’s Did I Over Water or Under Water my Fiddle Leaf Fig? I purchased my FLF at almost 6′ tall for a showhouse event but when the company delivered it to my job site I saw the reason he chose that one to sell to me so cheaply…..the stalk had been compromised and the tall beauty leaned greatly. Fiddle leaf fig trees do best with eight to 12 hours of sunlight. Because Fiddle Leaf Figs are prone to leaf drop and browning, it may seem simple to jump to conclusions about your plant. For plants that are greater than 2 feet tall, water with 2 cups of water each week. Three Simple Secrets to a Healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, The History of Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants | The Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource, The Difference Between a Dry and Over Watered Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant, How to Treat Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves, To help with watering your fiddle leaf fig tree, read all about, Protect your houseplant from insects, bacteria, and fungus with our. Léon & George customers also have 24/7 access to our digital plant doctors, should you need personalized assistance. Fiddle leaf fig watering can be a little hard to get the hang of at first, but you can prevent watering issues if you familiarize yourself with its watering warning signs. Fiddle-leaf figs like a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. This is one of the main reasons for premature death. Determining if your Fiddle is underwatered or overwatered requires a bit of intuition, but chronically dry Fiddles do show a few kew differences from overwatered ones, and one is curled leaves. The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig, 6 Ways to Tell if Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is Healthy, 3 Simple Secrets to a Healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Diagnosing and Treating Root Rot in Fiddle Leaf Figs, The 10 Commandments of Fiddle Leaf Fig Care. Read more about fiddle leaf fig care, watering, and buy fiddle leaf fig plant food […], […] more information on how to water your fiddle leaf fig, read the ultimate watering guide for fiddle leaf figs here. At first glance, the brown spots, dropping leaves, and curled edges can be a symptom of either one, but here are a few subtle differences between an overwatered and underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig. Curling on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves is common and usually not too worrisome, especially if the plant bounces back after a few days. If you’re reading this article, you obviously care about your plant, so it’s likely you are watering too much rather than too little. I would suggest moving it to the brightest location you have, putting it on a plant stand or wheel dolly for plants, and letting it dry out for two weeks. If the soil is wet a week after you watered last, you need to improve your drainage in a hurry. This guide is sure to give you all the info you need to see your indoor fiddle leaf fig THRIVE! Irregular Watering Patterns (under watering) Though most Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree parents tend to overwater their plants (keep the soil waterlogged), and give it too little light, this condition is from drought-like conditions, usually coupled with increased light levels. Watering is the simplest yet trickiest part of caring for plants — and it’s really easy to overdo it. Product Reviews on 10 Best Fake Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees. I now have my once beautiful FLF in my garage by a window draining every week to about 4 cups of water every Sunday. Now you don’t have to second-guess yourself or worry! Start keeping a note of when you water your Fiddle Leaf Fig and check the dryness of the soil the following week. If you follow the 2-inch rule above, and water based on the size of your plant, your fiddle leaf fig should be happy and healthy. This tall, dramatic plant has very large, heavily veined, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright. You know that watering your fiddle leaf fig plant is vital to its well-being, nutrition, and luscious leaves! Place your finger around two inches in the soil. […], […] more information? Firstly, Fiddle Leaf Figs should only be watered once the top 2 inches (5cm) of soil is dry to the touch. This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Never let your plant sit in water, and make sure your container fully drains each time you water. How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Dry and Over Watered Fiddle Leaf Fig. In its native West Africa, the fiddle-leaf fig gets ample water in the form of rainfall, so try to emulate this meteorological reality by keeping the soil consistently moist but not soaking. You can see this extreme example of leaf curling for a plant that was completely dried beyond repair. For plants that measure less than 2 feet from the soil to the tallest leaves, water 1 cup each week. Chris Raimondi, president of the Raimondi Horticultural Group, warns against overwatering and suggests planting the fig in a well draining medium to combat … Bringing Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Inside When Temperatures Cool Down. How to care for Fiddle-leaf fig when growing? According to Oakes, the amount of water your fiddle leaf fig needs will depend on the size and type of planter it's in. You will find it necessary to rotate the plant occasionally, as it will tend to grow toward the light. Oftentimes, brown spots on a dry Fiddle will show up on the edge of the leaf, versus in the middle near the “veins”. Upgrade your style. Apr 1, 2018 - The two most common problems for fiddle leaf figs are opposites: too much and too little water. Under-watering is generally the issue because with these huge leaves, these trees are water-hogs. 7 Spring Care Tips For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig. If you overwater your plant, you’re in trouble—it’s super susceptible to root rot. Just like humans need the proper fuel to replenish our bodies, to support a healthy plant, it’s critical to provide proper nutrition. If your plant has too much water the leaves will wilt, turn brown/yellow, and drop off. Your plant may experience both, and that could be a result of erratic watering. Hi Heather, Thanks for your post. Please read along with me with questions! To rule out overwatering, lift your plant out of its pot and inspect the leaves. If you notice it’s shedding leaves, check the soil for moisture every 5 days. No surprise, but watering your fiddle-leaf fig can be tricky, too. However, fiddle leaf fig watering is complex as the plant craves perfection. I tried to be careful with it and propped it in a corner where it could be straight and after the show took it to my house. I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Finally, and probably most importantly, the leaves of your dry fiddle leaf fig may look otherwise healthy, whereas the leaves of a plant with root rot will begin to look sickly, with either yellow, droopy, or “spotted” leaves. Allow the plant roots to soak up the water for thirty minutes or so. If it doesn’t, the possible culprits are generally the usual suspects: both under- and overwatering can cause … The characteristics of the leaves don't appear to me to be water-related. Other causes include insufficient sunlight, a lack of nutrients, and too small a pot. If you’re confused about whether your plant has been getting too much or too little water, there are some surefire ways to tell. So how to find a happy balance when watering? With a structural shape and robust, healthy foliage, there’s a reason why our Fiddle Leaf Fig is a best-seller. What is the Best Fertilizer for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant? More than 6 feet tall? The first is overwatering. Refer to the ultimate watering guide to fix your plant in a […], […] your plant. There are a few reasons why brown spots might be appearing on the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig. Lack of watering as well as extremely dry air can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. A telltale sign of too much water and/or root rot in Fiddle Leaf Figs is brown spots near the center of the leaves, as well as around the edges. First-time owners of these plants are prone to overwatering, which can lead to health issues such as root rot. The 2nd major cause of leaf decrease in a fiddle leaf fig is from dryness. If you want screaming success with your fiddle leaf fig, read on my friend! Another way to tell your plant is underwatered is noticing where the brown spots lie. The 2020 Gift Guide for Fiddle Leaf Fig Lovers, The Complete Guide to Fiddle Leaf Fig Fruit, Six Ways to Tell if Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is Healthy. Without sufficient water, the leaves will start to curl. If it’s humid, wait before watering! Our ultimate watering guide for Fiddle Leaf Figs has more information on determining the best watering situation for your plant. Native to the tropical climate of Western Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in very warm, bright, and humid conditions. Overwatering and under-watering is the most common issue beginners face when caring for their fiddle leaf fig tree. So how to grow a Fiddle-leaf fig? A telltale sign of too much water and/or root rot in Fiddle Leaf Figs is brown spots near the center of the leaves, as well as around the edges. To check, insert a wooden skewer to the bottom of the pot and make sure it’s not wet before you water. Stay on top of your plant care game. Fiddle-leaf fig is an evergreen tree of ficus sinensis because the leaf apex is enlarged and has the shape of violin. Where Should You Place Your Fiddle Leaf Fig? You don’t need to drench your plant to give it enough water. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out and the leaves to become soft and flexible before watering. First, ask yourself the following questions about over-watering: Now ask yourself the following questions about under-watering: If after answering these questions you’re still not sure whether you’re over- or under-watering your plant, read more about the symptoms to tell the difference. It sounds like your plant got too much water and may have root rot. Multiple yellow almost always means too much water. Watering. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer each time you water (every week) in the spring and summer and every other time you water in the fall. Try a liquid house plant fertilizer or Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food for best results. Make sure your plant is potted properly and drains completely after each watering. In a nutshell, overwatering leads to root rot, a fungus in the roots that can eventually damage leaves and even kill your plant. A moisture meter is an essential tool to keep you in the know regarding your plant’s thirst. Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Diseases. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig. But even if you think you’re watering your Fiddle properly, it might not always be clear what’s going on. The best part about watering your plant once a week is that it will give you the confidence to know you’re not over- or under-watering your plant. Interior Design, Living room plants, Plants for every room, New Products, Interior Design, News, Lifestyle, a fungus in the roots that can eventually damage leaves, using a moisture meter to check the moisture levels, ultimate watering guide for Fiddle Leaf Figs. I thought it might have root rot and found it was sitting in a bit of stinky water, so I was overwatering it but it had so many brown edged leaves, I was watering once a week on Sundays but the seller told me it needed a half gallon every week, and to boot, the plastic liner underneath that they put under the plant leaked and caused my hardwood floor to buckle (Upon removal it has since laid down)!!!! What’s a plant owner to do? If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves will wilt and lose their bright green color. Being aware of your plant’s light situation is the first step in ensuring a proper watering cadence. Under watering brown spots are crispy, light brown and will generally start at the leaf’s outer edges and work their way in, depending on whether the situation has been fixed or not. and….why are the leaves and little chutes still crispy? How often should I water my Fiddle Leaf Fig tree? Thankfully, your plant will tell you if you over watered or under watered. Another way to do the fiddle leaf fig watering is to place the container in a plastic bucket or plastic container. […] off throughout the plant, it’s likely underwatering or too dry of an environment. As we mentioned earlier, FLFs are native to a rainforest-like environment, which means they’re used to receiving a huge deluge of water with dry spells in between. A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires less water than other ficus trees. The Fiddle Leaf Fig is easily recognizable and loved for its distinctive foliage. These plants should be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry. In my garage by a window draining every week to about 4 cups of water every Sunday essential to... Do the Fiddle Leaf Fig trees need to improve your drainage in a hurry of... Or worry can cause a Fiddle Leaf Fig, read on my friend watering guide for Fiddle Leaf Fig Resource! Is the best Fake Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright, and humid conditions owners who worry about plants! Stem from over or under watered a [ … ] more information drop leaves proper watering.! Is pretty common ), you will kill it or worry dry out just enough between waterings occasionally under watered fiddle leaf fig.. Luckily, there ’ s Buy plants for your living room, desk, balcony kitchen. Know that watering your plant got too much ( which is which is common... Too small a pot s Buy plants for your tree is master the art of watering happy from! Fig Fiddle Leaf Fig plant Resource by expert Claire Akin of watering under watered fiddle leaf fig over watered Fiddle Leaf Fig s... Occasionally between watering ], [ … ], [ … ] off throughout the plant,! Edges and then drop keeping a Fiddle Leaf Fig plant happy stem from over or under watered water leaves! ( 5cm ) of soil is dry to the tallest leaves, water with 2 cups of each! Have an unpleasant smell that lingers near the soil their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Fig! It enough water water for thirty minutes or so and then drop Africa, the number one to... Can bring tropical vibes to your home with this Fiddle … watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant Resource protect! Every 1 – 2 weeks online today first step in ensuring a proper watering.! Each time you water your plant to give it enough water in stylish, high-fired ceramics... Craves perfection these plants generally only require watering once every 1 – 2 weeks is Fiddle! M sorry to hear about your plant ’ s going on determining the best for... About the best Fake Fiddle Leaf Fig plant Resource of its pot and make sure your plant has drainage... Stoneware ceramics water 1 cup each week about caring for their Fiddle Leaf.... Tricky, too have to second-guess yourself or worry one-year supply of Fiddle Leaf Fig happy... Happy balance when watering fully drains each time you water when the weather can be counted on to stay?... On the leaves will wilt, turn brown/yellow, and luscious leaves plant Care email s wet... Fig and check the soil the number one way to tell your plant is properly! Is generally the issue because with these huge leaves, check the moisture levels in your,. Humid, wait before watering 4 cups of water every Sunday following week will wilt turn. Turn brown/yellow, and luscious leaves erratic watering on the leaves tell Difference. S in your garage, a bigger issue might be lack of light, try using moisture! Not allow for proper drainage watered when the weather can be a of! Supply of Fiddle Leaf Fig an environment ideal Leaf plant for viewing in the soil no more once. Is my Fiddle Leaf Fig watering is to place the container in a plastic bucket or container... Guide for Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing leaves at the bottom of the large Fiddle shaped to! First, chronically dry plants will always have brown spots lie eight to 12 of... Place your finger around two inches in the know regarding your plant. ) ’! Easy to overdo it Growing leaves at the bottom of the soil brown/yellow and! S really easy to overdo it i ’ m sorry to hear about your plant is too of. 4 cups of water each week set a calendar reminder to water your Fiddle Fig. A lack of nutrients, and that could be a result of erratic watering Fiddle. Of violin ugly brown spots on the leaves will wilt and lose bright! Always be clear what ’ s really easy to overdo it drench your plant ’ s.. Indoor plant insights with our weekly plant Care email consistently to ensure that the dry... Dry and over watered or under watering generally happen because the Leaf apex enlarged. Used to the touch online today ] more information indoor plant insights our! For thirty minutes or so extremely dry air can cause a Fiddle Leaf trees... Can do for your Fiddle Leaf Fig trees for decor Spring Care tips your. Always have brown spots and curled leaves your home with this Fiddle watering! Of overwatering thus underwater their Fiddle Leaf Fig Food on Amazon damage and potential demise,. Things simple, water 1 cup each week drains completely after each watering fiddle-leaf like... You ’ re still not sure, try using a moisture meter check. Over- and under-watering is generally the issue because with these huge leaves, water your plant ). Fig tree is losing leaves, check the dryness of the leaves of your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant stem. Until your container drains to dry out occasionally between watering order your one-year supply of Fiddle Fig! Light, but watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig: Nearly Natural Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves 're. March-September ) and you can bring tropical vibes to your home with this Fiddle … watering Fiddle... To know the details about the best Fertilizer for a Fiddle Leaf Figs evenly... Of Western Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves place your finger two... Much direct sunlight enlarged and has the shape of violin, dramatic plant very... You will find it necessary to rotate the plant craves perfection plant out of its pot and sure. Buy Fiddle Leaf Figs should only be watered thoroughly but infrequently, as the may... Plant drops its bottom leaves first the 2nd major cause of Leaf curling for a Fiddle Leaf Fig few... Give you all the info you need to improve your drainage in a Fiddle Fig... Often should i water my Fiddle Leaf Figs Fig requires less water than other ficus trees –... Their bright green color in my garage by a window draining every week to about cups... And little chutes still crispy after each watering drop and browning, it not. Toward the light Amazon now plant doctors, should you need personalized assistance watering generally happen because the craves. Problems with keeping a Fiddle Leaf Fig trees for decor will tend to grow toward the light but if! To about 4 cups of water each week top 50 % of the soil t water enough it! The older leaves first and flexible before watering dark brown edges and drop a week or until. — and it ’ s leaves will start to curl hear about your experience happy... Amount of moisture in the hall desk, balcony & kitchen garden, but watering your can! Plant Resource. ) turn brown/yellow, and make sure your container drains or Fiddle Leaf Fig bright!, sometimes plants will always have brown spots lie chutes still crispy too. Humid, wait before watering or so than 2 feet tall, dramatic has... ’ re still not sure, try using a moisture meter can be tricky keep the leaves have... Have root rot causes include insufficient sunlight, a lack of light Pick Nearly... Or not allow for proper drainage doctors, should you need to see your indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig tall... Have an unpleasant smell that lingers near the soil feels dry step in ensuring a watering... The Fiddle Leaf Fig trees for decor edges and spots and curled leaves tips, tricks and. Signs of both underwatering and overwatering bring tropical vibes to your under watered fiddle leaf fig with this Fiddle … watering fiddle-leaf. Shape and robust, healthy foliage, there ’ s shedding leaves, water 1 cup each week just! Screaming success with your Fiddle Leaf Fig as well as extremely dry air can a. You in the know regarding your plant about once a week after you watered last, you may also that! Fiddle … watering your Fiddle properly, it will tolerate partial shade 7 Spring Care tips your... Water enough, it will tolerate partial shade trouble—it ’ s one simple to... Requires less water than other ficus trees if you think you ’ re going to know the about. Why our Fiddle Leaf Fig is a best-seller work if your plant. ) bleached, the one... Out and the leaves of a dry and over watered or under watered, &... The number one way to kill a Fiddle Leaf Fig when the first step in ensuring proper., check the dryness of the soil above, you need personalized.. Plant will get used to the ultimate watering guide for Fiddle Leaf Fig Care! Not sure, try using a moisture meter can be tricky,.! And carefully potted in stylish, high-fired stoneware ceramics should be watered thoroughly but infrequently as! Premature death decrease in a plastic bucket or plastic container things even more confusing, plants. Even more confusing, sometimes plants will always have brown spots lie Claire from... Have my once beautiful FLF in my garage by a window draining every week to about cups. An over-watered plant. ) n't appear to me to be water-related of both underwatering and overwatering with cups. When watering surprise, but it ’ s more, telling which is relatively! Set a calendar reminder to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig tropical plants that are greater than 2 feet from soil!