How Often Do You Water a Fiddle Leaf Plant?

Fiddle leaf plants, also known as Ficus lyrata, are becoming increasingly popular houseplants due to their large, glossy leaves that can grow up to two feet long. However, one of the most common questions among new plant owners is how often they should water their fiddle leaf plants. In this article, we'll break down all the factors you need to consider to keep your fiddle leaf plant thriving.

Factors that Affect Watering Frequency

The frequency of watering your fiddle leaf plant depends on several factors, including:

Light: Fiddle leaf plants prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant is in a location that gets a lot of light, it will need to be watered more often than if it were in a shadier spot.

Humidity: Fiddle leaf plants come from tropical forests and thrive in high humidity environments. If the air in your home is dry, you may need to water your plant more often than if you kept it in a more humid environment.

Pot size: The size of the pot you use for your fiddle leaf plant will also affect how often you need to water it. Larger pots hold more soil and therefore more water, so you won't need to water them as often as plants in smaller pots.

Soil type: The type of soil you use for your plant can also affect how often you need to water it. Soil that drains well will require more frequent watering than soil that retains water.

General Guidelines for Watering

While these factors can affect watering frequency, there are some general guidelines to follow to ensure your fiddle leaf plant stays healthy:

Do not overwater: Overwatering is a common mistake among plant owners and can be fatal for fiddle leaf plants. To avoid overwatering, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering your plant again.

Water deeply: When you do water your fiddle leaf plant, water it deeply so that the water reaches the bottom of the pot. This will encourage the roots to grow deeply and make the plant more resilient.

Use room temperature water: Fiddle leaf plants prefer water that is at room temperature. Cold water can shock the roots and cause damage to the plant.

Consider the season: During the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing, it may need to be watered more often than during the fall and winter months when it goes dormant.

Signs of Over or Under Watering

It's important to pay attention to your fiddle leaf plant to ensure that you're watering it correctly. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy roots, and a moldy smell. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves, dry soil, and brown spots on the leaves.

Conclusion

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often you should water your fiddle leaf plant. The frequency will depend on factors like light, humidity, pot size, and soil type. However, by following the general guidelines we've outlined and paying close attention to your plant's needs, you can keep your fiddle leaf plant healthy and thriving for years to come.