First-time owners of these plants are prone to overwatering, which can lead to health issues such as root rot. Firstly, Fiddle Leaf Figs should only be watered once the top 2 inches (5cm) of soil is dry to the touch. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days. If your fiddle leaf fig tree is losing leaves, it could be that you're under-watering your plant. 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. You will find it necessary to rotate the plant occasionally, as it will tend to grow toward the light. 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. Thankfully, your plant will tell you if you over watered or under watered. How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Dry and Over Watered Fiddle Leaf Fig. Fiddle Leaf Figs need evenly moist soil through the Growing Season(March-September). 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 […]. Fiddle leaf fig trees do best with eight to 12 hours of sunlight. For plants that measure less than 2 feet from the soil to the tallest leaves, water 1 cup each week. If your plant has too much water the leaves will wilt, turn brown/yellow, and drop off. Did I Over Water or Under Water my Fiddle Leaf Fig? Native to the tropical climate of Western Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in very warm, bright, and humid conditions. Do you have photos? As a new plant owner, the best thing you can do for your tree is master the art of watering. Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food is specially formulated to provide the optimal nutrition for your plant and comes with instructions for how to properly feed your plant. 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)!!!! If you don’t water enough, it will suffer. Free delivery & lifetime botanist assistance. It sounds like your plant got too much water and may have root rot. (A moisture meter can be a big help here!) 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. 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. You can see this extreme example of leaf curling for a plant that was completely dried beyond repair. Start keeping a note of when you water your Fiddle Leaf Fig and check the dryness of the soil the following week. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig. (You may need to repot your plant.). The Fiddle Leaf Fig is easily recognizable and loved for its distinctive foliage. 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. 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 Fiddle Leaf Fig should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, as the plants like to dry out occasionally between watering. It’s been a long hard winter and I have to keep it in a pot inside but can hardly lift it to water or to make sure no stinky water is in the bottom again. Place your finger around two inches in the soil. Once you wet the soil, check it again in 10 to 20 minutes to see if the water is coming out of … Lack of watering as well as extremely dry air can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. "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. No surprise, but watering your fiddle-leaf fig can be tricky, too. 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. )—whatever makes the most sense to water your plant consistently to ensure that the roots dry out just enough between waterings. If your Fiddle Leaf Fig foliage begins to discolor and look almost bleached, the plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight. The easiest way to tell if a plant needs to be watered is … The characteristics of the leaves don't appear to me to be water-related. Our ultimate watering guide for Fiddle Leaf Figs has more information on determining the best watering situation for your plant. Receive tips, tricks, and seasonal indoor plant insights with our weekly plant care email. Hope this helps, Claire. Under-watering: The leaves will turn brown along the edges and then drop. 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! Underwatering, for example, may be more common in homes that are very very bright and also very warm, as the plant dries out faster than you water it. 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. Why is my Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing Leaves at the Bottom? Another way to tell your plant is underwatered is noticing where the brown spots lie. 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. What’s a plant owner to do? Symptoms of a Dry Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant There are a few ways you can discern a dry plant from an over-watered plant. Your plant may experience both, and that could be a result of erratic watering. 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. The Fiddle-leaf fig has high ornamental value and is an ideal leaf plant for viewing in the hall. But keep in mind that the amount you water your plant is also tied to the conditions it lives in—what type of light, temperature and humidity levels the plant experiences in its home. 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. The Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata) is especially notorious for frustrating its owners with its picky watering needs. Buy plants for your living room, desk, balcony & kitchen garden. Watering your houseplants can be overwhelming. If you’re confused about whether your plant has been getting too much or too little water, there are some surefire ways to tell. 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. 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. Another way to do the fiddle leaf fig watering is to place the container in a plastic bucket or plastic container. 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. Here, you’re going to know the details about the best fake fiddle leaf fig trees for decor. What is the Best Fertilizer for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant? Because Fiddle Leaf Figs are prone to leaf drop and browning, it may seem simple to jump to conclusions about your plant. First, chronically dry plants will always have brown spots and curled leaves. Now you don’t have to second-guess yourself or worry! 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. Without sufficient water, the leaves will start to curl. The vicious cycle of erratic watering (alternating between over- and under-watering) can lead to the death of your plant. If you stick with your once-a-week schedule, your plant will get used to the conditions and really thrive. As mentioned above, you may also notice that your plant drops its bottom leaves first. […] off throughout the plant, it’s likely underwatering or too dry of an environment. Luckily, there’s one simple secret to water your plant the right amount and keep it healthy. You don’t need to drench your plant to give it enough water. This tall, dramatic plant has very large, heavily veined, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright. These plants need A LOT of light. Allow the plant roots to soak up the water for thirty minutes or so. Providing the Right Care and Conditions Position your plant so that it gets 6 hours of bright, indirect … This is one of the main reasons for premature death. 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. Water Needs. 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. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out and the leaves to become soft and flexible before watering. To keep things simple, water your plant the same amount each week. If you’re still not sure, try using a moisture meter to check the moisture levels in your plant’s roots. BUT the leaves soon after started falling off and having brown edges on many of them. The best part of taking care of a fiddle leaf fig is that it doesn’t take much to actually keep … So how to grow a Fiddle-leaf fig? If you water your plant too much (which is pretty common), you will kill it. Providing your fiddle leaf fig tree with the right amount of water can be tricky. Multiple yellow almost always means too much water. Overwatering and under-watering is the most common issue beginners face when caring for their fiddle leaf fig tree. I think it’s sick, my garderner gave me some good food for it and I have been letting the water sit in a gallon jug for a couple of days to knock down the chlorine before watering but I do have a whole house filter? For plants that are greater than 2 feet tall, water with 2 cups of water each week. Stay on top of your plant care game. If you overwater your plant, you’re in trouble—it’s super susceptible to root rot. However, fiddle leaf fig watering is complex as the plant craves perfection. Léon & George customers also have 24/7 access to our digital plant doctors, should you need personalized assistance. With a structural shape and robust, healthy foliage, there’s a reason why our Fiddle Leaf Fig is a best-seller. Water with 4 cups of water each week or just until your container drains. 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. Refer to the ultimate watering guide to fix your plant in a […], […] your plant. 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. Do you have a diagram or can you suggest a method to plant my FLF in a 5 gallon bucket inside an indoor planter to insure air and drainage but not ruin my hardwood floors? These plants generally only require watering once every 1 – 2 weeks. How to care for Fiddle-leaf fig when growing? 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. Here’s The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. And if it gets too much water, the plant might drop its leaves and suffer from root rot, which ultimately can kill it. If you notice it’s shedding leaves, check the soil for moisture every 5 days. 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? We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe anytime. Apr 1, 2018 - The two most common problems for fiddle leaf figs are opposites: too much and too little water. Just make sure it is not scorching sunlight. 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. If you want screaming success with your fiddle leaf fig, read on my friend! 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. Over-watering: The leaves will have dark brown edges and spots and have an unpleasant smell that lingers near the soil. Soil shrinkage is a big problem, because the next time you water, the water runs between the soil and the pot down the sides and doesn’t actually get to the roots of your plant. and….why are the leaves and little chutes still crispy? Watering is the simplest yet trickiest part of caring for plants — and it’s really easy to overdo it. Good luck! Read the subtle differences between an over- and under-watered fiddle! Product Reviews on 10 Best Fake Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees. That could be a sign of root rot, as plants tend to protect their new growth and shed the older leaves first. You aren’t going mad! This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. I’m sorry to hear about your experience. There are a few reasons why brown spots might be appearing on the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig. A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires less water than other ficus trees. When the leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig curl, the number one cause is underwatering. If it’s humid, wait before watering! The 2nd major cause of leaf decrease in a fiddle leaf fig is from dryness. However, because plant owners who worry about their plants a lot tend to over-water, you are probably over-watering. 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. Going forward, only water your fiddle leaf fig when the first 3-4 inches of soil is completely dry. Underwatering, however, can also lead to leaf damage and potential demise. Set a calendar reminder to water your plant no more than once a week. 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. Just like humans need the proper fuel to replenish our bodies, to support a healthy plant, it’s critical to provide proper nutrition. Oftentimes, brown spots on a dry Fiddle will show up on the edge of the leaf, versus in the middle near the “veins”. An Under-Watered Fiddle Leaf Fig Fiddle Leaf Fig brown spots caused from under watering generally happen because the plant is too dry. It was inside of a large wicker basket, in the plastic 5 gallon liner, sitting in a double layered plastic 4″ deep saucer. Buy Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food on Amazon Now! Please read along with me with questions! You can bring tropical vibes to your home with this fiddle … Try a liquid house plant fertilizer or Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food for best results. 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. Being aware of your plant’s light situation is the first step in ensuring a proper watering cadence. I now have my once beautiful FLF in my garage by a window draining every week to about 4 cups of water every Sunday. Copyright © echo date(Y);?> Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource, Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food Moisture Meter, read more about the symptoms to tell the difference, one-year supply of Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food, how to use a moisture meter to know when to water your fiddle leaf fig, Facebook: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Group, Another Fiddle Leaf Fig Victory: Fiddle Leaf Fig Troubleshooting. 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. Leaf Drop From Dry Conditions – under watering. […], […] more information? But even if you think you’re watering your Fiddle properly, it might not always be clear what’s going on. 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