Underwatering Symptoms: Brown spots starting on the edges of its leaves, curling leaves from the edges inward, leaf drop (can affect all leaves on the plant, not just the lower leaves). Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Figs will also have dry, hard soil that recedes and shrinks away from the edge of the pot.
What does a dehydrated fiddle leaf fig look like?
Symptoms of a Dry Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant
First, chronically dry plants will always have brown spots and curled leaves. You can see this extreme example of leaf curling for a plant that was completely dried beyond repair.
How do you know when a fiddle fig needs water?
Once you’ve established that the top few inches of soil have dried, the easiest way to tell if your Fiddle Leaf needs water is to look at the leaves. If the leaves are not rigid and upright, and they start to look floppy, they’re telling you they need water.
How should fiddle leaf fig leaves look?
You can tell if your plant is healthy if the fiddle leaf fig has new growth and the new leaves are larger than the old ones. The plant will also look good overall and feature vibrant, shiny green leaves. Akin shares her tips for successful fiddle leaf fig care.
How do you fix an underwater fiddle leaf fig?
How do you fix an underwatered fiddle leaf fig? Developing a good watering routine by checking the moisture level in the soil and watering your plant when the soil feels dry 2 to 3 inches below the surface will often save an underwatered fiddle leaf fig tree.
How long can Fiddle Leaf Fig go without water?
A fiddle leaf fig plant is supposed to be able to go at least a week without water. It’s said that the exact time that a fiddle leaf fig can go without needing to be watered is between seven and ten days.
Should I mist my Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Should I mist my plant? Misting is an essential chore when you’re looking after any rainforest plant, especially in the winter. Fiddle leafs are happiest at 65% humidity, which is much higher than most homes. The best way to mist is to fill a spray bottle and leave it beside the plant.
How many times a week should I water my fiddle leaf fig?
Watering a Fiddle Leaf Fig
The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days.
How moist should a fiddle leaf fig be?
The top few inches of soil in the pot should be dry before giving it more water. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger one to two inches into the dirt. If it feels damp or moist, that means it is too soon to give your plant more water. It should feel dry to the touch.
How do you know when a fiddle leaf fig is dying?
The telltale sign of bacterial leaf spot in your Fiddle Leaf Fig is yellowing of the leaves in addition to the brown spots. With root rot, the leaves will typically remain dark green with brown spots, but with bacterial leaf spot, the leaf will turn yellow as the brown spot spreads.
How do I make my fiddle leaf fig happy?
In summary, the best thing you can do to help your fiddle-leaf fig tree survive is to leave it be to recover, slowly, on its own. Give it indirect sunlight, water once a week, and warm temperatures (it will appreciate a room temperature that’s from 60 to 90 degrees).
Why did my fiddle leaf fig leaf turn yellow and fall off?
Yellowing Leaves
Fiddles thrive in soil that is kept relatively moist, but it should not be consistently waterlogged or soggy. Too much water (especially combined with insufficient drainage) can cause the roots to rot, leading to dull-looking leaves.
How often do fiddle leaf figs grow new leaves?
every four to six weeks
Stunted or slowed growth
Healthy Fiddles usually grow new leaves every four to six weeks during spring and summer. Growth tends to be in spurts, and it’s possible to see your plant grow several new leaves in a matter of just a few days or weeks! In the winter, it’s normal not to have any new growth.
How can you tell if a fiddle leaf fig has root rot?
Here are a few clear signs your Fiddle Leaf Fig has root rot: Wet, soggy, or mushy brown roots. Dripping, soaked, or waterlogged soil and roots. An unpleasant smell in the soil or around the roots.
What causes fiddle fig leaves to curl?
Low Humidity
The soil will dry out too quickly after watering, causing dehydration and curling leaves. The plant will lose moisture through its pores, and this moisture is not easy to replace through water from the roots alone. This will cause your Fiddle Leaf Fig to dry out and its leaves will curl.
How much sunlight do fiddle leaf figs need?
five hours
“Fiddle-leaf figs enjoy lots of light and they can often take up to five hours of direct light a day.” According to Greenery Unlimited, it does best “close to south- or west-facing windows, or directly in an east-facing window,” and nothing can be anything blocking that light (like a building or trees).
Are watering globes good for fiddle leaf fig?
One of the simplest ways to provide your fiddle with water while you’re gone is to use a water globe, which is a water-filled blown-glass globe with a long stem that you stick in the soil. This allows water to slowly drip into the soil over time, keeping it evenly moist.
Why do fiddle leaf fig leaves droop?
Incredibly dry soil
If you accidentally let your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s soil dry out completely, you may see branches go limp or leaves droop and crisp up. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order.
Where should a fiddle leaf fig be placed in a home?
South-facing windows receive the brightest sunlight for the longest period of time. This makes them ideal for Fiddle Leaf Figs. Just make sure you don’t place your plant directly by the window or you could risk burning its leaves.
Are eggshells good for fiddle leaf fig?
Eggshells can provide plants with a few of the secondary nutrients used by plants, most notably calcium, but also small amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Fiddle Leaf Figs don’t particularly need calcium, so adding eggshells probably won’t have much benefit for this plant.
How often should you feed a fiddle leaf fig?
Fertilizing Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fertilize fiddle leaf fig trees about once a month throughout the summer growing season with a high-nitrogen plant food; for example, one that has an NPK ratio of 3-1-2. Do not fertilize in the winter.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.