Should You Bottom Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Published: August 18, 2020 | Updated: October 22, 2026

Yes, you can bottom water a fiddle leaf fig, as long as its pot has drainage holes and you let it drain afterward. It can help rewet dried-out soil, but it won’t prevent overwatering if you water too often. If watering from the top is working well for your fiddle, there’s no need to switch.

Should you bottom water a fiddle leaf fig?

If you haven’t heard of bottom watering before, here’s a quick rundown: Bottom watering is a watering technique in which you set the plant’s pot in a sink or container of water so the soil can absorb water from the bottom. Your pot must have drainage holes for this to work, of course.

A lot of plant owners love this technique, but should you bottom water a fiddle leaf fig?

The Pros and Cons of Bottom Watering

Pros:

• Bottom watering can help dried-out potting mix absorb water more evenly when water runs down the sides instead of soaking in.
• It keeps water off the leaves and can be convenient for smaller pots that are easy to lift.

Cons:

• Salts can build up if you only water from the bottom. Occasionally water from the top and let the excess drain away to help flush them out.
• A large fiddle can be awkward to lift into and out of a container of water.
• Bottom watering does not fix crowded roots or dense soil, and a pot left soaking too long can still become waterlogged.

Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Prefer Bottom Watering?

There isn’t one watering method that every fiddle prefers. The goal is to moisten the root ball evenly, let the pot drain, and wait until the soil needs water again. Choose the method that helps you do that consistently.

If you tend to overwater, focus on when you water rather than switching methods alone. Check the soil first, including deeper in the pot. When using Fiddle Leaf Fig Food, follow the current label for dilution, timing, and application method.

If your fiddle is growing well with top watering, keep doing what works! Bottom watering is an option, rather than a required upgrade to your routine.

If you’re still figuring out how to water your fiddle properly, try these articles!

How Dry Is Too Dry? When to Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

Factors to Consider When Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

How to Bottom Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig

So how do you bottom water a fiddle leaf fig if you decide this is a good idea for your plant?

It’s very simple!

Step 1: Make sure your fiddle is ready for a drink. Check whether the top inch of soil feels dry, then check deeper with a wooden stick or a moisture meter. If it’s still wet deeper down, wait. Meter scales vary, so don’t rely on one number alone.

Step 2: Fill a sink or sturdy container with a few inches of room-temperature water. It should reach the drainage holes while staying below the top of the pot. Make sure you can lift the plant back out safely.

Step 3: Set the pot in the water and check it after about 15 minutes. The mix should become moist as water moves upward; many pots need around 30 minutes. Once the root ball is evenly moist, take the pot out. Don’t leave it soaking for hours. If it still won’t absorb water, check the mix and roots rather than extending the soak indefinitely.

Step 4: Let the pot drain in the sink or tub before putting it back. Empty any water that collects in the tray under the pot or inside a decorative outer pot. Your fiddle shouldn’t be left sitting in water.

Give bottom watering a try if it suits your pot and helps the soil absorb water evenly. Keep checking the soil between waterings, whichever method you choose.

Have you tried to bottom water a fiddle leaf fig? How did it go? Let us know in our Facebook group.

To learn more:

• Sign up for our free Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101 Webinar and make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter.
• Download our free Propagation Guide
• Read The Fiddle Leaf Fig Expert, your complete guide to growing healthy fiddle leaf fig plants. The book is available in full-color paperback or Kindle edition on Amazon now!
• Join our Facebook Community and chat with other fiddle leaf fig lovers.

Grab the Essentials for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

• Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Soil (All Organic)
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food
• Root Rot Treatment to treat one of the most common issues affecting fiddle leaf figs.
• Houseplant Leaf Armor to protect against insects, bacteria, and fungus (As an added bonus, it also cleans and adds shine to your plant’s leaves!)
• Moisture meter to always know when your plant is thirsty.
• Houseplant Propagation Promoter to propagate more quickly and with more success.