Fiddle Leaf Fig Watering Guide: How Much and How Often

Published: November 3, 2020 | Updated: October 21, 2026

Quick answer: Check the soil before reaching for the watering can. If the top inch feels dry and it’s no longer wet deeper down, water slowly until water runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, and don’t leave it sitting in water.

Watering your houseplants can be overwhelming.

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. If you water your plant too much (which is pretty common), you will kill it. If you don’t water enough, it will suffer. What’s a plant owner to do?

Diagnose: Is Your Plant Getting Too Much or Too Little Water?

If you’re confused about whether your plant has been getting too much or too little water, there are some surefire ways to tell.

First, ask yourself the following questions about over-watering:

1. Do you water before the soil has had a chance to dry? Watering again while the root ball is still wet can keep roots too soggy.
2. Is the soil wet to the touch one inch below the surface? Stick your finger in and find out. If it is still moist, wait and check again before adding water. (Make sure to use a well-draining potting soil like this.)
3. Do your plant’s leaves have dark spots or edges? This could signify too much water.
4. Are there flies or a musty smell in your plant’s soil? Persistently damp soil can encourage fungus gnats; check moisture and drainage rather than relying on this sign alone.

Now ask yourself the following questions about under-watering:

1. Are the newest leaves smaller than the existing leaves? They may be lacking water or nutrients for growth.
2. Is your plant dropping leaves? This can be caused by low humidity or thirst.
3. Is the top inch of soil very dry? Your plant may be thirsty.
4. Are the edges of your plant’s leaves yellow or brown? They may be dry.

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.

Check the soil and growing conditions before choosing a remedy. A moisture meter can help you compare moisture levels, but use it alongside a finger check and your observations of how the pot dries.

How Often You Should Water

Check your fiddle leaf fig regularly, and avoid letting the entire root ball become so dry that the soil pulls away from the pot. A reminder is useful for checking the plant, rather than watering automatically.

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. The vicious cycle of erratic watering (alternating between over- and under-watering) can lead to the death of your plant.

There is no single watering interval that suits every fiddle leaf fig. Use the condition of the potting mix, rather than a fixed weekly schedule, to decide when to water.

Set a regular reminder to check the soil. Water when the upper soil has dried and the root ball is no longer wet; check again later if the potting mix is still moist.

Light, temperature, pot size and potting mix affect how quickly a plant uses water. Adjust the interval as conditions change instead of assuming the same schedule will work year-round.

A pot with drainage holes is essential: excess water needs a way to escape.

Make sure your plant is potted in a well-draining mix. If the upper inch is dry, also check that the soil deeper in the pot is not still soggy before watering. If it stays wet unusually long, consider the light, pot size and drainage before deciding whether to repot your plant.

Our Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Soil is all organic. Organic materials in a potting mix can help retain moisture and nutrients, while an airy mix gives roots space to grow. Drainage holes and soil checks still matter: organic soil does not remove the need to water and feed appropriately.

How Much You Should Water

This older video discusses a cup-based watering method. A fixed cup amount does not suit every plant or pot; use the soil checks and drainage-based instructions in this article to guide your own routine.

When your plant needs water, moisten the potting mix evenly and allow excess water to drain from the pot.

The amount needed depends on the pot and root ball, not just the height of the plant.

Pour slowly over the soil surface until excess water runs from the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. A fixed number of cups can leave some pots too dry and others too wet.

Never let your plant sit in water, and make sure your container fully drains each time you water.

The Best Water for your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Did you know that the type of water you use can affect the way your plant grows? Water quality is one factor to consider alongside watering frequency, light and drainage. Watch the video above for more about water choice and temperature.

Feed Your Plant

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. Just like humans need the proper fuel to replenish our bodies, to support a healthy plant, it’s critical to provide proper nutrition.

Use Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food according to the current bottle label. Match feeding to active growth and plant condition, and do not add water solely because a feeding date has arrived.

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. Order your one-year supply of Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food online today.

What Are the Next Steps?

• To help with watering your fiddle leaf fig tree, read all about how to use a moisture meter to know when to water your fiddle leaf fig.
• Protect your houseplant from insects, bacteria, and fungus with our Houseplant Leaf Armor. (As an added bonus, the Leaf Armor also cleans and adds shine to your houseplant’s leaves!)
• To learn more, sign up for our free Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101 Webinar for advanced fiddle leaf fig care.
• Subscribe to our newsletter.
• 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!
• Click to join our community on Facebook: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Group.