3 Simple Secrets to a Healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

If you haven’t heard, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is the plant of our era. But despite the place that it has won in our collective hearts and homes, many of us still do not know how to care for it properly. Even simple tasks like watering can cause issues for many owners.

Apart from trendy, stunning, and structural, Fiddle Leaf Figs are also described as finicky, delicate, and hard to please. But is that really the case? Truth be told, this plant often lands in the homes of brand new plant parents who could not resist the appeal. And while everyone can and should experience the joy that plants bring into our lives, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is not always our first recommendation for new plant parents! The Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a very low maintenance plant, but knowing the basics—and what to look out for when things go wrong—is crucial to keeping this plant beautiful and growing over time.

Below find the three expert secrets to maintaining a happy and healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig, for both novice and experienced plant owners alike.

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The Secret to Keeping Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Happy Is Watering Properly

Fiddle Leaf Figs have unique watering needs and need to dry out for a brief period before being rehydrated. New owners are prone to overwatering their Fiddle Leaf Figs because they do not understand how crucial this cycle is for the plant. But even otherwise experienced plant owners can struggle with over and underwatering this plant. The secret to watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig just right lies in following these three simple tips:

Water your plant once a week. This is a great rule of thumb to get you started. Set a day for this in your calendar so you never forget. Watering once a week is likely the most that you want to water. Depending on the unique conditions of your home your Fiddle Leaf Fig might take longer to dry out between waterings and you might end up watering every 10 days. That’s okay, what is important is that you are giving your plant what it needs on a consistent basis.

Always take a moment to feel your plant’s soil before you water next. Stick your finger, or a chopstick, about two inches into the soil. Does dirt cling to it? If your plant’s soil is still moist and it needs more time before you water again. Did all the dirt fall away when you pulled it out? Your plant’s soil is likely dry enough and you may water. Over time you will begin to figure out how much time your unique Fiddle Leaf Fig needs between watering.

Give your plant the same amount each time you water. Many fiddle leaf fig owners like to follow a rule of one cup of water per two feet of growth from the base of the soil to the tallest leaf. The exact measurement for this rule varies from expert to expert but what we’ll say is that your plant desires consistency most. So try watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig a set amount each week and see how it responds. If it begins drying out faster than usual up the amount of water that you give it. At the end of the day measuring will be more precise than simply pouring water until you think it’s had enough. Also remember that you may need to water more during the warmer months of the year than you might, say, in the winter.

Fertilize your plant each time you water during the spring and summer months. If you want your Fiddle Leaf Fig to produce large glossy leaves then you need to give it the nutrients that it needs. The time to fertilize is from spring to summer, and you can slowly taper off your fertilizing routine in the fall. All that you need to do is add diluted houseplant food or Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food to your plant’s water every week in the spring and summer. This will become every other week in the fall. Your plant needs nutrients for growth that it can’t get from potting soil alone. Using a diluted liquid fertilizer will supplement the nutrients in your plant’s soil and might be just what you need if the newer leaves on your plant are smaller than the old ones.

Now you know the secret to maintaining an Instagram-worthy Fiddle Leaf Fig! Remember that patience is key, and always keep growing!

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.