Planta Entdecken

How to Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Veröffentlicht am November 20, 2025

How to Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

How to water

The top soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil is still moist, you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot. There are several ways to water Fiddle Leaf Figs - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Fiddle Leaf Figs love water, but they also like to dry out between waterings. Water well and then let the soil dry out before watering again.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put your Fiddle Leaf Fig back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Fiddle Leaf Figs are somewhat drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to stress about them drying up a bit.
— Planta tip

Häufig gestellte Fragen

How often should I water my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You should water your Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) when the topsoil is dry to the touch. These plants enjoy drying out between waterings.

What are the best ways to water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You can water a Fiddle Leaf Fig by pouring water over the soil until it drains, using bottom watering, or giving it a water bath. Choose the method that works best for you.

Can I overwater my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Yes, if the soil is still moist when you water, you risk giving your Fiddle Leaf Fig too much water, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the topsoil is dry before watering again.

Is bottom watering sufficient for a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Bottom watering is a good method, but it will not wash away salts and minerals from the soil. Make sure to also water over the soil every now and then to prevent buildup.

What should I do after watering my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

If you have a tray under the pot, always remove any collected water immediately to prevent the plant from sitting in it. If you watered under a tap, ensure all excess water has drained before moving the plant back.

How to water a Fiddle Leaf Fig

  1. Check that the topsoil is dry before watering again.

  2. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or placing the plant under a tap, until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

  3. If you have a tray under the pot, remove all collected water afterwards.

  4. If you watered under a tap, ensure all water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.