How Do I Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

The fiddle leaf fig, or Ficus lyrata, is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves. It can thrive indoors when it gets the right balance of bright light, consistent watering, warmth, and good drainage. 

How Much Water Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig Need?

 Costa Farms fiddle leaf figs are sold in 6-inch and 10-inch pots. Pot size affects how much water the plant needs and how long the potting mix takes to dry. 

 As a general guide: 

• 6-inch pot: Use one cup of room-temperature water on watering day.

• 10-inch pot: Use 3 cups of room-temperature water on watering day.

Always check the potting mix before watering. Fiddle leaf figs do best when the top half of the potting mix dries out between waterings. They do not like to stay soggy, but they also should not dry out completely for long periods. 

How Do I Know When to Water? 

Check the potting mix before watering instead of watering only by the calendar.

One easy way to check is with a wooden chopstick, barbecue skewer, or similar wooden stick:

1. Gently push the stick about halfway down into the potting mix.
2. Pull it out.
3. If the stick comes out mostly clean and dry, it is probably time to water.
4. If damp potting mix sticks to it, wait a few more days and check again.

How Often Should I Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig? 

Watering frequency depends on light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and the season.
As a general guideline:

• Spring and summer:
  • 6-inch pot: about every 7 days
  • 10-inch pot: about every 2 weeks
• Fall and winter:
  • 6-inch pot: about every 2 weeks
  • 10-inch pot: about every 3 weeks

These are only starting points. Always check the potting mix first.

How Should I Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig? 

Pour water slowly and evenly across the surface of the potting mix. This helps moisture reach the roots throughout the pot instead of only one area.

Water the potting mix directly and avoid splashing water on the leaves.

If the plant is sitting inside a decorative pot or saucer, check for standing water about 20 minutes after watering. Empty any water that collects in the bottom. Fiddle leaf figs need moisture, but sitting in water will lead to root problems.

How Much Light Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig Need? 

Fiddle leaf figs grow best in bright, indirect light. The more bright light the plant receives, the better it typically grows, but avoid harsh direct afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves.

Good locations include:

• Near an east-facing window
• Near a bright south- or west-facing window with filtered light
• A bright room where the plant casts a noticeable shadow for much of the day

A little direct morning sun is usually fine. If the plant is leaning toward the window, rotate it every couple of weeks so it grows more evenly.

This is not a low light plant.

Should I Fertilize My Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Feed your fiddle leaf fig in spring and summer, when it is actively growing. Use a time-release houseplant fertilizer pellets and follow directions on the packaging.

Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Fertilizing when the plant is not actively growing can do more harm than good.

What Temperature and Humidity Does It Need?

Fiddle leaf figs prefer warm, stable indoor conditions.

• Keep temperatures above 60°F for best growth.
• Avoid cold drafts, heating vents, and air-conditioning vents.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can stress the plant and contribute to leaf drop.

Fiddle leaf figs also appreciate average to above-average humidity. If indoor air is very dry, especially in winter, place a humidifier nearby or group houseplants together to gently raise humidity around the plant. Dry air can contribute to crispy brown leaf edges.

Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves?

Some lower leaf drop can be normal as a fiddle leaf fig grows. Sudden or heavy leaf drop is usually a sign of stress.

Common causes include:

• Too little light
• Too much or too little water
• Cold drafts
• Sudden changes in temperature, location, or watering routine
• Water collecting in the saucer or decorative pot

Check the potting mix first, then make sure the plant is in bright, indirect light and away from vents or drafts.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow or Brown?

Leaf color and texture can help you identify the issue.

• Yellow leaves or brown spots with yellow halos: Often linked to too much moisture or poor drainage.
• Dry, crispy edges: Often linked to underwatering, very dry air, or too much direct sun.
• Leaves stretching or leaning: Usually means the plant wants more light.
• Soft stems or consistently wet potting mix: May indicate overwatering.

Both overwatering and underwatering can cause yellow or brown leaves on fiddle leaf figs, so check the potting mix before changing your care routine. 

When Should I Repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Fiddle leaf figs do not need frequent repotting. Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its container or the potting mix is in need of replacement.

Signs it may be time to repot include:

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes
• Water running through the pot very quickly
• The plant drying out much faster than usual
• Growth slowing even during spring or summer
• The plant becoming unstable or top-heavy

Move up just one pot size, usually 1–2 inches wider than the current pot. Use a high-quality, well-draining houseplant potting mix. 

For step-by-step help, see our guide to repotting houseplants guide or watch our Costa Farms repotting video.