Water your Fiddle-leaf fig when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil have dried out, which is often about once every 7 to 10 days in the growing season. Always water the Fiddle-leaf fig thoroughly until liquid drains from the pot, then discard whatever collects in the saucer. Reduce watering for the Fiddle-leaf fig in winter, when the plant uses less moisture and the soil stays damp longer. Overwatering is the most common cause of trouble for the Fiddle-leaf fig and can lead to root rot and dropped leaves. Let the moisture level guide your schedule rather than watering on a fixed calendar day.
The Fiddle-leaf fig prefers bright, indirect light and does best near an east- or south-facing window with a sheer curtain. A few hours of gentle morning sun suit the Fiddle-leaf fig, but harsh midday sun through glass can scorch its large leaves. In low light the Fiddle-leaf fig grows slowly, drops lower leaves, and may lean toward the brightest part of the room. Rotate the Fiddle-leaf fig a quarter turn every week or two so the plant grows evenly on all sides. Keep the Fiddle-leaf fig away from cold drafts and heating vents, which stress the foliage.
The cited reference lists Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The sap of the Fiddle-leaf fig contains irritant compounds that can also cause skin and mouth discomfort on contact. Place the Fiddle-leaf fig out of reach of pets and children, and wash your hands after pruning. If a pet or child has chewed or swallowed part of the Fiddle-leaf fig, contact a veterinarian or a poison-control line right away. This page reports what the source documents and does not certify any outcome for an individual animal.
Plant your Fiddle-leaf fig in a well-draining, peat-free potting mix amended with bark or perlite for airflow around the roots. Choose a pot for the Fiddle-leaf fig that has drainage holes, since standing water quickly damages the roots. Repot the Fiddle-leaf fig every 1 to 2 years in spring, moving up just one pot size at a time. When the Fiddle-leaf fig has outgrown the largest practical pot, refresh the top 5 centimeters of soil each spring instead. Firm the mix gently around the base of the Fiddle-leaf fig and water it in after repotting.
Brown spots on a Fiddle-leaf fig often signal overwatering or root rot, especially when the spots start at the leaf edges and the soil stays wet. Dropped leaves on the Fiddle-leaf fig usually follow a sudden change, such as a move, a draft, or a swing in watering. Pale or yellowing lower leaves on the Fiddle-leaf fig can point to too little light or a nutrient shortage during active growth. Wipe the broad leaves of the Fiddle-leaf fig with a damp cloth now and then to clear dust and to check for pests such as spider mites and scale. Steady light, steady watering, and stable temperature prevent most Fiddle-leaf fig problems.