Do you have a fiddle leaf fig that looks like it’s seen better days? Are you worried that you’ve been overwatering it? Don’t worry; we have the secrets to help revive your fiddle leaf fig and get it back to its former glory.
In this article, we’ll cover the signs of overwatering, how to properly water your fiddle leaf fig, and how to avoid common mistakes.
With these tips and tricks, your fiddle leaf fig will be healthy and happy in no time.
So let’s get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To fix an overwatered fiddle leaf fig, it is important to first stop watering the plant.
Then, check the soil to see if it is overly saturated and if necessary, replace the soil with a well-draining potting mix.
The plant should also be placed in a spot with indirect light and good air circulation.
Lastly, monitor the soil for moisture and resume watering when the soil has dried out.
Signs of Overwatering in Fiddle Leaf Figs
When it comes to caring for your Fiddle Leaf Fig, one of the most important things to be aware of is the signs of overwatering.
Overwatering can be a common issue that many Fiddle Leaf Fig owners have to face, and it can lead to serious damage if it isnt addressed right away.
Fortunately, there are some tell-tale signs that you can look out for that will indicate if your Fiddle Leaf Fig is suffering from too much water.
The most common symptom of overwatering is wilting leaves, which is caused by the plant not being able to absorb enough oxygen from the soil due to the excess water.
If you notice your Fiddle Leaf Figs leaves are drooping or wilting, this is a sure sign that your plant is not getting the right amount of water.
Another sign of overwatering is yellowing leaves.
This can be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common is a lack of oxygen in the soil.
When the soil is too wet, it can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots and leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow.
Finally, you may also notice root rot, which is caused by a fungus that grows due to an abundance of water.
If you notice that the roots of your Fiddle Leaf Fig are turning a brown or black color, this is an indication that root rot has set in and needs to be addressed right away.
By being aware of these signs, you can be sure to take the necessary steps to revive your Fiddle Leaf Fig and prevent it from suffering further damage due to overwatering.
Identifying Poorly Draining Soil
When it comes to saving an overwatered fiddle leaf fig, the first step is to identify the issue: poorly draining soil.
Poorly draining soil does not allow the water to move through the soil and out of the pot, leaving the roots of the plant sitting in moisture for too long.
This can lead to root rot and other issues that can cause the plant to suffer.
To identify whether the soil is poorly draining, you can take out a handful of the soil and squeeze it tightly in your fist.
If water seeps out of the soil while youre squeezing it, its a good sign that the soil is too wet and not draining properly.
If this is the case, its important to replace the soil with a well-draining potting mix.
A good potting mix should contain peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, as these materials will help the soil to drain more effectively.
Its also important to make sure that the pot itself is not overly large.
A pot that is too large will hold too much moisture, leading to root rot and other issues.
The pot should be just slightly larger than the root ball of the fiddle leaf fig.
Finally, make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
These holes will allow excess water to drain out of the pot and away from the roots of the plant.
If the pot does not have any drainage holes, you can create them with a drill.
Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Watering your fiddle leaf fig is one of the most important steps to keep it healthy, and preventing overwatering is key.
Since they originate from tropical climates, they need moist soil and plenty of water to thrive.
However, overwatering can cause root rot, which can be difficult to reverse.
To ensure your plant is getting just the right amount of water, make sure the soil is well-draining and not compacted.
This will help prevent water from pooling in the pot, which can lead to overwatering.
Additionally, only water your fiddle leaf fig when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out.
Touch the soil with your finger and if it feels dry, then its time to water.
To help reduce the amount of moisture in the soil, you can cover the pot with a plastic bag and poke a few holes in it.
This will help keep the moisture in the soil from evaporating too quickly, and prevent overwatering.
Additionally, its important to make sure the pot is placed in a location with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
This will help keep the soil dry and prevent overwatering.
With the right care, your fiddle leaf fig should be able to recover from overwatering.
Covering the Pot to Reduce Moisture
One of the most effective steps you can take when trying to fix an overwatered fiddle leaf fig is to cover the pot with a plastic bag.
This helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the soil, which is essential for the health of the plant.
To do this, simply place the entire pot in a plastic bag and poke a few holes in it so that there is enough air circulation.
The bag should be kept on at all times, but you may need to adjust the number of holes depending on the humidity levels in your home.
Another benefit of covering the pot with a plastic bag is that it can help the soil retain moisture more effectively.
This is especially helpful if you live in a dry climate or have a plant that is prone to drying out quickly.
By keeping the pot covered, you can maintain an ideal soil moisture level for your fiddle leaf fig.
Finally, covering the pot also helps protect the plant from any drafts or cold temperatures in the room.
This is especially important for plants that are already in a weakened state due to overwatering.
By keeping the pot covered, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is not exposed to any harsh temperatures that could further damage the plant.
Location Considerations for Fiddle Leaf Figs
When it comes to caring for a fiddle leaf fig, the location of the plant is just as important as the amount of water and sunlight it receives.
To ensure your fiddle leaf fig thrives, it is essential to place the plant in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Ideally, you should place the fiddle leaf fig in an area that receives at least six to eight hours of indirect sunlight each day.
Its best to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves of the plant.
Additionally, its important to make sure that the air around the fiddle leaf fig is not too dry or humid.
The ideal temperature for a fiddle leaf fig is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature is too high or too low, the plant can become stressed and develop problems.
Make sure that the location of the plant is away from any drafts, vents or air conditioners that may cause the temperature to fluctuate.
Finally, its important to ensure that the pot of the fiddle leaf fig is placed in a stable location.
If the pot is placed in an area with a lot of foot traffic or movement, the soil can become unsettled and the roots of the plant can become damaged.
Make sure to choose a spot that is away from any potential disturbances.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig has the ideal location to thrive.
With the right care and attention, your fiddle leaf fig should be able to recover from overwatering and reward you with lush, beautiful foliage.
Additional Tips for Reviving Overwatered Fiddle Leaf Figs
When it comes to reviving an overwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF), there are a few additional tips that can be helpful.
One of the most important things to do is to reduce the amount of water in the soil.
This can be done by covering the pot with a plastic bag and poking a few holes in it.
This will help to limit the amount of moisture that can evaporate from the surface of the soil, and will also reduce the amount of water that is retained in the soil.
Additionally, try to place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light.
This will help to further reduce the amount of moisture in the soil, and will also help to create an environment that is conducive to the growth of the FLF.
Another helpful tip is to make sure that the soil is well-draining, and not compacted.
This will help prevent future overwatering, as compacted soil will retain more water than well-draining soil.
Additionally, make sure to water only when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out.
This will help ensure that the soil does not become oversaturated, which can be fatal for FLFs.
With the right care and attention, your Fiddle Leaf Fig should be able to recover from overwatering.
By following these tips and taking the necessary steps to reduce the amount of moisture in the soil, you can help your FLF to thrive and be healthy once again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to caring for a fiddle leaf fig, one of the most common mistakes that people make is overwatering.
This can be a tricky situation to tackle, as it can quickly damage the roots and cause other issues such as root rot.
To prevent overwatering, it is important to understand the plants needs and the signs of overwatering.
The first step to avoiding overwatering is to make sure that the soil is well-draining and not compacted.
This will allow the water to drain away from the roots, preventing them from becoming soggy and potentially rotting.
Additionally, it is important to water only when the top two inches of soil have dried out.
This will help prevent the soil from getting too wet and keeping the roots healthy.
Another mistake to avoid when caring for a fiddle leaf fig is placing the pot in an area with too much direct sunlight.
The plant needs bright, indirect light to thrive, so it is important to find a spot that provides the right amount of light.
Additionally, make sure the pot is placed in an area with good air circulation.
Poor air circulation can lead to stagnant air and increased humidity, which can further contribute to overwatering.
Finally, it is important to avoid fertilizing too often.
Fiddle leaf figs are slow-growing plants, so they do not need to be fertilized every week.
Once a month should be enough to give the plant the nutrients it needs.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is not overwatered and stays healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
Overwatering can be detrimental to your fiddle leaf fig, but with the right care, its possible to bring it back to life.
Make sure the soil is well-draining, only water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out, and consider covering the pot with a plastic bag.
Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light and good air circulation, and avoid common mistakes like over-fertilizing.
With these tips in mind, you can help revive your overwatered fiddle leaf fig and keep it growing strong.
So get out there, and start caring for your fiddle leaf fig!.