If you love the lush, tropical look of a fiddle leaf fig but want to make sure you’re not under-watering or over-watering it, then a moisture meter is the perfect tool for you.
Not sure when and how to use one? This guide will walk you through the basics of watering a fiddle leaf fig, explain what a moisture meter is and its benefits, show you how to use it, and provide ideal soil moisture readings as well as troubleshooting tips.
Get ready to confidently care for your fiddle leaf fig in no time.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Fiddle leaf figs should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
It is best to use a moisture meter to determine if the soil is dry or not.
Insert the moisture meter into the soil near the base of the fiddle leaf fig, and if the reading is below 5, it is time to water.
Be sure to water thoroughly, until the excess water is draining out of the bottom of the pot.
The Basics of Watering Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
When it comes to caring for a fiddle leaf fig plant, your primary focus should be on providing adequate water.
Many people are intimidated by the idea of using a moisture meter to water their plants, but the truth is that it can actually be a simple and effective way to ensure your plant is getting the right amount of water.
A moisture meter is a device that measures the amount of water in the soil of a plant.
By checking the meter regularly, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is receiving the correct amount of water.
When using a moisture meter to water your fiddle leaf fig, its important to know when to water and when to hold off.
Generally, the optimal moisture range for a fiddle leaf fig is 10-15 percent.
If the moisture meter reads below 10 percent, its time to water your plant.
On the other hand, if the meter reads above 15 percent, its likely that your fiddle leaf fig is being overwatered and should be allowed to dry out before the next watering.
In addition to using a moisture meter, there are also a few other ways to tell if your fiddle leaf fig needs water.
One of the most common indicators is the condition of the leaves.
If the leaves appear dry or wilted, its likely that the plant is in need of water.
Additionally, you can also check the soil itself.
If the soil feels dry to the touch, its time to give your plant a drink.
Overall, knowing when to water a fiddle leaf fig can be tricky, but with the help of a moisture meter, it can be relatively straightforward.
By regularly checking the moisture meter, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is receiving the right amount of water, which is essential for its health and growth.
What is a Moisture Meter?
A moisture meter is a device used to measure the moisture content in the soil of a fiddle leaf fig (and other plants).
It is an easy and convenient way to measure the amount of water in the soil and help determine when the plant should be watered.
The moisture meter works by inserting two probes into the soil to measure the electrical conductivity, which in turn gives an indication of the amount of water in the soil.
The device will then display a numerical reading on a scale of 0-100%, which indicates the moisture content of the soil.
If the reading is below 10%, it is time to water the plant; if it is above 15%, it is time to stop watering.
Checking the moisture meter regularly is important to ensure that the fiddle leaf fig is receiving the correct amount of water for optimal growth and health.
The moisture meter is an invaluable tool for anyone who is looking to care for fiddle leaf figs, as it takes the guesswork out of watering and ensures that the plants are getting the correct amount of water.
It is also useful for identifying signs of overwatering, as it can easily detect when the soil is too wet.
Furthermore, it can help diagnose a number of other problems, such as soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, and root rot.
Benefits of Using a Moisture Meter
Using a moisture meter to check the soil of a fiddle leaf fig has a number of benefits.
The most important benefit is that it ensures that the plant is receiving the correct amount of water.
It is easy to overwater a fiddle leaf fig, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
By using a moisture meter, the gardener can ensure that the soil is not too wet or too dry, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
Another benefit of using a moisture meter is that it can help to identify problems in the soil before they become a larger issue.
For example, if the moisture meter is consistently reading low, then it could be an indication that the soil is not retaining enough moisture.
In this case, the gardener can add mulch or other amendments to the soil to help increase the moisture retention.
Similarly, if the moisture meter is consistently reading too high, then it could be an indication that the soil is too compacted or that the plant is receiving too much water.
In this case, the gardener can take steps to aerate the soil or reduce the amount of water being applied.
Finally, using a moisture meter can help save time and effort.
Instead of guessing when the fiddle leaf fig needs to be watered, the gardener can simply check the moisture meter and water only when needed.
This can also help to conserve water and prevent overwatering.
How To Use a Moisture Meter
Using a moisture meter to water your fiddle leaf fig is a great way to ensure that the plant is getting the right amount of hydration.
Moisture meters are easy to use and are an accurate way to measure the moisture content in the soil of the fiddle leaf fig.
First, you will need to purchase a moisture meter.
Many garden stores and online retailers offer a variety of models to choose from.
Once you have your moisture meter, it is time to begin testing.
To use a moisture meter, begin by inserting the probes of the meter into the soil of the fiddle leaf fig.
Make sure to push the probes deep enough into the soil so that they are not just touching the surface.
Depending on the model, the moisture meter will either use color coded readings or a numerical scale.
Color coded readings typically range from green (representing too wet) to red (representing too dry).
Numerical readings will typically range from 0-100%.
For optimal growth and health, a fiddle leaf fig should be watered when the moisture meter reads between 10 and 15 percent.
If the meter reads below 10 percent, it is time to water the fiddle leaf fig.
If the meter reads above 15 percent, it is likely that the plant is overwatered and should not be watered further.
It is important to check the moisture meter regularly to ensure that the fiddle leaf fig is receiving the correct amount of water.
By using a moisture meter, you can be sure that your fiddle leaf fig is getting the right amount of hydration.
This will help the plant to thrive and ensure that it is healthy and vibrant.
Ideal Soil Moisture Levels for Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to watering your fiddle leaf fig, the most important thing to consider is the moisture level in the soil.
The ideal soil moisture level for a fiddle leaf fig is between 10 and 15 percent.
This range provides the perfect balance between hydration and drainage, giving your fiddle leaf fig enough water to stay healthy without becoming waterlogged or root-bound.
A moisture meter can help you determine the moisture level in your fiddle leaf figs soil.
These devices measure the electrical conductivity of the soil, which then tells you the amount of moisture present.
When the moisture meter reads between 10 and 15 percent, your fiddle leaf fig is receiving the perfect amount of water.
If the moisture meter reads below 10 percent, it is time to water your fiddle leaf fig.
When the soil is too dry, your fiddle leaf fig can become stressed and suffer from leaf drop and browning.
On the other hand, if the moisture meter reads above 15 percent, it is likely that your fiddle leaf fig is getting too much water and is in danger of becoming root-bound.
In this case, it is best to allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
By regularly checking the moisture meter and ensuring that the soil moisture level is between 10 and 15 percent, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is getting the right amount of water it needs to thrive.
Signs of Under-Watering and Over-Watering
When it comes to watering your fiddle leaf fig, it is important to know the signs of both under-watering and over-watering.
Under-watering a fiddle leaf fig can have serious consequences, as the plant will become dry and stressed.
Signs of under-watering include wilting, browning of leaves, and crunchy or brittle stems.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to water your fiddle leaf fig as soon as possible.
On the other hand, over-watering a fiddle leaf fig can also have serious consequences, as the plant can become waterlogged and root-bound.
Signs of over-watering include yellowing of leaves, drooping of leaves, and a foul smell coming from the soil.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to stop watering your fiddle leaf fig and let the soil dry out for a few days before watering again.
By knowing the signs of both under-watering and over-watering, you can ensure that your fiddle leaf fig is receiving the correct amount of water.
A moisture meter is a great way to make sure your fiddle leaf fig is getting the right amount of water, as it allows you to check the moisture level of the soil at any time.
The optimal moisture content for a fiddle leaf fig is between 10 and 15 percent, so make sure to check the moisture meter regularly to ensure your plant is getting the right amount of water.
Troubleshooting Tips
When it comes to troubleshooting water levels for your fiddle leaf fig, a moisture meter can be an extremely helpful tool.
While the ideal range for your plant is between 10 and 15 percent moisture, there are times when the meter may read higher or lower than this range.
Here are some tips for troubleshooting when your moisture meter is reading outside of the ideal range.
If your moisture meter reads below 10 percent, this means that your fiddle leaf fig is in danger of becoming dry and stressed.
To solve this issue, you should water your plant immediately and then check the moisture meter again after a few days.
If the meter still reads low, you may need to water your plant more regularly or consider repotting it in soil with better water retention.
On the other hand, if the moisture meter reads above 15 percent, it is likely that the plant is overwatered and is in danger of becoming waterlogged and root-bound.
In this case, you should stop watering your plant and wait until the meter reads below 10 percent before watering again.
Additionally, you should consider repotting your plant in a soil that drains better to avoid overwatering in the future.
By regularly checking the moisture level of your fiddle leaf fig with a moisture meter, you can ensure that it is receiving the correct amount of water.
If the meter reads outside of the ideal range, you can use the above troubleshooting tips to adjust the watering schedule and soil type of your plant accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Watering your fiddle leaf fig correctly is essential for its optimal growth and health.
Using a moisture meter can help you do this, as it will give you an accurate reading of the soil’s moisture content.
The ideal moisture levels for a fiddle leaf fig are between 10 and 15 percent.
If the levels are above 15 percent, the plant is likely overwatered, while if they are below 10 percent, the plant is likely under-watered.
To ensure your fiddle leaf fig is receiving the right amount of water, check the moisture meter regularly and take the necessary steps to adjust the watering frequency accordingly.