How to Revive an Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig is a popular houseplant, but its health can decline quickly. A drooping or browning plant often leads owners to question their care routine, and understanding if a lack of water is the issue is the first step toward recovery. This guide explains how to identify an underwatered plant, nurse it back to health, and establish a sustainable care regimen.

Signs of an Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig

Identifying a thirsty fiddle leaf fig involves observing its leaves and soil. The most immediate sign is drooping, where leaves and stems hang limply due to a lack of water. You may also notice the leaves curling inward from the edges, a mechanism to reduce water loss.

Another indicator is the appearance of dry, crispy brown spots that start on the leaf’s edge and feel brittle. This is different from the soft, dark spots of an overwatered plant. The soil itself will also be telling; it will feel bone-dry and may shrink away from the sides of the pot, creating a visible gap.

How to Revive an Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig

When a fiddle leaf fig is severely dehydrated, the most effective revival method is bottom watering, as it allows compacted soil to rehydrate evenly. Fill a basin, sink, or bathtub with two to four inches of water. Make sure the water level is high enough to submerge the pot’s drainage holes but not so high that it spills over the top.

Place the pot directly into the water. The dry soil will absorb water from the bottom up. Allow the plant to soak for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the top layer of soil feels moist to the touch.

After the soak, let the pot drain completely for at least an hour to prevent roots from sitting in stagnant water. If bottom watering is not feasible, a thorough top watering where you slowly saturate the soil until water runs freely from the drainage holes is a good alternative.

Preventing Future Underwatering

Establishing a consistent watering schedule is the best way to prevent future underwatering. The most reliable method is to check the soil’s moisture level. Insert your finger two to three inches into the topsoil; if it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water. Check weekly, but only water when the plant needs it, rather than adhering to a rigid calendar.

Environmental factors also influence how frequently your plant requires water. A fiddle leaf fig in a bright, warm room will dry out faster than one in a cooler, lower-light setting. Porous terracotta pots lose moisture more quickly than non-porous plastic or glazed ceramic ones, and plants need less water during the dormant winter months.

After rehydrating your plant, wait one or two weeks to assess which leaves will recover. Some drooping leaves may regain their firmness, while others that have become completely brown and crispy will not. You can then prune any dead leaves by snipping them off at the base of the leaf stem, which allows the plant to direct its energy toward new growth.