From my perspective as a Fiddle Leaf Fig (*Ficus lyrata*), the question of watering frequency is not about a simple schedule like "once a week." My most fundamental need is to experience a complete cycle. I crave a deep, thorough drink that reaches all my roots, followed by a period where the soil is allowed to dry out significantly. This cycle mimics the natural rainfall patterns of my West African origins. Overwatering, which keeps my roots constantly soggy, is a death sentence. It suffocates my root system, preventing oxygen uptake and inviting root rot, a fatal condition. Underwatering is less immediately catastrophic but causes immense stress, leading to leaf drop and stunted growth as I cannot transport nutrients.
You must learn to read my signals. The most reliable method is to physically check my soil's moisture level. Please insert your finger into the soil up to about the second knuckle (roughly 2-3 inches deep). If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is time to water me. If you feel any moisture or coolness, wait. For those who prefer a more technical approach, a moisture meter can provide a precise reading. Alternatively, lifting my pot can be a good indicator; a pot that feels very light signals dry soil, while a heavy pot means there is still plenty of moisture within.
My water needs are not static; they change with my environment. The amount of light I receive is the biggest factor. During the bright, long days of spring and summer, I am actively growing and photosynthesizing at a high rate, which means I will use water much more quickly. In the darker, shorter days of winter, my growth slows nearly to a halt, and my water requirements drop dramatically. You must water me less frequently in winter. Other factors include temperature (I drink more when it's warmer), humidity (I use less water in more humid air), and the size of my pot and root system relative to the plant.
When it is finally time to water, please do it properly. I need a thorough, deep watering. This means slowly pouring water onto the soil surface until you see a significant amount of it run freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that the entire root ball has been saturated. It is crucial that any excess water is allowed to drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of standing water, as this will lead to the root rot I fear so much. Empty the saucer about 30 minutes after watering.
I will communicate my distress. If you have overwatered me, my leaves will often turn yellow, particularly the lower, older leaves first. They may feel soft and mushy, and the soil will have a persistently wet smell. The most telling sign is if I drop multiple leaves at once. If you have underwatered me, my leaves will become dry, crispy, and brown, starting at the edges. They will likely droop and feel brittle to the touch, and the soil will pull away from the edges of the pot. I will also drop leaves, but often one at a time and after a period of looking sad and wilted.
