At a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Ficus lyrata
At a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Ficus lyrata
When and how much water
Water Fiddle-leaf fig when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Fiddle-leaf fig needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Feeding
Feed Fiddle-leaf fig every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Fiddle-leaf fig is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Toxic to pets.
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Fiddle-leaf fig toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Fiddle-leaf fig?
Water your Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days; in winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Fiddle-leaf fig need?
Fiddle-leaf fig needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Fiddle-leaf fig safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Fiddle-leaf fig out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Gerbera daisy, Echeveria, or Donkey’s tail.
Why are my Fiddle-leaf fig’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Fiddle-leaf fig, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for brown spots on leaves, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see crispy brown leaf edges, drooping leaves, or curling leaves instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · native range · common name
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · indoor cultural conditions · insects, diseases, and other plant problems
- University of California Agriculture and Natural ResourcesHouseplant care · water when top two inches dry · feeding · humidity · toxicity
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · position · soil · moisture · under-glass · pests and diseases
- Animal Poisons Centre / Animal Poisons HelplineFicus lyrata identification · milky sap · ingestion and contact signs
Last reviewed: 2026-09-05
