If you love the look of fiddle leaf figs but don’t want to take care of a giant tree, or if you want to add a little variety to your houseplant collection, a bambino fiddle leaf fig, or dwarf fiddle leaf figs, may be the perfect plant for you!
These mini fiddles are adorable and come with all the beauty and charm of full-size fiddles but in a much smaller package! Bambinos only grow to be about 3 feet tall as opposed to about 12 feet for an indoor fiddle leaf fig (or 40+ for outdoor!).
A bambino is a great choice if you’re nervous about caring for a full-size fiddle, if you have a smaller space, or if you just like how these cute little fiddles look. And who wouldn’t?
As an indoor plant enthusiast, ensuring your Bambino plant is properly watered is crucial to keeping it healthy and thriving. But how often should you actually water it? Overwatering or underwatering can both cause issues, so getting the balance right is key This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watering your Bambino plant.
What Is a Bambino Plant?
First, let’s cover the basics. A Bambino plant, also sometimes called a Baby Rubber Plant, is a variety of the popular Ficus Elastica houseplant. It gets the name “Bambino” from the Italian word for “baby” thanks to its petite size.
These plants are native to tropical and subtropical Asia They feature thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves that give them an exotic, jungle vibe. Their smaller size makes them perfect for desks and tabletops
Signs Your Bambino Plant Needs Water
The number one indicator that your Bambino plant needs water is dry soil. Here are some signs to look for:
- The top inch or two of soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch
- Leaves start to droop or wilt slightly
- Leaves appear duller and less vibrant green
You may also notice slower growth or smaller new leaves if your plant is consistently underwatered.
How Often Should You Water Bambino Plants?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as watering frequency depends on various factors However, here are some general guidelines
- Spring/Summer – Water 1-2 times per week
- Fall/Winter – Water every 10-14 days
Key things that affect watering needs:
- Season – Plants need more frequent watering in hot, sunny weather. Less in cool or cloudy periods.
- Pot Size – Plants in smaller pots will need more frequent watering than those in larger pots.
- Soil Type – Well-draining soil mixes require more frequent watering than moisture-retentive soil.
- Temperature & Humidity – Warmer and drier environments lead to faster soil drying.
- Sun Exposure – Plants in brighter light dry out sooner than those in lower light.
- Plant Size – Larger, more established plants may need more frequent watering.
- Growth Period – Actively growing plants need more water than those in dormancy period.
Get to know your specific plant and its needs by sticking your finger in the soil to gauge when watering is required. With experience, you’ll get a feel for when your Bambino plant needs a drink.
Watering Best Practices
When you do water your Bambino plant, follow these tips:
- Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Avoid letting the plant sit in water – empty any drainage saucers promptly after watering.
- Use room temperature water – cold water can shock the roots.
- Water the soil, not the leaves – getting the leaves wet increases risk of fungal disease.
- Use filtered or distilled water if possible – tap water may contain salts and chemicals.
- Water first thing in the morning – this allows excess moisture time to evaporate.
- Add water-storing crystals to the soil mix – these help retain moisture between waterings.
Signs of Overwatering
It’s important to not overwater your Bambino plant, as too much moisture can easily lead to root rot and other problems. Watch for these signs:
- Leaves yellowing and dropping
- Mushy, dark spots on leaves
- Brown, mushy roots
- Mold growth on soil surface
- Foul odor from pot
If you notice these issues, cut back on watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Overwatered plants often can’t be saved, so it’s better to underwater a bit than risk rotting the roots.
Tips to Help Your Bambino Plant Retain Moisture
You can take some simple steps to help your Bambino plant stay hydrated for longer between waterings:
- Use a moisture-retentive potting mix with peat moss or coconut coir
- Add water-retaining crystals or gels to the soil
- Use a ceramic or terra cotta pot which absorbs and releases moisture
- Create a pebble tray to provide ambient humidity around the plant
- Mist plant leaves occasionally to supplement humidity
- Keep the plant away from heating/AC vents to avoid dry air
Troubleshooting Dry Leaves and Brown Spots
If your Bambino plant is showing dry, crispy leaves or brown spots, it likely means it needs more consistent moisture. Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Water more frequently, checking soil daily
- Move to a shadier spot or away from heat vents
- Mist leaves daily to increase humidity
- Switch to a pebble tray for extra humidity
- Ensure pot has drainage holes and well-draining soil
- Add mulch layer over soil to retain moisture
- Increase pot size to allow more soil to hold water
With some adjustments to your watering routine and environment, you can help hydrate a thirsty Bambino plant back to health. Proper soil moisture is vital to keeping those leaves looking lush.
Finding the Sweet Spot for Soil Moisture
Achieving the ideal moisture level for your Bambino plant soil takes some trial and error. You want the soil to stay evenly moist but never get waterlogged. Aim to water when the top few inches just start to feel dry. With the right pot, soil mix, and environmental adjustments you’ll find the sweet spot that keeps your Bambino hydrated and happy.
To keep your Bambino plant thriving, pay close attention to its watering needs. Water thoroughly when the top soil dries out, but don’t allow it to become bone dry or sit in standing water. Adjust frequency based on season, environment, and plant size. Address any overly dry leaves right away by watering more consistently. With a little experience, you’ll have no problem keeping your Bambino perfectly hydrated.
Are dwarf fiddle leaf figs and bambinos the same thing?
We get this question all the time! Yes, these two plants are the same thing. They are both miniature versions of a fiddle leaf fig.
How to identify a bambino fiddle leaf fig
Luckily, dwarf fiddle leaf figs are pretty easy to find and are usually sold in local garden stores, home improvement stores, and even grocery store plant sections. You can also find them in many online plant shops.
However, bambinos are sometimes labeled as regular fiddle leaf figs, and many unsuspecting shoppers won’t realize they have a bambino until months or even years later when their little plant hasn’t turned into a tall tree!
Bambinos and regular fiddles are tricky to tell apart when they’re small, but the best way to identify a true bambino is to look closely at the leaves: fiddle leaf fig leaves are large and pear- or fiddle-shaped while bambino leaves are much more rounded. Bambino leaves also tend to be thicker and “perkier” while regular fiddle leafs are a bit more relaxed.