The following is a guest post from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Center. Everything you need to know to keep your beautiful fiddle leaf fig happy and healthy.
You’re a dedicated fiddle leaf fig owner, but something has gone wrong. Maybe you’ve noticed spots on your fiddle’s leaves, or maybe your leaves are drooping, or maybe your fiddle is dropping leaves like crazy!
What’s wrong with your fiddle leaf fig, and how can you save it in a hurry?
Don’t worry, here’s a quick reference to the most common issues fiddle leaf fig owners struggle with and how to save your plant.
(Photo: Steve Stanley)
What’s Up With Your Fiddle? (Plus how to save it)
Dark brown spots on the lower leaves - Your tree is overwatered and may have root rot. Give your tree plenty of light and the right amount of water. If the spots get larger, repot the tree into fresh, fast draining soil. Make sure your pot has great drainage.
Dark or medium brown spots in random places - Your tree may have a bacterial infection. Repot the tree into fresh soil, make sure it gets plenty of light, and ease up on the watering until the problem improves. You may also want to remove affected leaves to prevent the infection from spreading.
Crisp, light brown spots in random places - Your fiddle is underwatered. Don’t increase the frequency of your watering. Rather, give it more water when you do water. Never let the soil dry out completely. The soil should feel damp 2 to 3 inches below the surface when you water.
Drooping leaves - Leaves can droop for a few reasons, but the most common are shock, thirst and cold. If you just brought your plant home or otherwise changed its location, leave it alone. It should perk up in a few days. If your soil feels dry, give your tree a drink. If that isn’t it, make sure the tree isn’t near a draft or AC vent.
Red spot on new leaves - This is usually a sign of edema, which is caused by inconsistent watering. Luckily, edema isn’t dangerous and should fade as the tree grows. However, this can also be a sign of a spider mite infestation, so check the plant carefully for webbing or insects.
Yellowing leaves - Your plant is getting too much water, not enough light, and/or needs nutrients. Make sure you’re not overwatering, that your soil and pot drain well, and that your tree gets great light. If you haven’t fertilized in a while, add an organic liquid fertilizer to your care routine (we recommend Fiddle Leaf Fig Food!).
Holes in the leaves - If you see holes in new leaves, make sure to mist new leaf buds so they don’t tear as they grow. If you notice holes that get bigger or look like something has been snacking on the leaves, examine your plant closely for insects. If you find them, remove what you can by hand or with a hose or sprayer and treat your plant with diluted neem oil.
Leaf drop - If your tree occasionally drops a leaf or two from the bottom, don’t worry. It’s normal and healthy for fiddles to drop their lower leaves when they’re done with them. But if your tree is losing leaves rapidly from all over the plant, your tree could be suffering from shock, extreme dryness, or root rot.
If you just moved the plant’s location, it’s normal for it to drop a leaf or two. But if it’s more than that and doesn’t perk up within a few days, your fiddle might not like its new home! Make sure it gets plenty of light, sufficient humidity, and that it’s not too cold.
Look for some of the other signs above to determine whether the tree is overwatered or underwatered and treat accordingly.
Consistency is Key with Your Fiddle Leaf!
The best way to avoid all these issues is to give your tree plenty of indirect sunlight, the right amount of water, and most importantly, consistency. Once you understand what fiddles want, you’ll be a fiddle leaf fig pro!
For more great fiddle leaf fig care tips and products, visit us at the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Center and check out our book, The Fiddle Leaf Fig Expert, on Amazon!
Before you go: Check out our Fiddle Leaf Fig Revival Series on Healthy Houseplant’s YouTube Channel. This fiddle leaf fig named Matilda was dangerously close to contracting root rot.