For many fiddle leaf fig owners, nothing is as terrifying as noticing that your beloved fiddle has dropped a leaf or, *gasp*, several leaves!
Before you panic and start watering, repotting, buying grow lights, putting your plant outside, or checking for insects, take a breath.
The good news is that sometimes, dropping a leaf or two here or there is actually normal and even healthy for fiddle leaf figs.
All plants shed leaves over time because they’re constantly growing new ones. Older leaves might simply drop off as the tree grows new leaves to replace them.
Here are the signs that your fiddle’s leaf dropping is actually healthy and not a cause for concern.
As a proud fiddle leaf fig owner, you likely know these plants are prone to dropping their older, lower leaves over time. This natural process helps the tree focus energy on new growth up top. But excessive bottom leaf drop can indicate problems Here’s a guide to causes, care tips, and solutions when your fiddle leaf fig drops bottom leaves.
Why Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Drop Bottom Leaves?
Losing a few bottom leaves here and there is normal But rapid leaf loss down low can have various causes
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Maturity – Older bottom leaves naturally yellow and shed as the tree matures. This allows more light to reach new top growth.
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Underwatering – Too little water causes lower leaves to dry out and drop Check soil moisture levels regularly,
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Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root rot and inability to take up water, causing leaf drop.
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Light – Low light means the tree drops inner leaves lacking sunlight. Rotate or move closer to a bright, indirect light source.
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Root restriction – Limited water and nutrients uptake from crowded roots causes leaf loss. Repot if rootbound.
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Pests – Spider mites, mealybugs and other pests can damage leaves. Inspect and treat any infestations.
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Shock – Stress from repotting, moving location, or temperature swings can shock the tree into dropping leaves.
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Dry air – Drafts and low humidity cause leaves to brown and fall off. Increase surrounding humidity for the plant.
Signs of Healthy vs. Excessive Leaf Drop
Losing 1-5 bottom leaves per year is normal as the fiddle leaf fig sheds older leaves. But rapid leaf loss or bare stems down low indicates a problem.
Healthy leaf drop signs:
- Losing just a few mature leaves per year
- New growth emerging at the top
- Leaves remain green and healthy
- Steady, upright growth
Excessive leaf drop signs:
- Many leaves rapidly yellowing and falling
- Leaf loss plus weak, limp stems
- Multiple leaves dropping in a short time
- Discoloration spreads up from older leaves
- Spots, curling, or mushy leaves
Causes & Solutions For Excessive Bottom Leaf Drop
If your fiddle leaf fig is rapidly dropping multiple bottom leaves, one of these issues is likely the cause:
Underwatering
Too little water causes lower leaves to yellow, dry out, and drop off. Check soil moisture levels with a meter. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot. Increase frequency/amount if needed.
Overwatering
Excess moisture leads to root rot, preventing water and nutrient uptake. Check roots for black, mushy areas and repot in fresh, well-draining soil if rot is found. Allow soil to partly dry out before watering again.
Low Light
Insufficient bright, indirect light causes inner or lower leaves to drop. Rotate the fiddle leaf fig to evenly distribute light. Move to an east or west facing window if light is too low.
Root Restriction
If the roots are dense and crowded, the tree can’t take up enough water and nutrients. Repot in a larger container with fresh potting mix to give roots more room.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs and other pests can damage leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. Check for small webs, sticky residue, or bugs on leaves. Treat any infestations.
Dry Air
Drafts and low humidity cause lower leaves to brown and fall off. Mist leaves, use a pebble tray, or get a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. Avoid drafty spots.
Shock
Stress from repotting, location change, or temperature swings can cause leaf drop. Stabilize conditions and care for the tree gently while it recovers from shock.
Caring For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
While some bottom leaf drop is normal, proper care can help minimize excessive loss:
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Provide bright, indirect light from an east or west window. Rotate to distribute light evenly.
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Check soil moisture levels routinely with a meter. Water thoroughly until excess drains out.
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Mist leaves and use a pebble tray to maintain 50-60% humidity around the plant.
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Repot in a larger container if roots are crowded using a well-draining potting mix.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
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Inspect closely for pests like spider mites. Isolate and treat any infestations immediately.
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Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.
With attentive care, your fiddle leaf fig can thrive for years while naturally shedding some older bottom leaves. Don’t panic over a few yellow leaves falling off – it’s often normal. Just focus on consistent moisture, light, and feeding. Serious rapid leaf drop warrants prompt adjustments to your care regimen. But with the right conditions, your fiddle leaf fig will continue growing gorgeous, vibrant leaves.
When To Remove Dropped Leaves
It’s best to promptly remove fallen leaves showing any signs of damage, disease, or decay to avoid pest and fungus issues. Here are tips on when to pick up dropped leaves:
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Collect fallen leaves before they start decomposing to prevent mold growth.
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Dry, crispy yellow leaves should be removed as soon as they drop since they are dead.
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Pick up any partly yellow leaves within a few days if they don’t recover.
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Always remove leaves with dark brown spots or mushy areas, as they may be diseased.
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For propagation, only choose fully green, undamaged dropped leaves.
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To encourage new growth, trim off any dead or dying leaves still hanging onto the plant.
Keeping fallen leaves cleaned up promotes better fiddle leaf fig health. And you can use healthy dropped leaves to propagate new plants! Quick debris removal plus attentive care will keep your fig’s iconic foliage thriving.
FAQ About Fiddle Leaf Fig Bottom Leaf Drop
Here are some common questions about managing dropped bottom leaves in fiddle leaf fig trees:
How many bottom leaves dropping is normal?
Losing 1-5 mature bottom leaves per year is generally normal. More than that or rapid leaf loss indicates a problem.
Why do only my bottom leaves turn yellow and fall off?
The bottom leaves are the oldest, so it’s natural for them to yellow and shed as the tree drops unproductive lower leaves over time.
Should I remove dropped leaves right away?
Yes, promptly clean up fallen leaves before they decay to avoid pests and fungi. Dropped yellow leaves won’t recover.
What does excessive bottom leaf drop mean?
Losing many bottom leaves rapidly or bare stems down low signifies an underlying issue such as underwatering, pests, or improper care.
How can I stop my fiddle leaf fig dropping so many leaves?
Assess care methods like water, light, fertilizing, and pest prevention. Make any necessary adjustments to care for excessive leaf drop.
Is my plant dying if dropping lots of leaves?
Significant leaf loss is concerning but doesn’t necessarily mean death. Troubleshoot potential problems and improve conditions to help it recover.
By staying vigilant and promptly addressing any leaf drop issues, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving for years to come. A few dropped bottom leaves are normal, but rapid leaf loss warrants attention. With the right adjustments to care, your fiddle leaf fig will continue growing lush, vibrant leaves.
What Does Normal Leaf Drop for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Look Like?
The bottom leaves are usually the oldest leaves because most new growth on fiddle leaf figs occurs at the top.
It’s normal for bottom leaves to droop and eventually fall off because the tree just doesn’t need them anymore.
If your tree drops a leaf or two from the bottom, don’t panic.
Dropped leaves may be a little yellow
Brown spots are cause for concern, but yellowing on dropped leaves generally isn’t. Lots of yellowing leaves on the tree can mean that your tree is getting too much water and not enough light or fertilizer, but if a lower leaf yellows and drops, that means the tree is no longer maintaining that leaf and is just done with it.
An old leaf that dropped off an otherwise healthy tree.
To sum it up, if your tree occasionally drops a lower leaf that is generally unmarked but maybe a little yellow, you can rest easy. Your fiddle is healthy and just carrying out a natural process!