Fiddle leaf figs are popular houseplants renowned for their huge, gorgeous leaves. However, despite their beauty, fiddle leaf figs are prone to several issues that can mar those stunning leaves, especially yellowing leaves and brown spots.
If your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves are turning yellow or developing brown spots, don’t panic! With the right troubleshooting and care, your plant can recover and thrive. This article will explore the most common causes of yellow leaves and brown spots on fiddle leaf figs and provide tips to get your plant back to perfect health.
What Causes Yellow Leaves on Fiddle Leaf Figs?
There are a few key reasons why a fiddle leaf fig may start to develop yellow leaves
Overwatering
The most common cause of yellow leaves is overwatering Fiddle leaf figs prefer soil that is moist but not soggy or waterlogged Too much water prevents the roots from getting oxygen, causing them to rot. Rotting roots leads to nutrient deficiencies, which shows up as yellowing leaves.
Low Light
Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they don’t get enough light, the leaves will start to turn pale green and eventually yellow. An ideal spot gets indirect light from two directions, like a south and west-facing window.
Root Bound
If the plant’s roots fill up the entire pot, it becomes root bound. This restricts nutrients and water from reaching the leaves, leading to yellowing. Root bound plants also dry out faster.
Improper Fertilizing
Too much or too little fertilizer can cause nutrient deficiencies. Follow package directions and only fertilize during the growing season.
What Causes Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Brown spots on the gorgeous leaves are another common issue with fiddle leaf figs. Here are some potential causes:
Root Rot
If the roots sit in wet soil too long, they rot. This fungal infection shows up as dark brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots start at the edges or base of leaves. Root rot can also cause leaf drop.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections look similar to root rot but the spots may be lighter brown. They also appear randomly on the leaves, not just on edges or base. The leaves may drop on both top and bottom of plant.
Dryness
Underwatering leads to dry, crispy brown spots, usually starting from the edges and moving inward. The leaves may also droop from lack of turgor pressure.
Sunburn
Too much direct sun can burn the leaves, causing light tan or bleached spots, especially on top leaves. May also see red, yellow, or white patches.
Physical Damage
If the plant was damaged during shipping or moving, this can cause tears, holes, and cracks in leaves that turn brown over time. Usually affects an otherwise healthy plant.
How to Fix Yellow Leaves and Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Figs
If your fiddle leaf fig is suffering from yellow leaves, brown spots, or both, here are some tips to nurse it back to health:
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For overwatering, allow the soil to dry out further before watering again. Pour out excess water in drip tray. Improve drainage if needed.
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Give more bright, indirect light if leaves are yellowing from low light. Slowly acclimate to direct sun.
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Repot in a larger container with fresh soil if root bound.
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Flush soil and apply balanced fertilizer at correct intervals.
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For root rot, replace wet soil and cut off affected roots. Use fungicide drench. Repot in sterile, fast draining soil.
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Improve watering habits and wait out bacterial infections. Apply bactericide spray.
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Water more frequently if dryness is the issue. Move plant away from heat vents.
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Prune off sunburned leaves. Add a sheer curtain to filter direct sun.
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Damaged leaves won’t recover fully so you can remove them. Give the plant time to heal.
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Use moisture meter to prevent over and underwatering.
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Keep the plant consistently warm in winter. Protect from drafts and temperature extremes.
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Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites which can damage leaves. Apply appropriate pest treatment.
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Consider using supplements like root rot treatment and leaf shine spray to improve plant health.
Yellow leaves and brown spots are common problems with fiddle leaf figs, but they can be overcome with a little detective work and some adjustment in care. Pay close attention to your plant’s watering, lighting, temperature, and pest presence to determine the cause. Address the underlying issue to see your fiddle leaf fig thrive with huge, shiny green leaves once again! With the right troubleshooting and care, your fiddle leaf fig can bounce back quickly and continue gracing your home with its beautiful presence.
Solving Common Issues with Fiddle Leaf Figs
Is your fiddle acting finicky? Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are some of the most dramatic, beautiful houseplants you can own, but they’re also prone to several potentially puzzling problems. Consult this quick guide to help identify and solve the most common issues with these gorgeous trees!
What’s Causing the Problem?: Overwatering
Yellow, discolored leaves are among the most common problems among fiddle leaf figs, and it’s often caused by a well-meaning carer who has simply gone overboard with watering. Fiddles thrive in soil that is kept relatively moist, but it should not be consistently waterlogged or soggy. Too much water (especially combined with insufficient drainage) can cause the roots to rot, leading to dull-looking leaves.
How to Fix It:
First, inspect your fiddle leaf fig’s pot; blocked drainage holes, or even a lack of drainage holes, may be causing the problem. If the water has somewhere to escape, give the pot some extra time to dry out in between waterings. Check the soil daily with your finger and water again once the soil is dry up to your second knuckle.
Not Enough Light
Fiddles are a bit particular about lighting; they need plenty of bright indirect light. Fiddles do well when they’re near a bright light source but aren’t in the direct path of intense rays. If your home has a location that receives indirect light from two windows (perhaps a south-facing and east-facing, or south-facing and west-facing), it might just be the perfect spot for your fiddle!
What’s Causing the Problem?: Watering or Temperature Issues
If your plant’s leaves were turning yellow prior to dropping, overwatering may be the culprit. However, if the leaves seemed to be a normal color before falling off the tree, your fiddle leaf fig might be falling victim to a different problem; extreme temperatures.
How to Fix It: Check around your plant for any vents or possible heat sources. Drafts from chilly air conditioning or too much hot air can stress out your plant, causing it to drop leaves quickly. If necessary, move your fiddle to a bright location with consistent temperatures.
Presence of Insects or Damaged Leaves
What’s Causing the Problem?: Pest Infestation
While a pest infestation is never good news, it’s rarely the end of the world. Inspect your fiddle leaf fig regularly, especially on the undersides of the foliage, to catch insect problems early. If you notice obvious signs of bugs (webbing, small holes, discolored ‘dots,’ or the actual insects themselves), act quickly—the sooner you treat the issue, the easier it will be!
How to Fix It:
Most houseplant pests can be managed with a natural pesticide like insecticidal soap, neem oil, antiseptic, or pyrethrin spray. Always follow the package instructions, and reapply regularly for several weeks to ensure you’ve fully eradicated your uninvited guests.
How to Treat Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves [& Save Your Plant Fast!]
FAQ
Why are my fig tree leaves turning yellow with brown spots?
- Overwatering: Excessive watering can lead to root rot, causing brown spots and yellowing leaves, especially at the edges.
- Solution: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure good drainage and repot into a well-draining soil if needed.
- Underwatering: While less common, under-watering can also cause browning.
- Solution: Water thoroughly until the soil is moist, but not soggy.
How to fix brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig?
Consistent watering is key to keeping your fiddle leaf fig healthy and free of brown spots and discoloration. Keep the soil consistently moist. In properly light conditions, this will require watering about once per week, but check the soil for dryness to be sure.
Why are the new leaves on my fiddle leaf fig speckled?
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Edema:This is the most common reason for red or brown spots on new fiddle leaf fig leaves. It’s essentially a form of moisture stress where the cells in the new growth burst due to excess water.
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Inconsistent watering:Fiddle leaf figs prefer consistently moist soil, but not soggy. If you’re watering too infrequently, the plant might suddenly take in a lot of water, leading to edema.
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Overwatering:Similarly, overwatering can also cause edema. The roots may not be able to handle the excess moisture, leading to stress in the new leaves.
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Other factors:While edema is the most frequent cause, other issues like fungal diseases or pests can also cause brown spots, especially if they are dark brown or spread across the leaf.