Fiddle leaf fig ( Ficus lyrata ) is a Beautiful tree This houseplant is known for its large, oval leaves that make it a popular choice. One drawback is that this species can be challenging to care for. A Tropical plant Fiddle leaf figs, which are indigenous to western Africa, thrive in conditions of ample sunlight, high humidity, and damp soil. If the plant is not meeting its needs or is under stress, it can simply drop its leaves. To prevent this from happening, we spoke with gardening professionals who provided a range of reasons why figs lose leaves and tips on how To fix each problem
- Linda Langelo , horticulture specialist at Colorado State University
- Justin Hancock horticulturist for Costa Farms
Overwatering
The fiddle leaf fig’s roots may be negatively affected by overwatering, which can cause soil to become waterlogged and oxygen depleted Root rot Linda Langelo, a Colorado State University professor of horticulture, suggests that the leaves may turn brown and fall off
To avoid overwatering your plant, feel the soil before watering it. If the potting mix appears wet or dry, Justin Hancock, horticulturalist for Costa Farms, advises to wait a few days and double-check. Langelo suggests that If the soil is too watered, it should be re-egged in a container with well-drained potting soil. Make certain that the pot has a hole in it for water to escape
Underwatering
Conversely, a fiddle leaf fig may experience the loss of its leaves due to submersion. This is because the potting mix does not provide enough moisture for the roots to reach. Hancock suggests that monitoring plant growth is the most effective way to prevent underwater exposure. Give the potting mix a thorough watering If it becomes dry over 50% of the way down the pot. ”
Too Much Sunlight
In its native habitat, fiddle leaf fig plants grow in full sun, so too much sunlight isn’t typically an issue. However, if the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight too quickly, the leaves may become sunburned and have a bleached appearance.” In time, these damaged leaves will drop “says Hancock
To prevent this from happening, acclimate your plant to the sun by slowly exposing it to increased amounts of sun over the course of a couple of weeks, Hancock advises. If your plant is already sunburned, consider moving it to a location where it receives less intense rays but still gets at least six hours of sunlight per day
Too Little Sunlight
Similarly, a fiddle leaf fig rarely drops leaves from too little sunlight. That said, abruptly moving the plant from a bright spot to a dim one can stress the plant, causing it to lose leaves.” In nature, plants are rooted in place and don’t suddenly go from one set of growing conditions to another “says Hancock, adding that this can be stressful for plants
Prevent this shock by acclimating your plant to its new home.” For example, if you’ve had it outside for the summer and want to bring it in for the winter, bring it inside for a couple of hours one day. The next day, add another hour “says Hancock.” Over the course of a week or two, let it spend more and more time inside so it adjusts. ”
Pests
In addition, Pests can weaken the plant and cause leaf loss. Hancock notes that the majority of houseplant pests use sucking aspirations to extract moisture and nutrients from plant cells, similar to how mosquitoes target humans
Check for signs of pests when you plant new houseplants in your home. If you’re unsure, leave the plant in a different place for several weeks. Treat your fiddle leaf fig infestation with care Insecticidal soap Horticultural oil can be used as a remedy, but it should be adjusted to the presence of pests
Disease
Diseases such as leaf spot can weaken the fiddle leaf fig plant and cause it to lose leaves. Hancock suggests that To prevent these diseases, plant growth requires a conducive environment that receives ample sunlight, proper watering, and fertilization periodically
The treatment approach used for a disease will vary depending on its type. Hancock suggests that diseases can be treated differently, much like pests.” One type of fungicide may be sufficient to prevent a disease, while another cannot. ”
Root-Bound Plant
When a fiddle leaf fig becomes root-bound, it will drop its leaves because there isn’t enough space in the pot for the plant to receive proper water, nutrition, or oxygen, says Langelo. When the soil is hard, compacted, or pulling away from the edge of the pot, the roots are likely root-bound. Another sign is seeing roots growing out of the drainage holes
To fix this issue Repot your fiddle leaf fig In a container that is about 2 to 3 inches bigger in diameter than its current container. Gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen any circling roots, and place the plant in the new container with fresh potting soil.” After you repot it with fresh potting soil, wait about a month and fertilize it “says Langelo
Low Humidity
Low humidity levels (below 30 percent) can stress your fiddle leaf fig and cause it to lose leaves. Increasing humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or grouping it closely with other plants can help prevent this issue.” Plants release moisture as they breathe, so a cluster of plants can help humidify one another “says Hancock
Temperature Fluctuations
Sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts can cause a fiddle leaf fig to lose its leaves.” In nature, plants don’t usually experience the kind of sudden temperature shifts they do when they’re with us “says Hancock
If you plan to move the location of your fiddle leaf fig, do so gradually to avoid shocking the plant. Additionally, Hancock says to keep your plant away from heating and cooling vents, as well as drafty doors or windows. These plants prefer a temperature above 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Langelo adds
Aging
Your fiddle leaf fig can also drop leaves naturally with age, but unfortunately, there’s no remedy for this. On the bright side, these plants have long lifespans.” A fiddle leaf fig can live 10 to 15 years on average as a houseplant “says Langelo.” Their lifespan can go up to 50 years in their natural habitat. ”