6 Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Problems

I love a healthy fiddle leaf fig. If I had space for an indoor tree, I would have one in my plant collection. And I would tell you all about how to best care for your fiddle leaf.

Plant dreams. So instead I called on the help of resident fiddle leaf fig expert Claire Akin from Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource. She knows all about the fiddle and will go through the most common problems and how to fix them. Let’s talk plants!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Problems

Nobody wants an unhealthy fiddle leaf fig. We all want large fiddle leaf fig plants that are healthy, green, and gorgeous.

But a Ficus lyrata can be prone to problems if it’s not grown in the right conditions.

Many fiddle leaf fig owners are novice house plant growers, so it’s not uncommon for them to make some rookie mistakes and get discouraged.

Fiddle leaf fig trees are often put in a location that looks great from a home design perspective, but is too dark, which will result in leaf drop and a very unhappy fiddle leaf tree.

You might be using a great-looking container without drainage holes on the bottom. And you may make the common mistake of using indoor potting soil that holds too much water, both will lead to root rot and brown spots on the fiddle leaf fig leaves.

But you can avoid the most common problems. There are a few plant care tricks that will leave you with a happy and healthy fiddle leaf fig.

1. Brown Spots on Leaves

Brown spots on the leaves are a common fiddle leaf problem. These typically indicate root rot due to overwatering and poor drainage. To fix this issue, make sure the pot has drainage holes on the bottom to avoid excess water being trapped inside.

Also use a fast-draining soil made specifically for a fiddle leaf fig. Typical indoor potting mixes hold too much water for a fiddle leaf and stay wet for too long. This means that the roots are prone to bacterial and fungal root rot infections.

You can also DIY your own soil by mixing half regular potting soil and half succulent/cactus mix. This allows for your plant’s roots to breathe and dry out between waterings.

If your fiddle leaf fig has brown spots or is dropping leaves due to root rot, you’ll want to treat those in a hurry with a good root supplement.

Unfortunately, the leaves will not recover, so prune any damaged leaves to remove the infection.

If the brown spots are on the edge of the leaves and feel crispy, this may indicate under-watering. To fix this issue, water your plant consistently and sufficiently.

2. Small Leaves

Leaf size can be a great indicator to determine if your fiddle leaf fig is healthy or unhealthy.

Fiddle leaf figs grow relatively quickly (up to 18 inches per year!). Putting out new growth is an essential part of their life cycle, and new leaves should outgrow the older ones.

If the new leaves are growing smaller than the older ones, or if your fiddle leaf fig isn’t growing new leaves at all, that’s a sign the fig is having problems. Make sure you are watering properly and your fiddle leaf is getting enough light.

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

If your fiddle leaf fig suddenly starts dropping leaves it can definitely be a sign of an underlying problem.

4. Yellow Leaves

Fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow usually indicate that the plant is either being given too much water or not enough nutrients or light.

You can reduce all three of these problems by easing up a bit on the watering, checking for proper drainage, and putting the plant in an area with more sunlight. You will also want to fertilize regularly with a good fiddle leaf fig fertilizer.

5. Not Growing New Leaves

Healthy Fiddle leaf figs grow new leaves during the spring and summer. Lack of growth during the active season tells you that something is wrong.

Monitor how often new leaves are growing. If your plant hasn’t grown any new leaves all season, it may be a sign to worry.

Check to correct poor soil, insufficient light, inadequate draining, or not enough fertilization. The good news is that all of these can be addressed by observing the warning signs from your plant.

6. Plant Cleanliness

The large leaves of the fiddle leaf fig need to be kept clean. A buildup of dirt and dust on the leaves can prevent the plant from consuming light and hinder its ability to grow. Dust can also restrain the plant’s capacity to get the oxygen it needs to stay healthy.

Showering your plant every few months is important to keep it clean and make it look amazing.

Use room temperature water to rinse the leaves of your plant or wipe them down with a damp cloth. If your plant is small enough to put in the shower, that’s a great way to get a thorough clean.

You can also take your plant outdoors and hose it down. Be careful not to leave it in direct sunlight, as the leaves can burn. If your plant is too large or heavy to move, just wipe each leaf with a cloth and water.

Maintaining care is the key to guaranteeing your fiddle leaf fig will stay healthy so it can thrive and grow. If you need help, don’t worry, we’re here for you. To learn more about fiddle leaf fig care and problems, join us for our Exclusive Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Webinar here!

About the author

Claire Akin created The Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Center to make growing fiddle leaf figs easy, social, and fun. Stop by to watch the free webinar, shop the store, and join the Facebook group to engage with thousands of fiddle leaf fig lovers!

Want more big leaf plants? Check out this list full of stunning big leaf houseplants!