Signs Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Dying

signs fiddle leaf fig is dying

Did you recently purchase a Fiddle leaf fig to enhance the aesthetic outlook of your house? The fiddle leaf fig is a gorgeous rainforest plant that has the capability to uplift the beauty of any space. The large green luscious leaves make it an instant choice for house owners. However, the plant needs extensive caring and can encounter different problems at the slightest changes.

If you suddenly observe the plant health declining, you must act immediately. It is vital to understand that Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive houseplants and thus need extensive maintenance. If you see the plant dying, you need to find the underlying cause. That way, you can administer the proper solution and revive the plant once again. In this article, we will discuss the different signs that alert you that the plant is dying and possible solutions.

TL; DR

There are multiple signs that indicate that the Fiddle leaf fig is on the verge of death. For instance, you can come across brown spots and yellowish occurrences on the leaves, wilted leaves, and sudden leaf loss. Identification of the signs will help you understand the probable cause. After that, you can apply the right solution, making the plant healthy once again.

Symptoms That Indicate The Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Dying

There are several symptoms that alert house owners that the Fiddle leaf fig is dying. Take a look at the probable causes and solutions listed here –

  1. Yellowish Spots On The Leaves

If you have suddenly spotted yellowish occurrences in the gorgeous green leaves of the fiddle leaf fig, there is cause to worry. The leaves of the fiddle leaf figs are meant to be luscious and green. And if it starts turning yellow, you need to get to the bottom of the problem right away. However, there is no need to panic right away. Yellowing of the leaves doesn’t equate to the plant dying.

There are several reasons that can cause the yellowing of the fiddle leaf figs. One of them is overwatering. Overenthusiastic homeowners often tend to overwater plants, leading to yellow spots. The solution is to stop watering when the soil is already moist. If you are confused, use a moisture meter and then water the plant.

Another cause for the yellowing of the leaves is the lack of light. Fiddle leaf figs thrive when exposed to 6-8 hours of sunlight (indirect yet bright). Insufficient sunlight will interfere with the process of photosynthesis. As a result, the leaves will attain a yellowish hue. In that case, you need to place it near a window that gets sufficient indirect sunlight.

Lack of essential nutrients can also lead to yellowish occurrence in the leaves. When the nutrients in the soil get absorbed, it’s time to add extra nutrients via fertilizers. If that is not enough, the leaves will become yellow.

Besides, Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive plants and love consistency. Any changes in the surroundings can cause stress to the plant. That might lead to the yellowing of the leaves. You need to take care of them and make sure the necessary environmental conditions are maintained.

  1. Drooping Leaves

Are you panicking at the sight of the limp Fiddle leaf fig leaves? Don’t be! You can relax; your plant is not actually dying. However, you need to make sure that the conditions of the leaves don’t worsen.

The main reason leading to droopy leaves is a lack of water. You just need to water the plant and observe it after some time. Besides, you can even see a change in the condition right away. In order to maintain the health of the plant, create a proper watering schedule. That way, you won’t have to witness the leaves drooping.

  1. Brownish Spots On The Leaves

Another sign that indicates that your Fiddle leaf fig might be dying is the presence of brown spots on the leaves. Overwatering is a primary cause of this condition. Too much water hinders the ability of the root to absorb all of it. As a result, the roots remain underwater, leading to root rot. One of the prominent symptoms of root rot is brown spots.

Another reason for the presence of brown spots on the fiddle leaf fig leaves is underwatering. Dry soil can lead to the plants not being able to extract nutrients and water. Now, you can observe brown spots on leaf edges.

The solution for both reasons is to maintain the watering schedule. Too much or too less water is detrimental to the health of the plant. That is why it is essential to understand the water needs of your beloved Fiddle leaf fig.

  1. Increase Or Decrease In The Soil pH Level

Fiddle leaf figs need a specific range of soil pH to survive. The ideal range is 6-7. Anything above or below this range can cause distress to the plant, causing it to die.

To know the pH of the soil, you can use the moisture meter. After knowing the pH level, you can either adjust it or repot the plant. In case, you want to fix the pH level of the soil, you need to add an alkaline water mixture into the soil drop by drop. Monitoring the soil continuously is necessary to ensure that it reaches the desired pH level.

If adjusting the soil pH becomes a hassle, go for repotting. Use fresh soil and the right fertilizer to encourage the healthy growth of the fiddle leaf fig.

  1. Excess Leaf Loss

Did you notice an excess loss of Fiddle leaf fig leaves suddenly? In that case, you need to make a close inspection and see if the leaf loss is more than the normal rate. It is essential to understand that Fiddle leaf figs thrive under specific environmental conditions. Any slight changes can induce shock, leading to distress.

If you have recently relocated the plant, loss of leaves can occur. In that case, you need to give time to the plant for re-adjustment and make sure that the environmental conditions are suitable.

Another prominent factor that can play a role in leaf loss is dry environmental conditions. Arid soil can sometimes lead to the drying of the leaves. As a result, they might fall off. The ideal solution is to make sure that the soil remains moist. Besides, make effort to keep the plant away from heaters or air conditioners. Draught is particularly harmful to the houseplant and can lead to its death.

  1. Loss Of Leaf Color

The loss of the gorgeous green texture of the fiddle leaf fig leaves is an indication that the plant is not healthy. In that case, it becomes pertinent to understand the underlying cause. One of the primary reasons behind the loss of color is sunburn.

Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause bleaching of the leaves. Soon, it will become discolored and develop whitish coloration. The top leaves are more likely to get affected due to the harsh sunlight.

Here, it is vital to note that scorched leaves cannot be recovered. You need to opt for pruning those leaves and shifting the plant to a new location. In that case, keeping the plant near a south-facing window is an excellent idea.

Another reason that can lead to the development of whitish leaves is the onset of the mildew. Lack of air and sunlight encourages the growth of this fungal infection. It is a severe pest and needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible. For this, use a humidifier to maintain the humidity levels. After that, apply organic solutions such as neem oil to remove the pest.

  1. Red Spots Seen On The Leaves

Sometimes, you might notice red spots on the leaves of the fiddle leaf fig. These small red spots are known as edema. It mainly occurs due to moisture stress. As the roots of the plants absorb water more than the ability of the leaves to transpire, there is an increase in the pressure. The result is the bursting of the cells of the fiddle leaf fig leaves. These dead cells occur as red spots or blisters.

Edema usually occurs at the active growth stage of the plant. That is why mild instances of edema are considered normal. You need to make sure that the plant gets plenty of water. After some time, the red spots will disappear.

If that is not the case, the red spots will increase and lead to the death of the leaves. The solution is to use a moisture meter and monitor the watering regimen.

  1. Curled Leaves

If you notice sudden curling of the leaves of the fiddle leaf fig at the sides, you need to act quickly. This condition is usually accompanied by the appearance of brown spots. Here, leaves exhibit a dark brownish shade. The curling occurs at the edges and then moves towards the inner part.

The primary reason responsible for the curling of the leaves is underwatering. You need to make sure that the plant gets enough water. However, you must also be careful to avoid overwatering. That can quickly lead to root rot.

If curling occurs even after regular watering, you need to check out other factors. Have the environmental conditions changed recently? Seasonal changes can sometimes cause this problem. If it’s summer, try watering the plant more.

  1. Holes In The Leaves

Do you see tiny holes on the leaves of your Fiddle leaf fig? You need to take a close look at both sides of the leaf. In that case, you will spot small bugs, indicating the presence of a pest infestation. You need to check out the symptoms to confirm that you are dealing with a pest attack.

It is vital to understand that pest infestations are difficult to handle. Firstly, you need to understand the pest type in order to apply the correct solution. Moreover, you also need to ensure that the pest infestation doesn’t spread and attack other houseplants that you might have.

There are different ways you can handle pest infestation in your Fiddle leaf fig. Try the organic route first. Use neem oil on the leaves and see if the pest is removed. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and oil to eradicate the insects. Shower or hose the plant to get rid of the pests.

If these methods don’t work, you can opt for chemical pesticides. However, you need to be cautious about what you apply. For that, read the ingredient list and check out if they are non-toxic.

FAQs Related To Fiddle Leaf Fig Dying

Can cleaning the leaves aid in the recovery of the fiddle leaf fig?

Yes, cleaning the Fiddle leaf fig leaves is essential to keeping them healthy. The accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime on the leaf surface hinders the ability of the plant to conduct photosynthesis. That is why you must start cleaning the leaves once a week with a soft cloth or sponge. You can also use a neem or soap-water solution.

Is repotting essential in keeping the fiddle leaf fig healthy?

Yes, repotting is vital to keep the Fiddle leaf fig healthy. As growth occurs in the plant, rootbound takes place. It is the condition in which the roots elongate and tangle, making it impossible for the roots to absorb water and nutrition from the soil. As such, it impacts the growth of the plant negatively. In this case, the best solution is to repot the plant. Use a larger size and be extremely gentle during the transplant.

Conclusion

Are you anxious about your Fiddle leaf fig dying? Though the Fiddle leaf fig is a beautiful houseplant, it needs proper care and maintenance to thrive. That is why it is vital to ensure that the plant enjoys the particular environmental conditions it needs to survive. Any slight change can induce shock and distress, creating a negative impact on the plant. As a result, the plant may die.

In order to make sure that the plant survives, you need to assess the health of the houseplant. After that, identification of the probable cause is vital to administer the best solution. With proper care and the right treatment, you can nurse your Fiddle leaf fig in no time. Did you revive your dying Fiddle leaf fig? Comment below and let us know your experience!

References:

Leave a Comment