Have you noticed unsightly brown spots developing on the leaves of your beloved fiddle leaf fig? These blemishes can be alarming but don’t panic. Brown spots on fiddle leaf figs are common and usually easy to treat.
With some simple adjustments to care, you can get your fig looking fabulous again. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the causes, treatments, and prevention of fiddle leaf fig brown spots. Let’s restore the health of your plant!
Symptoms of Fiddle Leaf Fig Brown Spots
How do you know if your fig has brown spots? Here are the key symptoms to look for:
- Circular or irregular brown marks on the leaves, especially along the edges or tips
- Dark or black lesions that appear water-soaked
- Brown spots with yellow halos
- Browning and curling of leaf edges
- Dry, crispy leaves that are dull in color
The spots may start small but can enlarge over time. If many leaves are affected, it can point to an underlying cultural issue.
Causes of Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Many factors can cause unsightly spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Overwatering
Overwatering as a cause of brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Overwatering refers to providing too much water or watering too frequently for the fiddle leaf fig. It creates excess moisture in the soil that leads to root rot. Root rot impairs the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients properly.
This lack of uptake then causes the leaves to dry out and turn brown, even though there is abundant water in the soil. Overwatered plants may also appear wilted or have leaves drooping down. The brown spots from overwatering typically occur on the edges and tips of leaves.
Ensuring the soil dries out adequately between waterings and providing good drainage can help correct overwatering issues. Reducing watering frequency and quantity is key to allowing the roots to recover and supply the leaves with moisture again.
Underwatering
underwatering as a cause of brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Underwatering means not providing enough water to meet the fiddle leaf fig’s needs. When the soil dries out too much between waterings, the roots are unable to take up sufficient moisture. This leads the leaves to become dehydrated and turn brown.
Underwatering brown spots typically start along the edges and tips of leaves. As underwatering continues, the brown areas enlarge and spread. Leaves may become crisp and dry. Underwatering is more common in the winter, when household air is drier or growth has slowed. Brown leaf tips are a telltale sign.
Ensuring the soil does not stay dry for too long and watering more frequently can help resolve underwatering issues. Soaking the soil thoroughly each time allows moisture to reach all the roots.
Low Humidity
Low humidity as a cause of brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Fiddle leaf figs prefer moderately high humidity levels of 40–60%. However, the air in most homes and offices falls below this range. Low humidity leads to faster moisture loss from the large leaves through transpiration. If the roots cannot keep up with replenishing water fast enough, the leaf edges and tips will dry out and turn brown.
Lower humidity also causes the leaf margins to curl and crisp up. Small brown spots may dot the leaf surfaces as well. Grouping plants together, using a humidifier, and placing pebble trays nearby can help increase humidity to prevent this issue. Maintaining adequate soil moisture also helps compensate for dry air. Addressing low humidity helps fiddle leaf figs stay lush and healthy.
Pests
How pests can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Various sap-sucking insects like aphids, mealybugs, and scales are common pests on fiddle leaf figs when grown indoors. These tiny bugs insert their piercing mouthparts into the plant tissues and extract nutrients and fluids. This damages the leaves, causing small brown spots or lesions to appear where the pests feed. Infestations can build up rapidly, leading to yellowing, browning, and leaf drop.
Pests tend to gather on the undersides of leaves or in hidden crevices. Careful inspection may reveal white crusty deposits or cottony masses along with the bugs. Sticky honeydew and sooty mold can also signal their presence.
Treating pests requires gentle horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays. Ensuring pests are controlled prevents additional leaf damage and spots from feeding activity. Quarantining new plants can also prevent the introduction of pests.
Leaf Damage
How leaf damage can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
The large, prominent leaves of the fiddle leaf fig are susceptible to physical damage, which can show up as brown spots. Leaves may get accidentally rubbed up against walls, furniture, or other objects in the space. This abrasion damages the leaf tissue, creating brown scarring.
Leaves can also become damaged by temperature or wind drafts. If the plant is placed too close to air vents or the leaves shake in a strong breeze, the edges and tips may turn brown. Intense direct light can essentially burn the leaf surfaces, again showing as brown marks.
Any time the leaves incur mechanical wounding or environmental stresses, it disrupts the plant cells. The injured area reacts by turning brown and dry. Pruning off badly affected leaves improves their appearance. And avoiding further physical damage or harsh conditions helps prevent future spotting. With improved care, new unblemished leaves will emerge.
Nutrient Deficiencies
How nutrient deficiencies can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Fiddle leaf figs need a regular supply of essential nutrients to remain healthy. Deficiencies in key macros like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can all cause leaf problems.
Nitrogen deficiency is most common – lack of nitrogen leads to overall yellowing and browning of the foliage. Brown dry spots and tip burn are typical symptoms. Because nitrogen aids in chlorophyll production, its shortage shows in paler new growth as well.
Deficiencies usually arise from insufficient fertilizer, acidic soil, or nutrient leaching from too-frequent watering. Providing a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks during the spring through fall can prevent issues.
Catching and correcting nutrient deficiencies quickly helps ensure healthy green foliage. Targeted supplements may be needed if severe. But maintaining regular fertilization is key for fiddle leaf figs to avoid spotting from malnutrition.
How to Treat and Prevent Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Getting rid of existing brown spots and stopping new ones from forming involves adjusting your fiddle leaf fig care. Here are some tips:
Adjust Watering
adjusting watering practices to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Improper watering is one of the most common causes of brown spots, so adjusting your techniques is crucial.
The key is to find the right balance – water thoroughly when needed to keep the soil slightly moist, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry out in between. Use your finger to test for moisture before watering again.
When watering, add enough so that excess water drains from the bottom drainage holes. This ensures adequate moisture reaches the entire root system.
Avoid keeping the soil constantly soggy or bone dry for prolonged periods. Consistent light moisture helps the plant maintain hydrated, healthy leaves without the risk of over or under-watering symptoms.
Respond promptly if you notice leaves drooping or browning. Increase frequency if underwatering occurs, or back off on quantity if overwatering appears evident. Tailoring your approach promotes the strongest foliage.
Increase Humidity
Increasing humidity to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Since low humidity is a major cause of brown leaf edges and tips, taking steps to increase moisture levels around your fiddle leaf fig is important.
There are several effective options:
– Use a humidifier to raise humidity levels in the room with your plant. Aim for 40–60% relative humidity if possible.
– Place the pot on a pebble tray – fill a tray with pebbles and water, allowing the pot to sit above the waterline. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity right around the plant.
– Group plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity.
– Mist the plant daily using a spray bottle of room temperature water.
– Move the plant away from heating/AC vents that can blast dry air.
Boosting humidity provides leaves with adequate atmospheric moisture to prevent marginal browning. Be sure to address any underlying over/underwatering issues too.
Inspect for Pests
Inspecting for pests to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Sap-sucking insects like aphids, mealybugs, and scales are common pests on indoor fiddle leaf figs. Their feeding causes small brown spots or lesions on the foliage. So inspecting for and treating any pests is important for resolving leaf damage.
Check both the upper and especially lower leaf surfaces for signs of bugs. Look for tiny crawling insects, white crusty deposits, cottony masses, honeydew secretions, and sooty mold growth. Stippling or speckled spots can point to their presence.
Isolate infested plants and use a gentle blast of water to dislodge pests. For heavy infestations, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Be sure to coat the undersides of leaves. Repeat treatments are often needed.
Preventing pests with maintenance like pruning away dead leaves is key. Quarantining new plants also avoids introducing pests into your collection. Addressing pests can help eliminate spots from feeding damage.
Improve Air Circulation
Improving air circulation to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Ensuring good air flow around your fiddle leaf fig helps prevent moist conditions that can lead to fungal or bacterial leaf spot diseases. Stagnant, still air also allows pests to thrive.
Use a small fan to gently blow air over your plant. This mimics wind movement and prevents moisture from accumulating on the leaves.
Avoid cramming the fig in a tightly confined place. Give it breathing room on all sides. Trim back any encroaching foliage from neighboring plants.
Turn or rotate the pot periodically so all sides receive equal air movement. This prevents just one side from remaining damp.
Open nearby doors and windows periodically to freshen interior air. Install ceiling fans or vents to keep room air gently circulating.
Removing obstacles to air flow allows fresh, dry breezes to easily waft through. This creates conditions unfavorable for pathogens and pests, keeping your fig foliage healthy.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Providing proper light to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light leads to small, sparse leaves, while excessive light can scorch and burn the foliage.
Place your fig near an east or west-facing window where it will receive ample vibrant light through the day, but be shaded from intense afternoon sun.
South-facing exposure may be too intense in summer. Filter bright light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn.
Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal lighting. This prevents just one side from being overexposed.
Leaf scorch typically affects the tops and outer edges first. If you notice browning in these areas, urgently adjust to brighter but indirect conditions.
Meeting the fig’s ideal lighting needs prevents environmental stress and damage. Inspect leaves regularly and respond promptly to any signs of light-related spotting or bleaching.
Fertilize Properly
Proper fertilization to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
Providing adequate nutrition is important to keep fiddle leaf fig foliage healthy and prevent brown spots. These plants need fertilizer to thrive since they are heavy feeders.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the active growing period of spring through fall.
Cease fertilizer over winter when light and growth slows. Resume in early spring as new leaves emerge.
Excess fertilizer can burn roots and leaves. But insufficient nutrients causes deficiency symptoms like yellowing and tip burn.
Test soil periodically to ensure the pH stays near neutral. Acidic soil makes nutrients unavailable.
Correcting any nutritional shortfalls and maintaining regular fertilization helps the plant produce lush, unblemished leaves. Consistent nutrition prevents spotting.
Prune Damaged Leaves
Pruning damaged leaves to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
As part of treating and improving the appearance of a fiddle leaf fig with existing brown spots, pruning away badly affected leaves is recommended.
This involves carefully removing leaves that are heavily spotted, shriveled or crispy. Use clean, sterilized pruning shears to cut the leaf off at the base where it connects to the stem.
Removing damaged foliage helps to improve the overall look of the plant. It focuses the plant’s energy on new growth rather than declining leaves.
However, don’t overprune or remove more than one third of leaves at once. This can stress the plant further. Prioritize the worst leaves only.
Over time as new leaves emerge, you can continue selectively pruning old damaged growth. This constantly refreshes the plant’s appearance.
Combined with addressing underlying care issues, pruning creates a healthier, more attractive fiddle leaf fig for your enjoyment!
Use Fungicides if Needed
Using fungicides to treat brown spots on fiddle leaf figs:
For severe or recurring cases of leaf spotting, applying fungicide may be warranted in addition to cultural care improvements.
Copper-based fungicides are effective at controlling many common fungal leaf diseases. They inhibit spore production and growth.
Always check that the product is approved for use on fiddle leaf figs and follow label directions carefully regarding dosage, timing, and technique.
Test on a small area first to ensure the plant tolerates the fungicide well. Spray thoroughly to coat the upper and lower leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed.
Use preventively at the first sign of trouble spots rather than waiting until the disease has taken hold. Combine with pruning affected leaves and wider care adjustments.
Fungicides provide added protection against worsening or recurring issues. When facing a stubborn case of spots, professional fungicide treatment may help restore the foliage.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above care tips with no improvement, the fig’s decline continues, or you’re unsure of the cause, it may be time to reach out for professional help.
Look for an experienced horticulturist at your local nursery or plant shop. They can inspect your plant and diagnose issues that may require specialized treatment.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help sooner rather than later. Getting an expert opinion can save your fiddle leaf fig and avoid frustration.
Conclusion
While fiddle leaf fig brown spots might seem worrying, this common problem is no match for an attentive plant parent!
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the various causes and solutions, you can nurse your fig back to health.
With some adjustments to your care routine and the satisfying snip of pruning shears, you’ll once again have a flawless fiddle leaf fig as your houseplant showpiece. So inspect those leaves and take action to get rid of those pesky brown spots for good!
FAQs
Are brown spots on fiddle leaf figs permanent?
Existing brown spots will not go away. But with improved care, you can prevent new spots from forming. Over time, as the plant produces new growth, damaged leaves can be pruned away.
Should I cut off leaves with brown spots?
It’s best to remove badly affected leaves to improve the overall look of the plant. Make clean cuts at the base of the leaf stem with sterilized pruning shears.
What does a brown tip on a fiddle leaf fig mean?
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air. Boost humidity through various methods to prevent this. Brown along the edges or brown spots elsewhere point to different issues.
Can fiddle leaf figs recover from root rot?
Mild cases of root rot can be reversed by improving drainage and watering correctly. Severe rot will kill off the roots, in which case taking fig cuttings to start over may be your only option.
Why are my fiddle leaf fig’s older leaves turning brown?
Older leaves naturally turn brown and drop off as the plant ages. But rapid leaf loss or brown spots on younger leaves indicate a cultural problem that needs attention.