Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

Introduction

The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most popular houseplants due to its large, vibrant leaves. It is frustrating when the fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves. There are several potential causes of fiddle leaf fig leaves falling, but the good news is there are also solutions to get your plant healthy again.

Reasons for Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

If your fiddle leaf fig is dropping leaves, one of these factors is likely the cause.

Improper Light

The fiddle leaf fig needs bright, filtered light to thrive. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause them to drop. Make sure your plant gets several hours of bright, indirect light each day. Move it farther from a window if leaves are scorching or place it under a grow light if natural light is insufficient.

Underwatering

Allowing the soil to dry out too much between waterings can cause leaves to turn brown and fall off. Check the top few inches of soil before watering and water thoroughly whenever it’s partly dry. The plant should never sit in standing water, however.

Overwatering

On the other hand, too much water is also detrimental. If the soil stays soggy, roots will rot and be unable to take up water. Allow excess moisture to drain fully after watering and don’t water again until the top of the pot feels slightly dry.

Low Humidity

The fiddle leaf fig prefers 40-50% relative humidity. In dry indoor air, the leaves can develop brown crispy edges and drop. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants to boost humidity around your fiddle leaf fig.

Drafts

Exposure to cold drafts, such as near a drafty window or AC vent, can shock the leaves and cause them to drop. Move your fiddle leaf fig away from any drafty spots.

Pests

Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can infest a fiddle leaf fig and drain nutrients, causing leaf drop. Inspect closely for any bugs on the leaves or soil and take action immediately if detected.

Poor Soil

Dense, water-retentive soil will lead to root rot. The fiddle leaf fig needs a very fast draining potting mix. Repot in an aerated potting soil if drainage is poor.

Solutions for Dropping Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves

Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of your fiddle leaf fig’s leaf drop, here are solutions to get it back to health.

Provide Proper Light

Place your fiddle leaf fig in a spot where it will get bright, indirect sunlight for several hours per day. North or east-facing windows are ideal. Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light from south or west windows. If natural light is low, supplement with grow lights for 12-14 hours daily. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.

Water Correctly

Check the top few inches of soil before watering and water thoroughly only when partly dry. Allow excess water to drain fully from the drainage holes. The plant should dry slightly between waterings but not completely. In winter when growth is slower, water less frequently.

Increase Humidity

Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain 40-50% humidity around the fiddle leaf fig. Group plants together to create a localized humid zone. Mist the leaves occasionally but avoid wetting the foliage so much that it doesn’t dry before nightfall.

Move Away from Drafts

Keep the fiddle leaf fig away from drafty windows, AC vents, and other sources of cold air. Avoid temperature fluctuations greater than 10°F. A spot with consistent temperatures between 65-80°F is ideal.

Treat Pests

Inspect closely for signs of pests like webbing, sticky residue, or bugs on the leaves and soil. Remove affected parts immediately. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or other organic treatments to get rid of infestations. Be vigilant about preventing future pests.

Use Well-Draining Soil

Repot in an aerated potting mix like peat moss amended with perlite, bark chips, or pumice. Avoid dense soil that retains too much moisture. Good drainage will prevent root rot. Add organic matter like compost to improve nutrition.

Preventing Future Leaf Drop

By optimizing the fiddle leaf fig’s care and environment, you can prevent the recurrence of dropping leaves.

Light Requirements

Provide bright, filtered sunlight for at least 6 hours daily without direct afternoon sun hitting the leaves. Supplement with grow lights if needed. Rotate the plant to equalize light exposure.

Watering Schedule

Let the top few inches of soil dry out between thorough waterings. Water less in winter, allowing the soil to dry out further between waterings. Check soil moisture and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Humidity Levels

Maintain 40-50% humidity year-round. Increase levels in dry winter months using a humidifier. Group plants together and mist leaves to boost local humidity.

Air Circulation

Keep the plant away from drafty areas but ensure it gets some gentle air flow. Stagnant air can lead to pest issues.

Pest Prevention

Inspect leaves frequently and treat any pests immediately. Keep leaves dust-free and remove fallen plant debris. Don’t overcrowd plants. Ensure proper cultural care to keep the fiddle healthy.

Potting Mix

Repot in a very fast-draining potting mix, refreshing every 2-3 years. Add organic matter like compost or worm castings to improve nutrition.

Conclusion

A fiddle leaf fig dropping its leaves is distressed but the cause is usually easily corrected. Factors like insufficient light, improper watering, low humidity, temperature swings, pests, or poor soil can lead to leaf loss. Optimizing the plant’s care by providing appropriate light, moderate humidity, stable temperatures, fast-draining soil, and frequent inspections will typically get a fiddle leaf fig thriving again and prevent future leaf drop episodes. With the right conditions, the fiddle leaf fig will grow vigorously to showcase its iconic, vibrant foliage.