New fiddle leaf fig leaves brown spots has multiple reasons why, and some would be including watering stress, temperature problems, lighting conditions, and bacterial infection.
If you find some brown spots on your new fiddle leaf fig, it requires immediate attention. You can heal fig brown spots by adjusting its environment and fulfilling its natural conditions.
This article explores why new fiddle leaf fig leaves have brown spots and provide expert advice on fixing the concern.
Contents
Why Are New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Having Brown Spots?
Your new fiddle leaf fig leaves have brown spots because of under watering, lack of humidity, lack of proper sunlight. In addition, it may be due to bacterial infections, root rot, being under fertilized, or due to dryness, or may even be because of over fertilization.
– Under Watering
Fiddle leaf figs are extremely particular about their water conditions. If your fig tree is not receiving enough water, you may notice brown spots on fiddle leaves.
This generally happens because the plant is too dry, and it has been left that way, in addition the environment may be dry as well, so as a result the plant would stress.
Brown spots resulting from under watering are crispy and light brown, because the roots do not have the energy to transport the energy from the soil, to the leaves.
They mostly start at the leaf’s outer edges and work their way in, depending on whether the situation has been fixed. You might also observe drooping leaves from lack of water.
Fiddle leaf figs are known for their gorgeous, broad, and shiny leaves. The leaf fig plant is among the most popular indoor plants and is a wonderful addition to your houseplants. However, you might notice that your leaf fig might be a high-maintenance plant and requires appropriate care and attention, because this would definitely happen from dehydration.
– Lack of Humidity
The fiddle leaf fig plant is native to the African rainforest and grows well in moist and humid conditions. Because the leaves are broad and fleshy, they are sensitive to how much moisture they receive, because remember that this plant needs a proper humidity level that is above average, in order to thrive and stay green and glossy.
If the leaves start to show dark brown spots and the edges turn brown, it’s probably because the leaf fig plants are not kept moist.
– Lack of Sunlight
Most fiddle leaf fig varieties prefer lots of indirect sunlight. If you have placed your plant near a window that faces the sun and that it receives varying amounts of direct light throughout the day, then this is harsh.
Even though sunlight is necessary for fiddle leaf figs to flourish, however, too much of the direct sunlight may result in brown leaves or shedding and even burning of the leaves.
This is one of the major concerns that plant owners experience is leaf fig leaves turning brown. The cause behind the fiddle leaf fig’s brown spots can be difficult to identify for various reasons, and the fig brown spots of not receiving too much would then lead the brownness into crisping up.
– Bacterial Infection
Fiddle leaf fig bacterial infections can be exceedingly frustrating and challenging to treat.
Brown spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves are also caused by a fungus called anthracnose, which can cause yellow leaves or leaf drops. If you witness brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig leaves, you should confirm that it is not caused by fungus.
To do this, rub the spots first, and if the spots feel soft and rubbery, the problem is likely a fungus. If the spots are more firm and do not rub off, the spots are most likely caused by overwatered fiddle leaf.
– Root Rot
A fungal condition known as root rot might occur if your plant receives too much water. This is when you will likely see spots and leaf drops on older leaves first if root rot is the cause. Similar to this, the dark patches or black spots on the fig plant leaves signify root rot. You must be examining the plant’s roots is part of the diagnosis of root rot.
The spots usually begin at the base or edges of the leaves and move inward. The plant’s leaves will likewise eventually fall off. This is where the lowest leaves initially show the spots, which then move higher.
– Under Fertilization
Fiddle leaf fig leaves with brown spots also indicate under fertilization. Fiddle leaf figs are susceptible to fertilization– especially when they are young. This is again one of the most common reasons why your new fiddle leaf fig leaves have these spots, and it will mean that the tree itself feels weak.
Fertilizing is the most important part of keeping your fiddle leaf fig tree healthy. The brown edges are typically caused by chlorosis resulting from iron and magnesium deficiency, and this is reached only through fertilizing needs.
It is important to remember that fiddle leaf fig plants require a lot of nutrients, significantly when the plant is growing. Overall, it’s a way to be mindful in this situation and to test your soil for the purpose of ensuring that your plant is getting adequate nutrients, especially nitrogen.
– Dryness
It is very common for plant owners to experience dark brown spots or brown leaf edges of a fig plant, if it is not misted or received the adequate amount of humidity. Fiddle leaf figs are a beautiful addition to any home. But with this elegant beauty comes its own set of complications. The biggest problem everyone seems to have with fiddle leaf fig trees is that they dry out.
Like humans, plants can also suffer from dehydration, especially if the leaves do not receive enough water or even the lack of moisture or humidity in the air. These spots appear when the leaves start to die and cannot produce chlorophyll, hence it is a way of telling you that it is degenerating.
In most cases, you can salvage your plant by replanting it immediately or checking for root rot. The best way to prevent this problem is to water your plant at least once daily.
– Over Fertilization
Research has shown that too much fertilizer can affect your fiddle leaf fig. A new fiddle leaf fig tree is often purchased as a low-maintenance indoor plant. However, they can be very sensitive to over-watering and over-fertilizing.
Too much fertilizer is the most common cause of brown leaf spots on a fiddle-leaf fig tree. Like overwatering, over-fertilizing can cause nutrient salts to build up in the soil, resulting in brown spots on leaves. Fiddle leaf figs require balanced fertilization.
Fertilizers for house plants can do more harm than good. If you find out that your fiddle leaf fig leaves have brown spots, you have likely over-fertilized them. Nonetheless, in case you are unsure about this, you can test the soil.
It will show a high pH level that must be balanced if over-fertilized. The process of bringing down the pH level is called acidification. The process is easier than you think. All you have to do is use an acidifying soil mix to bring down the pH level.
What Are Ways To Cure New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Brown Spots?
To cure new fiddle leaf fig brow spots you must fertilize it well, protect it from pest infestation, provide the plant with proper humidity. In addition, you must supply it adequate sunlight, and watering. Lastly, make sure you get rid of the root rot by repotting.
– Fertilize Well
Over-fertilization and under-fertilization are among the causes of fig tree plants experiencing wilted or brown leaves. Providing adequate nutrients through fertilizer is the key to growth.
Fertilize your leaf fig plant monthly throughout the growing season, because your plant requires proper amounts of nitrogen and calcium, which are present in the fertilizers.
When the roots are happy, the plant grows, but if the plant gets too much fertilizer, the tips of the leaves will not grow, but the new ones will grow out so fresh and green. Avoiding fertilizing the plant excessively is the easiest way to avoid this problem. Fertilizer should only be used during the growing season and after the plant’s leaves have grown to the desired size.
– Protect From Insect Infestation
Pest infestation or bacterial infection is a common phenomenon experienced by all house plants. It can be avoided through proper care and adequate treatment to protect the plant from completely wilting or dying.
Oil-based chemicals used on houseplants can effectively suffocate fiddle leaf fig bugs, such as applying oils, and the best and most popular one would be neem oil because it is one that would prevent any form of pest to approach it, due to the smell it has that will repel them.
– Providing Humidity
The reason your tree leaves are turning brow would be because when caring for any rainforest plant, especially in the winter, misting is necessary.
At 65 percent humidity, which is substantially greater than most houses, fiddle leaves thrive. Filling a spray bottle and leaving it next to the plant is the ideal method for misting.
When it lacks proper hydration in the new environment, or even proper humidity, the plant will stay showing you these signs, you may then either place a pebble tray that will provide it with proper hydration, or you can even invest in a humidifier.
– Provide Adequate Sunlight
If the leaves on your fiddle fig plant are showing brown spots, don’t panic, they aren’t receiving the indrect sunlight that you must be supplying and this still possible to save them.
Fig leaf plants are tropical plants that require enough sunlight to grow properly. Many people make the mistake of planting them in a shady location, which leads to leaving dropping.
Fiddle fig plants prefer full sun, but they can also grow in semi-shade. Your tree will thrive if the plant gets at least five to six hours of sunlight daily. The leaves will be darker green, and eventually they will be healthy. Note that if these brown spotted leaves are falling off, don’t worry, the new leaves will grow back once you provide sunlight treatment.
– Water Adequately
Watering your fiddle leaf fig correctly and adequately is one of the essential things you can do for your plant. The plant can tolerate drought for some time, but it will only survive if you water it in the required amounts.
These trees are not only demanding in the watering department, but they also require proper watering techniques. Once a week, thoroughly water the soil, allowing the top few inches to dry before watering again, and in winter, do is less frequently, instead of every seven days, you can water it every 10 days.
– Repot To Get Rid of Root Rot
Fiddle-leaf figs require well-draining soil because plants are susceptible to root rot. In damp soil, the fungus that causes root rot grows.
Brown spots on fiddle leaf figs produced by root rot will be dark brown or black. The spots usually begin at the base or edges of the leaves and spread inside, the plant’s leaves will likewise fall off.
What you must do first is to check that the pot in which you plant your fiddle-leaf fig has adequate drainage holes. As you make sure that they have drainage holes are clear and not clogged with debris, you must gently remove your plant from the pot to check for root rot.
Root rot is indicated by discolored, mushy, or slimy roots. Remove as much soil as possible from the roots and clip away any decaying roots if the plant has root rot. Plant the plant in well-draining, clean soil.
Lastly, remove any leaves with significant spotting because the spots will not disappear, however, new ones will shoot again and show their glossy green color.
FAQ
– Why Are New Leaves On My Fiddle Fig Leaf Wilting?
Your fiddle leaf fig’s young leaves may be dying for several reasons. Your plant is either lacking in nutrients, not receiving enough water or sunlight, or living in an environment that is too dry and arid. Make sure to look after your plant and provide it with the correct care so it can flourish.
– How Do Spider Mites Appear To Be On A Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant?
Small, dark red or brown spots on the leaves are one of the most obvious indicators of spider mites. These are the insects themselves, so use a magnifying glass to see if the dots move. This could also indicate where the spider mites have begun to nibble on fiddle fig leaves.
– What Is Causing My New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves To Curl?
Overwatering can cause leaves to curl and bend down. Underwatering can cause leaves to curl upwards, while curling or bending downwards usually indicates overwatering. When overwatered, Fiddle Leaf Figs develop root rot, causing roots to soften and leaves to droop, curl, and drop off the plant.
– Should I Cut Dying Leaves Fromg Leaf Fig?
A sick or dead leaf can be removed at any moment. Trimming away these harbingers of disease or infestation is better done sooner rather than later. Trim any leaves that appear yellow, brown, or diseased in any manner with a clean, sharp pair of pruners.
Conclusion
Fiddle-leaf fig trees are a beautiful addition to houseplants and are relatively challenging to maintain. They’re easy to grow, but they can also be easy to kill if you don’t know how to care for them properly.
Here’s a summary of what you just read :
- Provide enough sunlight to your fiddle leaf.
- Pit or plant it where the soil is moist but also well-drained.
- Brown spots can also result from excessive sunlight, so provide indirect light.
- Never overwater your plant.
- If you fail to fulfill the natural growing conditions of your plant, it will begin to wilt and cause brown spots on its leaves.
Leaf drop is a fact of life for many indoor fig plants. It can be frustrating trying to understand why your fiddle leaf fig leaves are turning brown when you have only just potted them.
We have tried to cover the possible reasons and how to fix the problem. Hopefully, you now better understand why your new fiddle leaf fig leaves turn brown.
References
- https://libguides.nybg.org/fiddleleaffig
- https://www.cabi.org/isc
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