Are you worried about your Fiddle Leaf Fig dropping leaves? If so, youre not alone.
Many people who own this type of plant have run into this common issue.
This article will help you identify the causes of leaf drop and provide tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
To start, lets take a closer look at what a Fiddle Leaf Fig is and why its prone to leaf drop.
After that, well explore common causes for leaf drop, such as too little water, too much sunlight, lack of nutrients, humidity and temperature.
Finally, well give you helpful tips to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig in peak condition.
Lets get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Fiddle leaf figs can drop leaves for a variety of reasons, including being under- or over-watered, too little or too much sunlight, or a sudden change in temperature or environment.
To help identify the issue, check the soil moisture and amount of light the plant is getting and make sure it is in a stable environment.
If the problem persists, consider consulting a plant expert for further advice.
What is a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant that is known for its large, leathery green leaves and its ability to thrive indoors.
Native to tropical regions of Africa, this evergreen tree can reach heights of up to 10 feet when grown outdoors.
However, when grown as a houseplant, it typically only grows up to 6 feet.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is an easy-to-care-for plant that can live for decades with the proper care.
It is an attractive addition to any home and can help to bring a bit of the outdoors inside.
Common Causes For Leaf Drop
When it comes to understanding why your Fiddle Leaf Fig is dropping leaves, the first step is to identify the cause.
Common reasons why Fiddle Leaf Figs may be dropping leaves include too much or too little water, too much direct sunlight, or a lack of nutrients.
Too much or too little water can cause a Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves.
If the plant is receiving too much water, the roots may become saturated, causing the leaves to yellow and eventually fall off.
On the other hand, if the plant is not receiving enough water, the soil will dry out and the leaves may start to droop and become dry and brittle.
Direct sunlight can also cause a Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves.
Although Fiddle Leaf Figs do need some sunlight to thrive, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow.
This can eventually lead to leaf drop.
Its best to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig in bright, indirect light.
Finally, a lack of nutrients can cause a Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Figs need to be fertilized regularly in order to stay healthy.
If the plant is not receiving enough nutrients, the leaves may start to yellow and eventually drop off.
Its important to check the soil moisture, light exposure, and nutrient levels regularly to ensure that your Fiddle Leaf Fig is getting the right balance of water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Additionally, adjusting the humidity in your home and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help keep your plant healthy.
With the right care, you can help prevent your Fiddle Leaf Fig from dropping leaves.
Too Little Water
When it comes to why your Fiddle Leaf Fig may be dropping leaves, too little water can be a major culprit.
In nature, Fiddle Leaf Figs grow in tropical climates with plenty of moisture and humidity.
In your home, its important to mimic this environment as best as possible by providing adequate water to your plant.
When Fiddle Leaf Figs dont get enough water, their leaves may begin to dry out and drop off.
To prevent this, be sure to provide your Fiddle Leaf Fig with the necessary amount of water.
Depending on your homes environment and the size of your Fiddle Leaf Fig, this could be anywhere from one to three times a week.
Its also important to check the soil of your Fiddle Leaf Fig before each watering to make sure it is dry.
If the soil is still damp, wait a few days before watering again.
Additionally, try misting your plant with a spray bottle or placing a humidifier nearby to increase the humidity in your home and help your Fiddle Leaf Fig thrive.
Too Much Sunlight
When it comes to Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, too much direct sunlight can be a major factor in why the leaves may start to drop.
Fiddle Leaf Figs need bright, indirect light to thrive, and too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and wither.
If the plant is placed in a sunny window or outdoors, be sure to keep it in a spot where it will receive some shade during the hottest parts of the day, or use sheer curtains to filter the light.
Additionally, be aware of the season, as the intensity of the sun increases during the summer months, even if the plant remains in the same spot.
If you see signs of leaf burn, such as yellowing or browning of the leaves, move the plant away from the direct sunlight to a shadier spot.
Lack of Nutrients
When it comes to why a Fiddle Leaf Fig may be dropping leaves, lack of nutrients can be a major contributing factor.
This can occur if the soil is not providing the necessary nutrients, or if the plant has been in the same pot for too long without being repotted or fertilized.
As Fiddle Leaf Fig plants are quite large, they require a lot of nutrients to stay healthy.
If you suspect a lack of nutrients is causing your Fiddle Leaf Fig to drop leaves, you can try repotting the plant in fresh soil and adding a balanced fertilizer.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it at the recommended rate.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil, as this can provide a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period of time.
It is also important to ensure that the soil you are using is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter.
Compost or peat moss can be added to provide additional nutrients and help the soil retain moisture.
If the soil is too dense or compacted, it can prevent the roots from getting the nutrients they need.
Finally, make sure to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig regularly, as this will help the plant absorb the nutrients in the soil.
If your plant is getting too much or too little water, it can be difficult for it to access the nutrients it needs.
Humidity and Temperature
When it comes to keeping your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy, humidity and temperature are key factors.
Too little humidity can cause the leaves on your plant to become dry and brittle, leading to leaf drop.
Likewise, too much humidity can cause root rot, which can also lead to leaf drop.
The ideal relative humidity for Fiddle Leaf Figs is between 40-60%.
You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.
Temperature also plays a role in keeping your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy.
Fiddle Leaf Figs are known for being sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so its important to avoid drastic fluctuations.
Ideally, your plant should be kept in a room with a temperature between 65-85F (18-29C).
Keeping your plant away from drafty windows and air vents will help ensure that the temperature remains consistent.
Tips to Avoid Leaf Drop
If you want to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy and avoid leaf drop, there are several tips you can follow.
First, make sure you water your plant regularly, but not too much.
Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer their soil to be kept slightly moist, but not overly wet.
Too much water can lead to root rot and cause leaves to drop, so be sure to check the soil before you water and only water when it is dry.
Second, make sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig is getting the right amount of sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can be just as detrimental as too little.
Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer bright, indirect light, so place your plant in an area where it can get plenty of light without being in direct sunlight.
Third, make sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig is getting enough nutrients.
Too little nutrition can cause leaves to yellow and drop.
To ensure your plant is getting enough nutrients, consider using a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Fourth, adjust the humidity in your home and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer high humidity levels, so misting your plant or placing it near a humidifier can help.
Additionally, sudden changes in temperature can cause leaves to drop, so try to keep the temperature in the room your Fiddle Leaf Fig is in consistent.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your Fiddle Leaf Fig stays healthy and vibrant.
With proper care, you can help prevent leaf drop and keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig looking its best.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the common causes of leaf drop in Fiddle Leaf Figs and how to avoid them, you can be sure to give your Fiddle Leaf Fig the care it needs to stay healthy! Make sure to pay attention to the amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients your plant is getting.
Additionally, adjust the humidity and temperature of your home to keep your plant happy and healthy.
With the right care, your Fiddle Leaf Fig will thrive and bring beauty and life to your home.