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Fig Tree Dying? Here Are Some Rescue Tips
Fiddle fig trees are the new “IT” plants. You’ll see them gracing Pinterest pins or Instagram photos of beautiful living rooms or bedrooms. That’s probably one of the reasons why I adopted a handful, along with some Monsteras.
Sample drool-worthy fiddle leaf fig tree pins on Pinterest. (Source)
Nowadays, visitors to my previously drab apartment gasp at my beautiful indoor plants. My babies are thriving happy and healthy. The more perceptive tell me how my little space feels more calm and relaxing. It’s no surprise when you account for the fact that bringing nature into our homes is simply an excellent way of boosting your mood and even purifying indoor air.
In 2018, 34.4 million American homes owned houseplants. (1)
I normally hate following the trend but in this particular instance, I’ll make a happy exception.
Now, while my fig trees now are the picture of health, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, of the three I initially purchased, only two survived. I really regret that I lost that little fellow. It had three branches, and I’d even given it a name — Fiddly! It just started dropping leaves until there were none left, and I didn’t know what to do.
It took a lot of hands-on experience, research on the Internet, YouTube videos, and chats on various fig tree Facebook groups for my knowledge to grow. (Sometimes, my son would catch me standing in the living room just staring at my plants.)
Now let me share what I’ve gleaned these past few years. Make no mistake, these plants may look hardy; they may even look plastic. However, they’re high-maintenance. A slight change in your tree’s environment or care regime can be fatal.
If your fiddle leaf fig tree is dying or in rough shape, this complete guide should help you save it..
My Fig Tree is Dying: How to Save Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Let’s first address the common indications that your fiddle leaf tree is suffering. Before giving up on your plant, try working your way through some easy fixes. Here are the main clues something has gone wrong and how to remedy them.
Excessive leaf loss
Brown spots
Yellow leaves
Foliage with holes
Curled leaves
White leaves
If your plant exhibits any of the above symptoms, read on.
Excessive Leaf Loss
It’s normal for a fiddle leaf fig to lose a couple of leaves at the bottom but excessive leaf dropping is not normal.
If your fig tree is losing leaves, evaluate all the possible causes. First, bear in mind that this tree doesn’t like change.
After buying your tree and moving it to your home, it needs time to acclimate. It may lose leaves around bottom of the stalk during this period.
Fiddle figs don’t appreciate dry conditions, either in the air or the soil. It’s critical you water it as soon as you notice that the first 3 to 4 inches of soil are dry.
There are two major reasons I’ve observed of why these plants may lose leaves. They are:
Coming home from the store and placing your fiddle leaf fig in a shady corner. Sure it looks great on there, but your tree disagrees. It likes a lot of indirect sunlight and wants its place in front of a big sunny window. In my fig tree Facebook page groups, it’s quite common for us to share photos of our babies and they’re ALWAYS sitting in front of sunny windows. It’s their special spot!
Unknowingly placing your fig tree near or directly against a heating or AC vent. This will surely kill your plant so move it IMMEDIATELY.
If you’ve met all the above conditions and your tree still isn’t thriving, there could be another cause. Let’s look closer at the leaves themselves for clues.
Brown Spots on Fig Tree Leaves
Via reddit.com
If brown spots start appearing towards the leaves’ center veins, then you might be guilty of over-watering — the trademark of an overly enthusiastic gardener. I’ve heard this a million times as advice to newbie gardeners: give it less love.
Too much water creates an excess of moisture, leading to root decay, aka “root rot”. The fungal infection then travels up, leaving brown spots on the foliage. In this case, remove the affected leaves and re-pot your tree. Then make sure that it has enough light to recover.
Here is a video of a rubber plant being re-potted because of root rot. It’s not a fig tree, but the techniques are the same:
Fig Tree Leaves Turning Yellow
These leaves are just starting to show signs of stress, but some get so bad, the entire leaf becomes a bright yellow.
Yellow leaves are slightly tricker as this can indicate one of several issues: too much water, a lack of sun, or not enough fertilizer.
Further complicating this is the fact that yellow leaves on a fig may mean a bacterial infection. When that’s the case, the pathogens usually target young leaves. Rule this cause out by checking which leaves are affected.
Bacterial infections are difficult to fight and can quickly kill a fiddle leaf tree. Repot with fresh earth and remove any remaining yellow leaves.
What is Eating My Fig Tree Leaves? Coping with Nibbled Foliage
If you spot small holes on your fiddle fig tree’s leaves, take a very close look at either side of each leaf. You may notice small bugs on either side. Sometimes, you can even see the webs they form.
Insect infections are challenging to eradicate, especially when the invaders have settled in and set up home.
Arm yourself with patience and the right equipment. You should be able to make your fiddle leaf fig tree bug-free again. Here are some efficient treatments:
Apply neem oil directly to the leaves. (2)
In a spray bottle, mix a teaspoon of oil with a teaspoon of baking soda.
Fill the remainder of the bottle with water and spray onto the leaves.
This is a spray bottle I repurposed and placed my neem solution in. You can order good quality neem online locally.
Whichever method you use, make sure you treat both sides of each leaf. Don’t forget the stem. Apply every two weeks as needed.
Stop the infestation from spreading by keeping your fig tree away from other houseplants.
Fig Tree Leaves Curling Up
When a fig’s foliage starts to curl up on the sides, you’ll probably notice brown areas as well. Unlike with root rot, all the leaves tend to turn a darker shade. Curling and browning usually appear at the edges and slowly reach the leaf’s inner.
These signs indicate your tree is thirsty. Luckily, it’s a quick fix. Water your plant thoroughly while avoiding excessive moisture. If you just came back from holiday, continue your previous watering routine.
If you’ve been watering regularly and its leaves are still curling, perhaps the tree’s environment has changed. This is often the case between seasons.
Take note of the ambient temperature. If it’s higher than before, increase the amount of water you provide. Consider misting the leaves every other days or place a humidifier nearby.
I was in such a panic when my Miss Figgy’s leaves became so limp I didn’t think to take a photo, but here is how droopy leaves look like. (Photo Source: Garden.org)
Leaves Are Droopy
This is another sign of under-watering.
When I first started caring for fig trees indoors, I wasn’t very particular with my watering time. I thought that so long as I was watering before lunch time that my plants were going to be okay. I woke up one day to a VERY droopy fig tree. The leaves were limp and were just hanging from the central stem. It was 10 am and the sun was very hot.
I immediately gave it water and after an hour or so, it perked up, much to my relief. It converted me into a morning person and since then, I’ve been waking up early and watering on a schedule.
So, if your plant is new and the leaves are droopy, it just might be thirsty. Just make sure that when you water, you’ve got good drainage going. Watch out for any excess water and immediately throw it out. NEVER leave your plant’s pot standing in water.
Fig Tree Leaves Turning White
White areas your fiddle fig’s leaves generally indicate one of two issues: Mildew or sunburn.
Mildew Infection
Sometimes a fig’s stems and/or leaves start “growing” a white powder. While this is often mistaken for mold, it’s actually a mildew infection.
This fungal disease typically appears when there is a lack of airflow. Still water, temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and low light conditions aid mildew’s growth.
The powdery substance eventually spreads over the tree and may kill it. It can even infect surrounding plants. Here is what you should do:
Trim the tree to allow better airflow
Choose a humidifier over misting
Remove all white leaves
Apply neem oil over the healthy leaves to contain the infection
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a quart of water and spray the tree thoroughly
Keep in mind that simply whipping away mildew isn’t enough. The spores travel through the air and can then cause more damage. (3)
Sunburn
If the fig’s leaves are turning white but there’s no powdery substance, mildew probably isn’t to blame. Too much direct sunlight can cause fig leaves to bleach. It generally affects the top leaves while the lower ones, benefiting from the shade, remain in good health.
Some leaves may turn light brown, reddish, or yellow. If you suspect sunburn, move your tree to a shady area or further away from a window.
I wanted to show you this beautiful variegated fiddle fig tree. The leaves are actually not bleached white. It’s its natural markings and because of how rare it is, they’re fondly called unicorns. I stumbled upon this one in a garden show right after I’ve exhausted all my money plant-shopping. The price tag was astronomical, or I would have rescued it otherwise. It was out in full sun hence the sunburn. There might also be watering issues.
If you ever get a chance to rescue a plant, do so!
Other Tips for a Fast Fig Recovery
A dying fig tree needs to recover and patience is key. Because the fiddle fig tree goes into a hibernation mode during winter, you may not notice any improvement before spring. We’ve gathered here a few tips to speed up its healing process:
Clean the leaves
Check the soil
Let the earth breathe
Pot size matters
Good drainage
Clean the Leaves
I’m careful not to jostle my tree so much.
Photosynthesis primarily happens through green leaves. Accumulated dust can affect a fiddle fig tree’s ability to receive enough sunlight. (4)
Using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, remove dust once a week. You may even prevent an insect infestation before it spreads.
I like to do this “cleaning” every Sunday. I put on my favorite playlist and bop along while I go through each plant and wipe off the week’s layer of dust.
I hit two birds with one stone by wiping the leaves down with my neem solution. If you don’t have neem, you can mix 3 tablespoons of mild soap with a gallon of water. I like castille soap over any other soap because it is very mild and will not harm the natural balance of oils on your plants’ leaves.
Check the Soil
Providing your fiddle leaf fig tree with the right amount of water can be tricky. Place your finger around two inches in the soil. If it’s humid, wait before watering!
The finger test usually works for a lot of gardeners, but personally, my soil moisture meter saved my plants’ lives at a time when I had no clue what I was doing.
The moisture meter comes with a guide of what number your plant should be. Fig trees are a 4 so it tells me I’ve a bit too much water happening right now.
If you’re a new gardener, I would highly recommend that you go and get yourself a soil moisture meter. They are very cheap and help you understand the soil moisture needs of your plants until you learn enough to get to semi-expert level. I previously made a list of the best moisture meters. You can check it out here.
Let the Earth Breathe
An aerated soil means a better-nourished and healthier tree. If your fig tree is dying, aerating the soil will also promote a faster recovery.
Use a chopstick and make a few holes in the earth. This will ensure that water reaches the center of the plant. The gaps should also allow better oxygen distribution and airflow.
Remember to avoid soggy, overly wet conditions. Your fiddle fig won’t cope.
Pot Size Matters
We recommend reevaluating the size of your pot every couple of years. If its too small, roots will fight for nutrients and your fig’s growth will slow. When the container is too large, on the other hand, it’s the best recipe for rot root.
The ideal pot size is a third wider than the plant’s root ball. If you’ve just purchased your tree, keep it in the original pot for about a year. Once acclimated, you can move it to a larger one.
Don’t forget, fig trees don’t like to be moved, so be gentle!
Good Drainage
My DIY set up helps me get rid of any excess water easily. Son calls it “plant pee”. :D
To save a dying tree or to maintain one in good condition, proper drainage is essential. Ensure that your pot comes with holes at the bottom to let the water out. This is the best method of combating root decay.
You don’t need to go over-the-top like I did in the photo. A simple saucer would do. I always buy pots that automatically come with a saucer. Just make sure to get rid of any water that gets in the draining dish immediately. Never let your poor plant sit in a dish of excess water.
Fiddle Fig Trees Need a Recovery Period
Fiddle leaf fig trees make fantastic house plants to complement any idea on beautiful living rooms. Their large and green leaves add a peaceful touch to any home. If you get a young tree, you should be able to see it grow and mature over time.
Like other houseplants, fiddle figs are prone to bacteria, mildew, insect infestations, or drought. If your fig tree is dying, we hope this complete guide helps you save it.
Remember that even if you’ve fixed the initial problem, recovery can be slow. Tend to your fiddle fig with plenty of TLC and patience, and you’ll be rewarded with its eventual recovery. And if you go around talking to your fig tree and giving it encouragement, that’s fine. You’re just like the rest of us!
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