What to Do if Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Dropping Leaves

Why is your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves? It can be alarming when you’re unsure the reason. However, there are several steps you can take to address the issue and revive your plant. Discovering why your fiddle leaf fig dropped all leaves is crucial to its recovery and future health.

My Fiddle Leaf Fig is Dropping Leaves?

There are four leading causes of leaf drop, and it can be challenging to tell which is the primary reason. The key to remedying the situation quickly is first to figure out what is causing your plant to drop leaves. If you are witnessing your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves, read these common causes and effective solutions for a thriving plant.

Leaf Drop From Shock

Plant shock manifests in several ways, but none are more common than leaf dropping. Several things can send a plant into shock, including:

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Sudden temperature changes
• Repotting
• Reckless propagation

If you’ve recently made any of these changes, they could be the culprit behind your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves.

Leaf Drop From Root Rot

Root rot is the bane of any plant owner’s existence. It’s typically caused by overwatering, creating an environment that fosters the growth of dangerous bacteria. The bacteria causes roots to lose their firm white color and turn brown, black, or slimy. With roots decimated by infection, a fiddle leaf fig can’t absorb water and nutrients, leaving it susceptible to leaf drop. Addressing the issue of a fiddle leaf fig dropped all leaves requires a careful analysis of its environment and care routine.

Signs your fiddle leaf fig is having problems with root rot include: 

• Yellowing leaves
• Wilting foliage
• Leaf drop
• Mushy/smelly soil

Root rot is among the deadliest of plant diseases. If you suspect your plant is suffering from root rot, it’s best to inspect the root systems and act quickly if anything looks awry.

Leaf Drop From Pests

Experiencing fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves brown spots? Pests like spider mites or mealy bugs can cause damage to your plant’s leaves, leading to them dropping off. These pests suck the sap and other nutrients from the leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off. If you suspect pests are the issue, take a closer look at your plant’s leaves for any signs of infestation, such as: 

• Small webs or webbing
• Tiny white or brown bugs
• Sticky residue on leaves or stems
• Reddish or fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves brown spots
• Small holes developing in leaves

Ultimately, the solution to pests and the resulting leaf drop they cause will depend on the infestation type and severity. Luckily, a range of organic treatments exists to rid your plant of these pests.

Leaf Drop From Dryness | Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

The West African rainforests that fiddle leaf fig plants call home mean they need humid and warm conditions to thrive. If you’ve got your plant in an overly air-conditioned or drafty room, that may be the cause of your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves. Signs that dryness is the culprit behind your plant’s leaf drop include:

• Brown leaf tips and edges
• Dry, crispy leaves
• Slow growth
• Brittle branches
• Yellow discoloration throughout the entire leaf or plant

Is your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves and are they crispy? Dryness can also result from underwatering, though generally, this will cause the plant’s leaves to become wrinkled and limp instead of brittle. 

How to Stop Fiddle Leaf Fig From Dropping Leaves

Addressing Shock

Shock from Watering Inconsistency

A fiddle leaf fig needs approximately 1 cup of water every week for every foot of plant height. It is best to water throughly and ensure the water drains properly out the pot’s bottom drainage holes.

If you are using more than that or offering it a drink more frequently than the weekly recommended dose, you are overwatering your plant and need to cut back. 

On the other hand, if you’re watering your fiddle leaf fig less than the recommended amount or frequency, it’s time to add more to your watering can and pay closer attention to your plant’s moisture levels.  Understanding the reasons behind a fiddle leaf fig dropped all leaves is the first step towards providing the necessary care.

Pro Tip: Use a moisture meter to better understand when your plant needs watering.

Shock From Temperature Changes

Fiddle leaf figs fare best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Any sudden temperature changes outside this range can send it into shock, causing leaf drop. To prevent this, keep your plant away from drafty areas and avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents.

If you live in an area with extreme weather changes, bringing the plant inside during the winter months may be a good idea if it’s been living outside so it doesn’t experience a drastic temperature change. Conversely, if indoor plants go into shock as you crank up the A/C, consider relocating your plant to a warmer, but not too bright, spot outside.

Shock From Repotting 

If you’ve recently had to repot a fiddle leaf fig, you may have startled its root system a bit, accidentally sending it into shock and causing leaf drop. Furthermore, if you repotted before or after early spring, when this process is ideal, you may have thrown off your plant’s growth stages. 

The best thing to do for a fiddle leaf fig experiencing repotting shock is to offer plenty of nutrients, water, and time to readjust. Many growers have found that using a houseplant multivitamin as part of their regular watering routine can help speed up recovery after a plant undergoes major potting changes. Witnessing a fiddle leaf fig dropped all leaves can be distressing, but identifying the root cause is essential for revival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource (@fiddleleaffigplantresource) on Jul 27, 2019 at 7:18am PDT

Shock from Reckless Propagation

Propagating a fiddle leaf fig is an exciting process that can result in dozens of new plants from just one parent. However, if you don’t adequately prepare for the split or take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy root system for your new plant, you may be doing more harm than good. 

Invest in a specialty Fiddle Leaf Fig plant food and root supplement to help restore your plant’s natural nutrients after the disturbance of propagation. These products offer a great source of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and other trace elements that can help your plant thrive after propagation. 

Pro Tip: The 45-degree cuts you make during propagation should be down with sharp pruning shears to ensure clean lines and healthy wound healing. 

Countering Root Rot Issues

If you’ve inspected the root system and found black, mushy, or otherwise damaged roots, you must act fast to correct the issue. The best solution will be to cut away any damaged roots, repot the plant in a new pot with fresh soil, and reestablish its watering schedule. 

Root rot prevention will be just as important as treating it if your plant is to continue producing lush, vibrant leaves. Be sure that after each cut, you apply a Fiddle Leaf Fig root supplement to the tips to ensure maximum growth and reproduction. Specialty root supplements will also provide your plant with immunity boosters to help prevent future infections. 

Once you’ve trimmed and treated the roots, make sure to repot in well-draining Fiddle Leaf Fig soil containing coco coir, bark, and perlite. These ingredients are lightweight, retain moisture, and allow for proper drainage to prevent root rot from happening again.  

Upping the Humidity 

Fixing dryness issues causing fiddle leaf fig leaves dropping off is easily done with a number of methods. The best one will ultimately depend on the size and location of your plant, as well as your budget. 

The easiest and most affordable fix will be moving the plant to an area that doesn’t catch drafts or cold air from nearby AC units. Weatherizing windows where the plant is kept can also help regulate temperature and prevent sudden cold snaps from causing leaf drop. 

Many growers find that the addition of a pebble tray under the pot can help keep moisture levels elevated around the plant. This is especially useful if your plant is in an area that gets much foot traffic, as the changing temperature from multiple people entering and exiting a room can cause swift drops in the plant’s surrounding humidity. 

If you’re looking for a more high-tech method, consider investing in an electric humidifier or creating a DIY humidity dome over your plant with plastic wrap or a clear plastic tote. Both these options will help hold moisture around your fiddle leaf fig leaves dropping off and prevent dryness that causes leaf drop.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care & Maintenance Tips

Consistency

Frustrated by your fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves? Try these tips!

Maintaining consistency in your care routine is crucial for the health of your fiddle leaf fig. This includes regular watering, monitoring temperature and humidity levels, and staying on top of any potential pest or disease issues. 

Cleaning

Using leaf shine spray or wipes is integral to caring for your fiddle leaf fig. This will help remove dust and debris from the leaves, allowing them to properly absorb sunlight and nutrients vital to keeping leaves from suddenly dropping off.

Pruning

Pruning does more than keep your plant looking neat and tidy. It also helps promote new growth by removing dead or damaged leaves, allowing for better air circulation, and preventing overcrowding – all issues that can quickly lead to leaf drop.

Fertilizing

Like any other living thing, fiddle leaf figs need proper nourishment to thrive. Using a Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food containing a balanced blend of nutrients is vital to maintaining healthy growth and vibrant – attached – leaves.

Grab the Essentials for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

• Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Soil for maximum drainage and nutrient absorption 

• Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food provides essential nutrients for healthy growth.

• Root Rot Treatment to treat one of the most common issues affecting fiddle leaf figs.

• Houseplant Leaf Armor to protect against insects, bacteria, and fungus 

• Moisture meter to always know when your plant is thirsty.

• Houseplant Propagation Promoter to propagate more quickly and with more success.

Keep Fiddle Leaf Figs From Dropping Off

When you start to see fiddle leaf fig dropping all leaves, the best solution is to act fast. By correctly diagnosing the issue and taking proactive steps to resolve it, you can help ensure that your plant continues to thrive no matter what stress or environmental conditions it may face. 

Remember to always provide consistent care and maintenance for your fiddle leaf fig, and use the essential products recommended above to keep your plant happy, healthy, and attached. Happy growing! 

Want to Learn More About Fiddle Leaf Fig Care and Stop Fiddle Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves?

• Subscribe to the Fiddle Leaf Fig newsletter for the latest care tips, product announcements, and special offers.

• Sign up for our free Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101 Webinar and Fiddle Leaf Fig Course. 

• Order your paperback or Kindle copy of The Fiddle Leaf Fig Expert  – a complete guide to growing healthy fiddle leaf fig plants. 

• Get helpful advice from other growers by joining our Facebook Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Group.