The spots on fig leaves are caused by an insect known as the “figwort sawfly,” which is found in the same order of insects as bees, wasps, and ants. The adult sawfly lays eggs on the underside of the leaves and the spots come from their larvae, which feed on the leaves’ upper layers.
As the larvae feed, they excrete a sticky substance that causes the leaves to turn yellow, then brown and dry up. The larvae are also responsible for causing the frass, or droppings, that can be seen on the leaves.
Although not aesthetically pleasing, the spotting caused by the figwort sawfly does not usually affect the overall health of your fig tree, since each tree is capable of withstanding a few sawflies. If the problem becomes severe, you can use insecticides to get rid of the sawfly.
Additionally, regularly pruning the lower-hanging foliage and disposing of it away from the plant can help to protect the tree from additional sawfly infestations.
Should I remove spotted leaves from fiddle leaf fig?
It is generally not necessary to remove spotted leaves from a fiddle leaf fig, as they can often recover from the damage on their own given the proper care. If leaves are wilting or turning yellow, it could indicate an environmental problem and leaves should be removed as soon as possible.
However, if the spots seem to be dormant and more like discoloration, it is recommended to just keep an eye on them and provide the necessary care for the plant.
The best way to care for a fiddle leaf fig is to keep it in an area with bright, indirect light; allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out completely between waterings; and mist the leaves when needed to increase humidity.
If the environmental issues that caused the spots have been corrected, the plant should eventually recover and the spots should clear up. It is also important to keep the leaves dusted so they can continue to receive as much light as possible.
What are these spots on my fiddle leaf fig?
These spots on your fiddle leaf fig could be a variety of things. The spots may be caused by too much sun, fungal diseases, pests, or even a nutrient deficiency. Sunburn typically will cause yellow or brown spots on the leaf, which will then turn black.
Fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and fusarium, might also cause spots that can range in size and color. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids could leave spots on the leaf that appear as small specks of black or other colors.
Lastly, a nutrient deficiency could also create spots, typically yellow in color.
In order to figure out what is causing these spots, it would be helpful to take a closer look and do a bit of detective work. If the spots are due to too much sun, then the solution is easy: provide more shade and adjust the amount of direct sunlight the plant is getting.
For all other causes, it may be helpful to remove the affected leaves, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap, and give the plant a light fertilizer treatment. It is important to note that all of the above potential causes have the potential to cause serious damage to the health of the fiddle leaf fig if left untreated, so prompt action is key.
If the problem persists, it may be a good idea to contact a professional to assess the situation and provide further help.
Do fiddle leaf figs like to be misted?
Yes, fiddle leaf figs do like to be misted. Mist helps keep the leaves nice and glossy, as well as providing some extra humidity. Misting should be done in the morning so the leaves are able to take in the moisture and benefit from it.
The amount of misting needed depends on the environment and the size of the plant – it should be done enough to maintain a slight layer of moisture on the leaves, but not so much that it’s dripping or causing excess stress to the plant.
To ensure your fiddle leaf fig gets the right amount of mist, be sure to observe how it reacts after each misting, and adjust the amount of mist accordingly.
How can you tell if a fiddle fig is healthy?
A healthy fiddle fig will have a symmetrical, full canopy of lush, dark green leaves. The trunk should be solid, without any bends or soft spots. The leaves should also be free of discolorations or brown spots.
It is best to check the soil of the fiddle fig as well; it should be consistently damp but not overly wet or soggy. The roots should also be healthy, with no signs of disease or pest infestations. Overall, a healthy fiddle fig should be vibrant, with no signs of distress.
How do you keep a fiddle leaf fig happy?
Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) require specific environmental conditions in order to remain happy and healthy. The key to keeping them happy is to provide them with enough indirect light, proper watering and humidity levels, and some gentle grooming.
When it comes to light, it’s important to provide your fiddle leaf fig with enough indirect sunlight. This means positioning them in a place with bright but indirect light, such as in front of a sunny window that has curtains or blinds.
Avoid placing them too close to windows with direct sunlight, as this can lead to sunburn.
Regarding water, it’s best to water your fiddle leaf fig only when the soil is dry about one-inch deep. Try to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. To provide extra moisture, you can mist the plant regularly or use a humidifier in the room.
Lastly, your fiddle leaf fig also needs occasional grooming. This involves regularly wiping its leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent insect infestations. Pruning will also help make sure the plant maintains a healthy shape and size.
How often should I water fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle Leaf Figs are considered to be one of the most popular houseplants, and they need special care to thrive. When it comes to watering your fiddle-leaf fig, you should water it when the top few inches of soil in the pot feel dry.
A great way to test for this is by sticking your finger into the soil about 1-2 inches deep. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant. On average you should water fiddle-leaf figs about once every 1-2 weeks.
During the summer months, you may need to water the plant more often due to increased temperatures and evaporation. During the winter months, the fiddle-leaf fig may not need to be watered as often, so wait until the potting soil has dried out before watering.
It is important to remember that overwatering the plant can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to die. Be sure to provide the plant with an adequate amount of water, and avoid giving it too much or too little.
How often should I mist my indoor plants?
The amount and frequency of misting you will need to provide your indoor plants with will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type and size of the plant, the location in your home, and the climate.
As a general rule, mist your plants once a week. However, some plants may need less or more misting depending on the conditions they are in.
For most plants, misting once a week is sufficient. Keep an eye on the foliage of your plants and mist them more frequently if the leaves are looking dull and dry. If the leaves begin to brown or yellow, this is a sign that your plant is getting too much moisture and needs to be misted less.
In warm, arid climates you may need to mist more frequently. You can also mist the leaves lightly every few days, or mist the leaves with a fine mist every other day.
Additionally, bright light and low humidity can cause your plants to dry out quickly. In this case you may need to mist more often, twice a week or even every day. Take note of the environment of your home and the foliage of your plants so you can adjust your misting schedule to ensure your plants stay healthy.
How do you bring a fiddle leaf back to life?
Bringing a fiddle leaf back to life requires patience and dedication. Here are the steps:
1. Move the plant to a location with more indirect sunlight. Fiddle leafs need bright, indirect sunlight, so they thrive in north or east-facing windows. Make sure to keep it away from drafts, A/C vents, and radiators.
2. Adjust the watering schedule. Fiddle leafs should be watered when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. But you should also check the drainage of the soil by sticking your finger in and seeing if it feel saturated.
If it does, wait a few more days.
3. Prune problem areas. If there are leaves that are yellow, brown, or dried out, gently snip them at the base. This allows the plant to focus the energy on the healthy foliage. Fiddle leafs like to be shaped, so don’t be afraid to give the leaves a selective haircut.
4. Fertilize. During the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer and feed the plant every two weeks or so. If you have an older plant, you can use a liquid fertilizer with micronutrients every other month.
5. Treat with neem oil. If your fiddle leaf has pests, such as mealybugs or mites, or if you spot signs of fungus or disease, treat the problem areas with neem oil. This is a natural insecticide that helps get rid of most unwanted critters.
6. Re-pot your plant. If the plant is pot-bound and roots are growing out of the drain holes, it’s time to give the plant a bigger vessel. Choose a pot that’s just 1-2 inches larger and use a light, well-draining soil.
With patience and a few tricks, you can bring even the most desperate of fiddle leafs back to life!
Do fiddle leaf figs need direct sunlight?
No, fiddle leaf figs do not need direct sunlight. They do, however, need plenty of bright indirect light. Fiddle leaf figs prefer a south or east facing window, with indirect sun exposure all day. Direct sunlight is too intense for fiddle leaf figs, and can burn and damage their leaves.
Instead, consider using sheer curtains or a light-filtering shade to provide the filtered light your plant needs. Additionally, when you are growing a fiddle leaf fig indoors, make sure to rotate the plant about every two weeks.
This ensures that all the leaves get even light exposure and helps to keep the plant looking even.
How do I know if my fiddle leaf is dying?
If your fiddle leaf is dying, you may notice some common signs. These include yellowing and browning of the leaves, drooping or wilting of the leaves, appearing fresh but then quickly wilting, and eventual demise of the leaves without any new growth.
Additionally, you may see some pest infestations or fungal diseases, such as wilt or root rot. If the plant is not getting an adequate amount of light, or soil is over or under watered, or the plant is root-bound, you may also notice that the plant is going through the stages of dying.
If any of these signs are present you should take immediate action to save the plant and restore it to health.
Can a dead fig tree come back?
Unfortunately, it is not usually possible for a dead fig tree to come back. While some trees can regrow from their roots or a single branch, this does not work for fig trees. This is because a fig tree needs to produce fruit and for this to happen, the tree needs a network of roots and a trunk that is alive and healthy.
If a fig tree has died due to disease, pest infestation, or environmental damage, the tree is dead and will not regrow from even a single branch. The good news is, however, that fig trees are beautiful and long-lived additions to any garden and it is possible to purchase a healthy fig tree, as well as to transplant pieces of cuttings from healthy fig trees.
Can fiddle leaf figs recover?
Yes, fiddle leaf figs can recover! The key to recovery is understanding what causes the plant to struggle in the first place and addressing those issues with the right care. Common causes of fiddle leaf fig demise include improper lighting, watering, nutrition and temperature.
If you can correct any issues identified as contributing to the decline of the plant, you should be able to nurse it back to health.
To give fiddle leaf figs a fighting chance, make sure it is placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Keep the temperature between 65 – 75°F in the day, and 55 – 65°F at night (no temperature drops below 55°F), with some humidity and minimal drafts.
Water about every 1-2 weeks, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid over-watering. Fertilize once a month, except in winter when growth slows and fertilizing may not be necessary.
Taking these simple steps should help the plant bounce back!.
