By Claire Aiken, The Fiddle Leaf Fig Girl
It’s a common concern among fiddle leaf fig owners - why are their plants dropping leaves? If you’ve come home to find another giant leaf on the ground and your beloved fig tree looking sickly, it can be quite distressing. But fear not! There are only two main reasons why fiddle leaf figs drop leaves, and once you identify the problem, you can save your plant in no time.
The two main culprits responsible for leaf drop in fiddle leaf figs are root rot and insufficient light. Addressing one or both of these conditions will help revive your struggling plant. Let’s dive into each issue in more detail and explore how you can fix them.
1. Root Rot: Is Your Plant Too Wet?
One possible reason for your fiddle leaf fig’s dropping leaves is root rot, which occurs when the roots become overly saturated with water. To determine if this is the case, examine the leaves for brown spots before they fall off and check the soil’s moisture level.
If you suspect root rot, it’s important to act promptly. Claire Aiken has created a helpful video on how to fix root rot that offers a quick solution for those in a hurry. Alternatively, if you’re keen to gain a deeper understanding of the problem, there’s an in-depth video that goes into more detail.
2. Insufficient Light: Is Your Plant in the Dark?
The second reason why your fiddle leaf fig might be shedding leaves is inadequate light. Take a moment to consider if any recent changes have affected the amount of natural light your plant receives. Has the fiddle leaf fig been moved recently? Has there been a shift in seasons? Are there any obstructions blocking the light from reaching your plant, such as curtains or trees?
If light deficiency seems to be the culprit, it’s time to find a sunnier spot for your fiddle leaf fig. Ensure it is placed in the brightest area of your home, or if weather permits, consider moving it outside under a shady pergola. Remember, more light is key to helping your plant bounce back to health.
So there you have it - the two primary causes of leaf drop in fiddle leaf figs. By investigating whether your plant is suffering from root rot or inadequate light, you can take the necessary steps to revive it.
Remember:
- Assess if your plant is too wet and showing signs of root rot, such as brown spots on the leaves.
- Determine if your plant is receiving enough light or if there are any obstructions impeding its access to natural light.
By following these steps, you can provide the optimal conditions for your fiddle leaf fig to thrive once again.
Thank you for joining me today, and I hope this article has provided helpful insights into why your fiddle leaf fig might be dropping leaves. If you have any further questions or concerns, be sure to leave a comment below. See you next time!
Note: The above article contains information provided by Claire Aiken, known as “The Fiddle Leaf Fig Girl,” and is based on her expert advice for fiddle leaf fig owners. For additional resources and in-depth guides on caring for fiddle leaf figs, please refer to Claire’s Youtube channel.
