Fiddle Leaf Fig Yellow Leaves With Brown Spots: Causes and Solutions

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The fiddle leaf fig is pretty easy to take care of, but the leaves will probably get brown spots at some point.

There are many things that can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves, but the most common one is not giving the plant enough water.

Before you start watering your fiddle leaf fig more often, though, think about all the things that could be making the leaves turn brown. Whether they’re big brown splotches or little green speckles, we’ve got a fix.

The gorgeous, iconic fiddle leaf fig is a favorite houseplant for its large, violin-shaped leaves and easygoing nature. But those stunning leaves can suddenly take on an unhealthy appearance, turning yellow with ugly brown spots.

What causes a fiddle leaf fig’s leaves to turn yellow with brown spots? And how can you restore your plant’s health and beauty? Let’s investigate the possible reasons and solutions for yellow leaves with brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig.

Common Causes of Yellow Leaves and Brown Spots

Several issues can cause yellowing leaves with brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig. The most frequent culprits include:

  • Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root rot and leaf damage. Brown spots start in the center.

  • Underwatering – Lack of water causes leaves to dry out and brown spots form at edges

  • Poor drainage – Wet soil from poor drainage damages roots and creates brown spotting.

  • Sunburn – Too much direct sun scorches leaves, causing brown spots.

  • Pests – Insects like mealybugs and mites cause spotting and yellowing.

  • Diseases – Bacterial or fungal diseases create leaf damage and discoloration.

  • Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nutrients causes overall yellowing and brown spots around edges.

  • Cold damage – Chilly drafty locations cause leaf scorching and brown spots.

Solutions for Yellow Leaves and Brown Spots

Once you identify the cause of the yellowing and brown spots, take these actions to restore your fiddle leaf fig’s health:

For overwatering:

  • Allow soil to dry out completely before watering again
  • Water less frequently, only when top few inches of soil are dry
  • Ensure pot has drainage holes and use fast-draining soil
  • Repot in fresh, dry soil if needed

For underwatering:

  • Water more frequently to keep soil consistently moist
  • Mist leaves daily to increase humidity
  • Move to shadier location to reduce moisture loss

For poor drainage:

  • Repot in a container with drainage holes
  • Use a fast-draining potting mix
  • Create drainage at bottom of pot with rocks or gravel

For sunburn:

  • Move out of direct sun to a bright, indirect light location
  • Slowly re-acclimate to more sun over several weeks

For pests:

  • Isolate plant and prune off infested leaves
  • Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray
  • Remove bugs manually with cotton swab dipped in alcohol

For diseases:

  • Isolate plant to prevent spread
  • Apply copper fungicide spray
  • Improve air circulation and reduce watering frequency

For nutrient deficiency:

  • Fertilize regularly with a complete balanced plant food
  • Include organic compost when repotting

For cold damage:

  • Move plant away from drafty windows or vents
  • Maintain consistent indoor temperatures above 60°F
  • Slowly increase light duration and intensity in spring

Preventing Future Yellow Leaves and Brown Spots

Once you get your fiddle leaf fig healthy again, keep it looking its best by implementing good care practices:

  • Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are dry
  • Keep in an area with bright, indirect light
  • Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-80°F
  • Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier
  • Repot in fast-draining soil every 2-3 years as needed
  • Fertilize monthly during spring and summer
  • Inspect regularly for pests and quickly treat any found
  • Ensure pot has drainage and saucer to catch excess water

When to Worry About Yellow Leaves and Brown Spots

As long as you can identify the cause and remedy it promptly, your fiddle leaf fig should recover from minor yellowing and spotting. But if you notice:

  • Progressive yellowing and browning spreading rapidly
  • Mushy black roots with foul odor
  • Extreme leaf drop leaving bare branches
  • Dark brown/black shriveled leaves that crumble easily

These can be signs of advanced root rot or bacterial infections that are difficult to reverse. You may need to propagate the plant from a cutting and start over again.

The key is to carefully inspect all new plants, isolate any issues quickly, and remedy them promptly. Maintain optimal care consistently to avoid stresses that lead to yellow leaves and brown spots cropping up again.

With attentive care and occasional troubleshooting, your fiddle leaf fig can continue gracing your home with its stunning foliage for years to come. Don’t despair over a few yellow leaves or brown spots – just get to the root of the problem and restore your fiddle leaf fig to robust health.

Crispy Brown Spots

If you notice that your fiddle leaf fig leaves are dry and crispy and have brown or tan spots on them, this usually means that the plant is too dry and needs more water.

In case the soil is dry deeper than an inch, water a little more often. Check the soil’s surface often.

This could also mean that the plant is root- or pot-bound and that the soil is so packed down that it can’t absorb water properly. To fix this problem, repot the plant in a larger, well-draining container with fresh potting soil.

Brown Spots in the Middle

fiddle leaf fig yellow leaves brown spots

Kara Knight / Getty s

If your fiddle leaf fig gets dark brown spots or patches in the middle of the leaves, it could be a sign of root rot, which could be caused by too much water or poor drainage.

If a large area of the leaf is damaged, remove it from the plant.

These dark brown spots could also mean that the plant has been exposed to temperature changes that stress the leaves. So this doesn’t happen, don’t put the plant near a drafty window, air conditioner, heat vent, or space heater, and make sure it stays warm all winter.

How to Treat Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves [& Save Your Plant Fast!]

Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves turning red?

Inconsistent watering can causes small red, brown, or purple spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves. If you notice little fiddle leaf fig spots that look red, brown, or purple spots on your new fiddle leaf fig leaves, it’s probably edema, which is caused by inconsistent watering. The spots should fade as the leaves grow, so don’t be too alarmed.

Why is my fiddle leaf fig turning brown?

Brown spots on a new plant that show up a week or so after you move your plant are often from physical trauma. This is because the large leaves on a fiddle leaf fig are often damaged during a move and the bruises left of the plant will turn brown over time. Often, these spots look like cracks or tears.

How do you know if a fiddle leaf fig plant has sunburn?

The leaves should be removed by pruning, and the plant should be relocated to a more protected location. Bleached or brown spots that occur on the top leaves of a plant may indicate sunburn. Sunburns in fiddle leaf fig plants can range from brown in color to red or yellow. This fiddle leaf fig leaf displays a mild sunburn.

How do you know if a fiddle leaf fig is overwatered?

An overwatered fiddle leaf fig will have brown spots or brown shaded areas in the middle of the leaves. The browning may also run along the edges. Dropping lower leaves is also a sign the plant is overly saturated. How often should I water a fiddle leaf fig?

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