Brown spots. Dropping leaves. Slow growth. There are a few common ailments that can sicken or kill your prize fiddle leaf fig tree. Good news: if you know what to look for, most of these issues are easy to fix. You can tell if your fiddle leaf fig tree is healthy in 6 ways. If it’s not, read on to learn what to do.
The emergence of new leaves on your fiddle leaf fig is an exciting milestone! Those tender new leaves signal a healthy, thriving plant However, young leaves require a bit more care and attention than mature leaves. Use this guide to understand what your new fiddle leaf fig leaves need to grow up happy and strong
Why Proper Care for New Growth Matters
New fiddle leaf fig leaves are more vulnerable than established leaves. They haven’t developed the protective outer cuticle that gives mature leaves their leathery texture Without that hardy exterior, the new growth is extra sensitive to any problems with moisture, sunlight, pests, or nutrition Pay close attention to your plant’s fresh foliage and address any issues right away to avoid setbacks.
What New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Look Like
New leaves start out small and folded up. They are lighter green initially and feel softer than the older leaves around them. The new growth emerges from furled buds at the tips of branches or stems. As the leaves unfurl and expand, the color darkens to the deeper green shade of mature leaves.
Normal Issues Seen on New Leaves
Don’t be alarmed if you notice
-
Red spots or splotches – These are typically caused by edema, which happens when cells get overfilled with water and burst. It’s harmless if mild.
-
Brown crispy edges – Low humidity can cause new leaf tips to dry out and brown. Increase humidity around your plant.
-
Small holes – New leaves can sometimes get small tears if they’re too dry as they unfurl.
These problems are common and easily fixed with adjusted care.
Signs of Trouble in New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
Watch for these more serious issues in new growth:
-
Curled, shrivelled leaves – This indicates a lack of water. New leaves need ample moisture while expanding.
-
Leaves falling off – New leaves dropping prematurely can signal improper moisture, light, or nutrition.
-
Spots with yellow halos – This can indicate a fungal or bacterial infection. Prune affected leaves.
-
White spots on undersides – These spots are a sign of pest infestation, especially spider mites.
-
Wilting or drooping – New leaves that are limp or wilted may indicate a problem with the roots, such as root rot.
Caring for New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
Here are some tips to help your new leaves flourish:
-
Water more frequently. New growth increases the plant’s demand for water. The younger leaves lose moisture faster too.
-
Mist gently. Use a spray bottle on mist setting to provide ambient humidity. Avoid wetting the leaves directly.
-
Filter sunlight. Direct sun can scorch delicate new leaves. Filter light through a sheer curtain.
-
Fertilize lightly. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength until leaves mature.
-
Monitor for pests. Check both sides of leaves closely for any signs of insects. Target them early.
-
Allow air circulation. Rotate the plant occasionally so all sides get airflow, which toughens cell walls.
-
Keep leaves clean. Gently wipe new leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
How to Prevent Common New Leaf Problems
With extra care and the right growing conditions, you can avoid many new leaf issues:
-
Ensure the plant is getting bright, indirect light. Rotate it for even exposure.
-
Water thoroughly when the top several inches of soil feel dry. Check new leaves for wrinkling.
-
Use an indoor humidifier and humidity trays to provide 40-60% humidity.
-
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant food.
-
Keep the plant away from heating and cooling vents to avoid dry, hot air.
-
Prune off any leaves showing signs of bacterial/fungal infection to avoid spread.
-
Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if pests are present. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Enjoy Your Plant’s New Foliage
New fiddle leaf fig leaves indicate a happy, thriving plant. With the right care, your new growth will mature into beautiful full-sized leaves. Pay close attention as the plant pushes new foliage so you can catch any problems early and take action. Then relax and enjoy this sign your plant is prospering!
Are there brown spots on the leaves?
One of the most common problems with fiddle leaf fig trees is brown spots on the leaves. This can seem tricky to diagnose since there are two main culprits that are opposites: over- and under-watering. But it’s pretty easy to tell which sin is harming your plant if you take a closer look.
There may be a fungal disease on your leaves if they have brown spots that start in the middle and spread outward. Root rot is a fungus that can spread to the leaves and kill your plant if you keep the roots too wet. If your plant has root rot, stop watering it right away, repot it in soil that drains well, and cut off the leaves that are sick with sharp pruning shears like these.
The best option is to use a root rot treatment to help rid your fiddle leaf fig of root rot completely. Using our Houseplant Leaf Armor will also help protect your plant from insects, bacteria, and fungus.
If your plant’s brown spots are starting on the edge of the leaves and spreading inward, the cause is likely dry air, drafts, and under-watering—basically a dry plant. Set a reminder to water your plant every single week and try to move it to a more humid area and away from dry air or heater vents. Use a moisture meter like this one to help you know when your plant is thirsty.
Leaf damage, which happens a lot during shipping, can also cause brown spots. If your new plant arrives with damaged leaves, cut them off at the stem and let the plant heal.
Find out more about what brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig mean by reading this full post on brown spots and how to treat them right.
Does your fiddle leaf fig tree have stunted growth?
New leaves should grow on a healthy fiddle leaf fig tree every 4 to 6 weeks while it is The plant will often grow two to four new leaves in just a few days. In the winter, it’s normal not to have any new growth. If your plant’s growth seems to have stopped, that means it doesn’t have the things it needs to do well. Make sure it gets enough sun, water, and soil that drains well, and then buy a good plant fertilizer to give it the nutrients it needs to grow new leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig – Care & Rescue Tips
FAQ
How often do fiddle leaf figs get new leaves?
Why isn’t my fiddle leaf fig growing new leaves?
Are new fig leaves smaller than older leaves?
So Your New Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Are Smaller than Older Leaves. Here’s What to Do: Fiddle leaf figs require a very specific watering schedule and well-draining soil. A good rule of thumb is to water once per week.
Should fiddle leaf figs be left on?
If your fiddle leaf fig is growing leaves at the bottom, you can leave them on if you want your plant to become bushier and fuller. In fact, many people induce this stress in order to get their fiddle leaf figs to produce more leaves.
What is a fiddle leaf fig?
Ficus lyrata is a broadleaf tree native to tropical regions in Central and Western Africa. It has lyre or fiddle-shaped leaves, earning the name fiddle leaf fig or FLF. The large, leathery leaves look almost synthetic, making them attractive to home gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Fiddle leaf figs belong to a family of fruit-bearing fig trees.
How do you troubleshoot a fiddle leaf fig?
Use a magnifying glass to check under the leaves. If you notice small moving dots or webbing, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Growing new leaves requires a lot of energy and resources from the plant. New leaf troubleshooting for fiddle leaf figs is important to consider!
Why is my fiddle leaf fig not growing?
If left unattended to, however, pest infestations will stunt a Ficus’s growth, including that it could be the reason why your fiddle leaf fig stops growing new leaves. To identify pest infestations, look for any sign of visible creepy crawlies or for small holes in the leaves of fiddle leaf fig plant.
Do fiddle leaf figs grow in pairs?
Fiddle leaf figs are known for their symmetrical leaves, meaning that they typically grow in pairs. So if your plant’s new leaves are growing close together, it’s a sign that they are healthy and doing well.