Since fiddle leaf figs are known for their big, pretty green leaves, seeing yellow leaves can really mess up the look. So what do yellow leaves mean and how can you fix them?.
The pigment chlorophyll makes the leaves green in the first place, but a plant has to create chlorophyll. To do that, it needs energy and nutrients!.
Plants get their energy from sunlight and nutrients present in the soil to produce chlorophyll. (Conversely, chlorophyll helps plants create energy from water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. ).
If your plant isn’t getting the energy or nutrients it needs, you may notice discoloration of the leaves. They may start to lighten between the veins and turn a lighter green before turning bright yellow.
Bugs or root rot can also make leaves turn yellow, which can then cause the leaves to fall off. If you think your plant has bugs, hit it right away with an insecticide soap or even neem oil to get rid of them. If you think root rot is the issue, use our Root Rot Treatment to save the roots of your plant and keep them from going bad. Also, give your plant enough water on a regular basis and make sure the pot it’s in has lots of drainage holes.
If you’ve noticed the leaves on your potted fig tree turning yellow don’t panic. While discolored foliage is never a welcome sight yellowing leaves on a fig tree are often no cause for alarm. This common issue can arise for a number of reasons, most of which are easily corrected with a few simple fixes.
With a little detective work, you can get to the root of the problem and restore your fig tree’s leaves to their lush green glory Read on to learn the most common reasons behind yellowing fig leaves, along with tips to bring your plant back to health.
Why Are My Fig Tree’s Leaves Turning Yellow?
There are several possible explanations for yellowing leaves on a potted fig tree, including:
- Overwatering
- Underwatering
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Root rot
- Improper lighting
- Pest problems
- Cold damage or transplant shock
The most common causes are overwatering, underwatering, and nutrient deficiencies. To accurately diagnose the issue, you’ll need to closely examine your plant and growing conditions.
Start by looking for patterns. Are just the older leaves turning yellow? This often signals a nutrient deficiency. Are the yellow leaves clustered at the top or bottom of the plant? This can point to over/underwatering. Are the yellow leaves scattered randomly? This may indicate pests, disease, or improper lighting.
Next, consider any recent changes in care. Have you been watering more or less often? Did you recently repot or move the plant? Have fertilizing habits changed? Think through anything different that could impact the plant.
Also inspect the yellow leaves closely. Are they yellowing from the central vein or the edges? Are they brittle or soft when squeezed? This provides clues to the cause.
With some careful observations, you can get to the source of the yellow leaves. Here are the most common causes and solutions:
Overwatering
Excess moisture is one of the most common reasons for yellow fig leaves. Figs prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Sitting in wet soil can cause root rot and nutrient deficiencies.
Signs: Lower leaves yellow first, leaves feel soft or mushy, brown spots may appear on leaves
Solutions: Allow soil to dry out completely before watering again. Remove any saturated soil and repot with fresh, well-draining mix if needed. Water less frequently.
Underwatering
While figs don’t like soggy soil, they also need consistent moisture. If the soil dries out too much between waterings, leaves can yellow and drop.
Signs: Leaves yellow and wilt or drop, soil is bone dry
Solutions: Water plant thoroughly until water drains from bottom of pot. Water more often to keep soil evenly moist but not wet.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, iron, magnesium or zinc can cause yellowing leaves. Soil can become depleted without proper fertilization.
Signs: Older leaves near bottom yellow first. Leaf veins may remain green.
Solutions: Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growth season. Add iron or zinc supplements if soil is deficient.
Root Rot
Fungal disease caused by overwatering can rot fig roots, preventing uptake of water and nutrients.
Signs: Leaves yellow and drop, roots appear brown/rotten, foul odor
Solutions: Remove plant from pot and cut off any rotted roots. Repot in fresh soil mix and water sparingly. Apply fungicide drench.
Improper Lighting
Insufficient light can hinder growth and cause lower leaves to yellow and drop off.
Signs: Lower leaves yellow, minimal new growth, leggy stems
Solutions: Place plant in brightest location possible, even full sun. Prune back overgrown stems to encourage fuller growth.
Pests
Insects that feed on plant sap, like aphids and spider mites, can cause yellow speckling and stippling on leaves.
Signs: Speckled yellow leaves, insects visible on plant, fine webbing
Solutions: Prune out infested leaves/stems. Apply insecticidal soap spray every 5-7 days until pests are gone.
Cold Damage or Transplant Shock
Sudden cold snaps or repotting stress can also cause yellowing leaves. Give it time to recover.
Signs: Leaves wilt and yellow after cold exposure or repotting.
Solutions: Avoid cold drafts. Wait for plant to re-establish over a few weeks before taking action.
By considering timing, patterns, and closely inspecting the yellowing leaves and roots, you should be able to arrive at the right diagnosis. While discolored leaves are frustrating, in most cases the problem is fixable with a little TLC!
How to Treat and Prevent Yellow Leaves on Fig Trees
Once you’ve determined the cause of your fig tree’s yellow leaves, you can take steps to restore health. Here are some general tips:
Adjust watering habits. Fig trees are sensitive to overwatering. Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Improve drainage by amending soil with perlite or sand.
Provide optimal lighting. Figs thrive in full sun – at least 6 hours per day. Insufficient light leads to weak growth.
Fertilize regularly. Feed with balanced fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Figs are heavy feeders when actively growing.
Monitor for pests. Inspect leaves and stems regularly for signs of insects. Remove or spray infested parts immediately.
Avoid cold drafts. Protect plants from cold exposures, which can damage leaves. Move pots indoors or use row cover outside when temps drop.
Allow time to adjust after repotting. Repotting can shock the plant, so leaves may yellow temporarily as it recovers.
Prune for improved air circulation. Remove any overcrowded or crossing stems to allow air flow and reduce disease risk.
Treat root rot promptly. Discard badly infected plants. Repot mildly affected plants in fresh soil and water carefully.
Rule out other issues. Yellow leaves can also indicate problems like nematodes, viruses, or salts buildup. Have a plant expert assess if basic fixes don’t help.
With consistent care tailored to your plant’s needs, you can prevent many issues with yellowing foliage. But don’t beat yourself up over a few yellow leaves now and then – it’s par for the course with gardening. Stay vigilant and you can keep your fig tree looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Tree Leaves Turning Yellow
Here are answers to some common questions about yellow leaves on fig trees:
Why are the older leaves on my fig tree turning yellow?
The most likely causes are underfertilizing, overwatering, or natural aging. Older leaves naturally turn color and drop off over time. But yellowing can happen prematurely if the plant lacks nutrients or sits in wet soil.
I recently repotted my fig tree and now the leaves are yellow – what should I do?
Some yellowing after repotting is normal, as the plant experiences transplant shock. Allow several weeks for recovery and avoid overwatering. If severe yellowing lasts over a month, check for root rot.
The leaves on my outdoor fig tree are turning yellow in the fall – is this normal?
Yes, deciduous fig trees will naturally drop their leaves in fall. The leaves will turn yellow or brown before falling. This is the plant going dormant for winter. As long as the yellowing looks uniform, it is nothing to worry about.
What are the small bumps on the underside of yellow fig leaves?
Raised bumps or pimple-like protrusions often indicate pest infestation, especially spider mites. Check closely for webbing and tiny crawling insects. If present, treat plant with insecticidal soap.
Why do the veins stay green when my fig leaves turn yellow?
When leaf veins remain green while the tissue between them turns yellow, it usually signals a magnesium or iron deficiency. Apply a nutrient supplement containing magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) or iron chelate to correct this.
Should I remove the yellow leaves on my fig tree?
It’s best to leave yellowed leaves in place until they turn brown and brittle. The plant reabsorbs some nutrients from dying leaves. But prune off any that feel mushy or appear diseased to prevent spread.
I hope these tips help you diagnose and treat yellowing foliage on your potted fig tree. Don’t hesitate to consult a horticulturist if you need additional help getting your plant’s health back on track. With a little TLC your fig will be looking lush again in no time.
Case Study: Yellow Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
If your fiddle leaf fig doesn’t get much light, fix this before you add fertilizer.
The fiddle leaf fig loves light and does best near a window that lets in a lot of the sun. Moving your plant around will help it get the most light if it’s in a room that is too dark.
If you put it in a north-facing window, it won’t get direct sunlight very often. But you can put it near any other window where it will still get a lot of light.
If you don’t have a great place for your fig to get lots of natural light, you might want to invest in some grow lights like these.
Also, make sure to check the soil. If the soil feels wet, you might want to let it dry out a little more between watering. (Use a moisture meter like this one to know just how thirsty your plant is. It’s not good for your fiddle leaf fig to get too much water and not enough light. Read our watering guide here.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Acidity Levels
Fiddle leaf fig trees like neutral pH soil conditions. (Slightly acidic or slightly alkaline). If the pH level drops below this range, the fiddle leaf fig might have trouble taking in nutrients from the soil.
Brewed coffee has a pH between 5. 2 – 6. 9, so depending on the coffee, it could be harmful to your fiddle leaf fig.
It’s important to remember, the perfect pH for fiddle leaf fig trees is 6. 5 – 7. Anything under 6 will be too acidic. Your plant’s roots will be unable to absorb the nutrients in the soil. Yellow leaves, stunted growth, and an unhappy plant are the general symptoms.
