How to Revive a Dying Fiddle-Leaf Fig

How to Revive a Dying Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Overwatering or a change in temperature are typically the causes of a fiddle leaf fig’s demise. Fiddle leaf figs require the potting soil to gently dry out in between waterings and prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. The fiddle leaf fig loses its leaves when the temperature changes abruptly.

The leaves droop, become brown in areas or regions, and eventually fall off due to overwatering.

Because they are delicate plants, fiddle leaf figs can react negatively to a variety of conditions, including temperature changes, drafts, low humidity, excessive direct sunshine, insufficient light, too much fertilizer, overwatering, underwatering, and inadequate drainage.

Ficus lyrata, or fiddle leaf figs, are very sensitive to a rapid change in environment and dislike being relocated or repotted frequently.

If a fiddle leaf fig is on the verge of dying, you should try to replicate its natural environment by keeping the temperature between 65°F and 75°F, misting the leaves to enhance humidity, placing it in bright, indirect light, and only watering it when the top 2 inches of the soil feel dry.

Here is a reference table to assist you in determining the reason why your fiddle leaf fig is dying:

Symptoms:Reasons Fiddle Leaf Figs Die:
Falling LeavesTemperature swings outside of its optimum range of 18°C to 24°C (65° to 75°F). Underwatering, overwatering, low humidity, transplant shock, excessive fertilizer, and insufficient light are all problems.
sagging leavesFiddle leaf fig leaves can droop for a variety of reasons, including high temperatures, inadequate lighting, overwatering, underwatering, and low humidity. Another frequent reason for drooping leaves is transplant shock brought on by movement.
Browning Leaf Edges:Brown leaf edges are most frequently caused by low humidity. While indoor humidity is often around 10%, fiddle leaf figs prefer at least 40% humidity. Brown, curled-up leaf edges are a result of insufficient or too little watering.
Leaf Browning in Spots or Patches:Overwatering or inadequate drainage are the main causes. The top 2 inches of soil must somewhat dry out between waterings for fiddle leaf figs. Brown leaves are the result of root rot and other fungal diseases, which are encouraged by consistently moist soil.
After repotting, fiddle leaf figs start to die:Fiddle leaf figs are particularly delicate when transported or potted. A fiddle leaf fig may die as a result of the abrupt shift in circumstances. When fiddle leaf figs are planted in overly big pots, the pots dry out more slowly, which can lead to root rot.

It can be challenging to pinpoint the precise reason why your plant is dying because fiddle leaf figs are so susceptible to environmental change.

To find out the probable cause (or causes) of your dying fiddle leaf fig and how to apply the remedies to revive your plant, keep reading.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves

  • Symptoms. After being moved, fiddle-leaf figs frequently begin to drop their leaves. Only the lower leaves can fall at times.
  • Causes. Transplant shock, temperature changes brought on by drafts or indoor heating. Underwatering and low humidity are frequent issues. The fiddle-leaf fig sheds leaves in part due to overwatering or inadequate drainage of the potting soil. Additionally, too much fertilizer and insufficient light cause leaf loss, especially with the lower leaves, which can occasionally cause the plant to tilt.

The most frequent cause of a fiddle-leaf fig shedding leaves is an abrupt change in growing conditions brought on by moving the plant. Due to their extreme sensitivity, fiddle-leaf figs may drop their leaves as a symptom of stress in response to any change in temperature, light, humidity, or air flow.

When fiddle-leaf figs establish in their microenvironment, they become accustomed to a certain set of persistent conditions.

Dropping leaves is their method of expressing that something in their surroundings is not quite right, and they can do it for a variety of reasons.

Particularly, a temperature change outside of the fiddle-leaf fig’s typical temperature range is frequently to blame for the plant shedding leaves.

This frequently results from:

  • putting the fig too close to a heater inside.
  • open windows or the air conditioner letting in drafts.
  • nighttime temperature drop that is abrupt.
  • abrupt heat wave.
  • being transferred from a warmer to a cooler room, or the opposite.

Native to West African tropical forests, fiddle leaf figs like warm, humid weather and can withstand temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C).

The fig may shed its leaves as an indication of stress if there is a rapid and considerable change outside of its preferred temperature range.

Additionally, the top 2 inches of the soil must dry out in between waterings for fiddle-leaf figs. The fig loses its leaves due to root rot if the soil is persistently moist.

Pots with drainage holes in the base, the use of saucers, trays underneath the pot, or decorative outside pots can also result in damp soil since they can all cause too much water to collect around the pot’s base, saturating the soil and preventing it from draining properly.

The fiddle-leaf fig will lose its leaves in an effort to preserve moisture if it is not watered frequently enough, too lightly, or if the water simply runs off the surface of the soil (this can happen with peat base potting mixes since they become hydrophobic if they dry out entirely).

Given that figs are indigenous to tropical Africa, where the humidity is often about 60%, they can suffer indoors where the humidity is typically around 10%.

The fiddle-leaf fig reacts by dropping its leaves as a survival tactic to stop the additional loss of moisture as a result of the considerable variation in humidity, which causes the plant to lose more liquid through its leaves than it can pull up via its roots.

Additionally vulnerable to too much fertilizer are fiddle-leaf figs.

While fertilizer use is frequently advised during the growing season, if it is done too frequently or in excessive amounts, the fig may lose its leaves.

The amounts of light in a space are important to fiddle-leaf figs as well. They often do best with a little morning sun, followed by midday shade or bright, indirect light all day long.

The fig can lose some of its lower leaves if it is not in the room of your home that receives the most sunlight. This is mostly a survival tactic because the plant lacks the energy to support all of the leaves.

How to Revive a Fiddle-Leaf Fig That is Dropping Leaves

It’s critical to mimic some of the growing conditions of the fiddle-leaf fig’s natural environment in order to revive it. This includes raising humidity with frequent misting, reducing watering so that the top 2 inches of the potting soil dry between bouts of watering, and making sure the fig has a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F.

  • Fiddle-leaf figs should only be watered when the top 2 inches of the soil feel a little dry. Fiddle-leaf figs prefer moist potting soil and are poorly suitable to growing in well-draining soil. When the top 2 inches of the soil feel relatively dry, check the depth of the soil with your fingers and water well.
  • Reduce watering in the winter when plants are dormant. Always inspect the soil before watering fiddle leaf figs because they need less water in the winter when they are not actively growing. When they are actively growing in the summer, fiddle leaf figs frequently need more frequent watering. However, you should always inspect the top 2 inches of the soil to make sure you have adjusted your watering schedule appropriately for the season.
  • To avoid water collecting around the pot’s base, regularly empty any saucers and trays of water. To avoid root rot, fiddle-leaf figs require excellent drainage. After watering, make sure to frequently check any saucers, trays, and decorative outer pots. Remove any extra water that might be preventing the potting soil from draining properly.
  • Place fiddle-leaf figs in a space that is consistently between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) in temperature. For fiddle-leaf figs, this temperature range is ideal. The most typical cause of leaves falling is a quick change in temperature, so keep an eye out for sources of inside heat, draughts from open windows, and any other things that induce a sudden change in temperature.
  • In arid locations, mist fiddle-leaf figs every day to keep the leaves from falling. In order to create a humid microclimate that mimics the conditions of its tropical jungle, mist any remaining leaves and even the branches. If the leaves are to regenerate, this is crucial. Additionally, you can use a plant humidifier, which can be a useful tool in very dry settings because you can control the humidity level and put it right next to the fig. To create a humid microclimate, place tropical indoor plants that are similar next to one another.
  • To avoid the leaves falling off, always thoroughly water fiddle-leaf figs. The fig must be watered thoroughly so that extra water drips from the base of the pot, even though it’s crucial for the potting soil to dry up between waterings. By doing this, you can be confident that the water has permeated the soil and gotten to the roots where it is needed. Watering too little merely moistens the top inch or so of the soil, stressing the plant during a drought and resulting in leaf drop. Put the pot in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to make sure the soil is evenly moist if water is flowing off the top of the potting soil and down the edge of the pot. The water should be able to penetrate more easily the following time you water the fig to avoid drought stress.
  • To prevent leaf drop, only apply fertilizer at half intensity in the spring and summer. Fiddle-leaf figs can use any common houseplant fertilizer, but it’s crucial to apply it at half strength because they are vulnerable to fertilizer burn. More harm is done by too much fertilizer than not enough. If the fig has no leaves, avoid fertilizing because the plant is under stress. Only use fertilizer at half intensity if spring and summer regrowth is visible.
  • Put the fiddle-leaf fig in a location with strong, indirect light or with morning sun and afternoon shade. Bright indirect light is usually preferable in regions with a strong sun, such as Southern California or Arizona, where the sun’s rays can cause fiddle leaf figs to lose their leaves. Fiddle-leaf figs grow best in milder northern latitudes with a few hours of early sun and some afternoon shade. The fig will have enough energy to generate new leaves thanks to this balance of light.

When the fiddle-leaf fig is, say, in an area with insufficient bright light, it may be required to shift it.

However, it is best practice to move the fig as little as possible because the change in environment brought on by transferring to a new area frequently causes the leaves to fall.

The fiddle leaf fig typically exhibits symptoms of recovery in a few weeks with the development of new growth if the leaf loss is related to dry circumstances or owing to a temperature change.

However, if the fiddle-leaf fig’s leaf drop is the result of root rot brought on by consistently saturated soil, it can be challenging for the plant to recover and is frequently the reason for a dying plant, even though it is possible if you reduce watering before serious root rot or any fungal diseases appear.

Will Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Grow Back?

Fiddle leaf figs can regenerate their leaves in the spring and summer, when conditions are more suitable for growth, but they rarely do so. When the plant is typically dormant in the fall or winter.

I must underscore how crucial it is to provide your fiddle leaf fig with the ideal atmosphere for it to grow new leaves.

Cutting a notch in the stem of a fiddle leaf fig is another approach to promote growth since it helps the fig to create new branches, which in turn promote the development of new leaves.

For instructions on how to notch the fiddle leaf fig stem so that it regrows new branches and additional leaves, view this useful YouTube video:

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Drooping

  • Symptoms. branches that appear lanky and drooping or leaves that are drooping. The fiddle leaf fig might appear to be bending at times.
  • Causes. Low humidity, inadequate lighting, underwatering, and excessively light watering. Additionally, overwatering can make leaves droop and fall off. The drooping or wilting of leaves can also be a result of high temperatures.

The most frequent cause of fiddle-leaf figs drooping is overexposure to shade. The early sun followed by afternoon shade, or brilliant indirect light, is what fiddle-leaf figs prefer. The fiddle-leaf fig’s leaves and branches will droop if it doesn’t get enough light because the plant won’t have the energy to maintain them.

Fiddle-leaf figs are indigenous to West African nations, where they flourish in wet tropical forests.

The canopy above shields the leaves of the fig trees from the strongest sun, allowing them to flourish in bright light or filtered light throughout the day in this setting.

As a result, it’s crucial to place fiddle-leaf figs in the room with the most natural light in your home so that they have enough light and energy to grow healthily and resist drooping.

Any spaces that are not ideal for a fiddle-leaf fig and don’t get a lot of natural light.

If there is not enough light, the lower leaves may also begin to fall off because the fiddle leaf fig does not have the energy to support them.

Fiddle-leaf figs do best in morning light followed by afternoon shade in more northern latitudes (like New York or the UK).

Fiddle-leaf figs are shaded from the more strong and drying sun of the afternoon while yet receiving enough energy from the morning light, which creates the ideal balance for them.

Bright indirect light is ideal for the fiddle-leaf fig in brighter locations like Southern California or Texas (to prevent drooping), as the summer sun might be too powerful and scorch the leaves.

The fiddle-leaf fig may also be experiencing drought stress if its leaves are drooping because of:

  • not receiving enough waterings.
  • diluted too little.
  • Water runs off the surface of the potting soil and down the edge of the pot because the soil has dried out and became hydrophobic, which prevents water from penetrating correctly and reaching the roots.
  • Low relative humidity can also make the fig’s leaves lose too much moisture, giving it a droopy appearance.

How to Fix a Fiddle-Leaf Fig With Drooping Leaves

Fixing a fiddle leaf fig involves simulating the conditions of its natural habitat, which includes placing the plant in bright, indirect light, watering the soil in the pot thoroughly when the top 2 inches are dry, maintaining a constant temperature between 65°F and 75°F, and misting the leaves once daily to slow down water loss and help the leaves recover.

  • Put your fiddle-leaf fig in the room with the most natural light in your home. Since fiddle-leaf figs cannot acclimate to a shaded environment, it is crucial to make sure the fig has enough light. Fiddle-leaf figs normally dislike movement (because of the abrupt contrast in conditions), but in this situation, it is crucial because the fig degrades in low light. Fiddle figs do well in morning light and afternoon shade in cool areas. The easiest way to revive a wilting fig in a hot area is with bright indirect light because figs can scorch in intense, direct sunlight.
  • When the top 2 inches of soil feel a little dry, water your fiddle-leaf fig generously. If the soil is always moist, you are watering your fiddle-leaf fig too frequently, which is the cause of the drooping leaves since moist soil encourages the growth of root rot. However, fig leaves droop and finally fall off if the soil dries out too much. When the top 2 inches of the earth begin to dry out, feel it with your finger. If the soil is still wet, give it a few days to feel dry before giving it a nice soak of water. The fiddle leaf fig’s natural environment’s typical soil moisture cycle is replicated by this irrigation technique.
  • Water your fiddle leaf figs frequently, making sure that any extra water drips out the bottom of the pot. When you water your plants completely, you make sure that the soil is evenly saturated and that the water has permeated the ground, allowing the roots to receive the moisture they need to keep the fig leaves from drooping. When plants are watered too sparingly, the top inch or so of soil is only moistened, and the leaves begin to droop because the roots are unable to access the moisture. Remove any trays or saucers from beneath the pot to make room for proper drainage.
  • Make sure the soil is soaked up by the water. When dry, potting soils can occasionally bake hard and keep water from penetrating their surface. If so, place the fiddle-leaf fig in a bowl of water and soak it for ten minutes, making sure the root ball is soaked. When you water your plant again, water should not trickle off the surface since this gives the water enough time to absorb and reach the roots.
  • If the leaves are drooping, mist them every day. Misting the leaves reduces the rate of water loss from the leaves, which can cause them to seem droopy or withering, and provides a humid microclimate that mimics the fiddle-leaf figs’ naturally damp environment. Although spraying the leaves is typically all that is needed, you can purchase a plant humidifier, which can be a wonderful alternative.
  • To avoid drooping, make sure the temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Fiddle-fig leaves can droop if the temperature rises beyond 75oF since they are sensitive to temperature changes. Higher temperatures may speed up the drying of the potting and the loss of moisture from the leaves. Due to the fiddle-leaf figs’ sensitivity to air flow, try to reduce draughts while simultaneously cooling the space. Keep the fig away from any interior heat sources.

The drooping leaves on the fiddle leaf fig should begin to recover within the next few days after receiving a thorough watering and regular sprinkling to raise the humidity.

I want to be clear As fiddle leaf figs do not tolerate constantly damp or soggy soil as this causes root rot, it is always vital to avoid going from one extreme (of underwatering) to another (of overwatering). The proper balance of watering is therefore essential.

The most crucial step in repairing drooping fiddle leaf fig leaves may be misting the leaves since figs require a humidity level of at least 40% but our homes normally have a humidity level of 10%.

Increasing humidity reduces the rate of water loss from the leaves and aids in the recovery of drooping leaves.

While it is healing, liberally mist the leaves every day.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turn Brown on Edges

  • Symptoms. The leaf’s edges are becoming brown and crispy, occasionally appearing to be curling.
  • Causes. Low humidity caused by home heating or air currents. The browning of the leaf edges is caused by inadequate watering and watering that is applied too lightly.

Low humidity from air currents and indoor heating is the cause of fiddle leaf fig leaves becoming brown at the edges. Tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs can tolerate humidity levels of at least 40%, whereas the air inside is often about 10% humid. The leaves are turning brown at the edges due to this change in humidity.

Native to Africa’s tropical rainforests, fiddle-leaf figs may survive in humidity levels as high as 60%. Fiddle leaf figs can withstand 40% humidity, but if the humidity is any lower, the margins of the leaves turn brown.

Most climes have indoor humidity levels of around 10%, however indoor heating in winter, air currents from forced air, and air conditioning all further reduce indoor humidity, creating an atmosphere that is incompatible with the fiddle leaf fig’s ideal environment.

The fiddle leaf figs’ leaf edges going brown is also greatly influenced by inadequate watering frequency and too light watering (such that only the top inch or so of the potting soil is saturated).

Sometimes when soil dries up completely, water flows off the surface and does not reach the roots of the figs where it is needed, causing the soil to become hydrophobic (repells water).

How To Revive a Fiddle Leaf Fig With Brown Leaf Edges

Fiddle leaf figs with brown leaf edges can be revived by mimicking their natural environment, which includes keeping the temperature between 65 and 75 °F, boosting humidity with frequent misting, and properly watering the root ball.

  • If the leaf edges on your fiddle leaf fig are dark and curling, mist the leaves every day. By misting the leaves, you may simulate the humid microclimate found in the tropical rainforest where figs naturally grow. This reduces the rate of water loss from the leaves and relieves the stress that leads to the browning of the leaf edges.
  • Use a humidifier for plants for low upkeep. A plant humidifier can be used to raise the humidity to the ideal level for your fiddle leaf fig if you are unable to wet the leaves every day. If you live in an especially dry region, this may be helpful, but it is not required if you can routinely mist the leaves.
  • To help the fiddle leaf fig thrive, group tropical plants together to create a more hospitable, humid microclimate. In order to combat dry circumstances and lower the chance of intensifying the brown leaf edges, grouping your tropical indoor plants (such as calathea or Boston ferns, etc.) together helps to enhance relative humidity.
  • the fiddle leaves well with water (but wait for the top 2 inches of the soil to dry between each watering). To maintain plant health, this method of watering imitates the regular watering cycle and soil moisture content in the plant’s natural habitat. Always water deeply enough for the extra water to tickle the pot’s base, indicating that the water has reached the roots.
  • If the soil’s surface is water-resistant, immerse the root ball in a container of water. So that water may permeate the soil and reach the roots, make sure the root ball is soaked for around 10 minutes. The texture of the soil is now better, so the next time you water your fiddle leaf fig, it shouldn’t repel water from the surface. Due to inconsistent watering, the soil only typically repels water when it has entirely dried up.

The leaves should start to appear better once the environmental factors that led to the browning of the leaf edges have been addressed. The brown leaf margins, however, are unlikely to regain their green appearance if they have become crispy and brown.

Trim the brown edge of the leaf with a sharp pair of pruners, being sure to follow the contour of the leaf, to tidy up its appearance.

Although fiddle leaf figs require particular care, they are resilient to careful pruning, and you may restore the appearance of the leaves by trimming back the brown edges with a pair of scissors without harming the plant.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Turning Brown

  • Symptoms. Brown patches or dots can be seen on leaves.
  • Causes. Fungal infection brought on by wet soil from excessive irrigation or sunlight.

Fiddle leaf figs turn brown owing to root rot brought on by over watering or sunburn from direct sunlight. The top 2 inches of soil must dry out between waterings for fiddle-leaf figs. The fig’s leaves turn dark from root rot if the soil is wet from overwatering. The leaves turn brown when exposed to too much direct sunlight.

Fiddle leaf figs are adapted to living in bright, indirect light or some filtered light throughout the day rather than direct sunlight because they grow natively under the canopy of a tropical rainforest in Africa.

This indicates that the fiddle leaf fig leaves might scorch brown due to excessive light and are indeed highly sensitive to bright sunshine.

Fiddle leaf figs can sometimes turn brown due to fungus infections like root rot.

Fiddle leaf figs need soil that drains properly. The conditions for fungal illnesses that cause the leaves to become brown are encouraged if the potting soil is too wet.

The leaves becoming brown in sections or blotches is one sign of root rot (as well as leaves dropping off eventually).

Root rot is brought on by

  • excessive irrigation.
  • Not emptying any trays or saucers that are underneath the pot, which results in water collecting at the pot’s base.
  • The fiddle leaf fig may also be housed in a stylish exterior pot with no drainage holes, which can lead to standing water around the roots.

How to Revive a Fiddle Leaf Fig That is Turning Brown

  • In the afternoon, give your fiddle leaf fig some protection. The ideal mix of sunshine for fiddle leaf figs to grow in most regions is to place them in early sun followed by afternoon shade. Bright indirect light offers the best conditions for the plant to develop and to prevent sunburn if you live in a particularly hot environment with intense sunlight. Transfer your fiddle leaf fig to a spot with the ideal amount of light, then wait a few weeks before evaluating the damage.
  • With a pair of pruners, remove any individual burnt, brown leaves. Due to the fact that damaged leaves may not regenerate but may not necessarily hurt the plant, selectively trim any damaged growth for aesthetic reasons. New growth should occur in the spring and summer, restoring the fig’s look. If not, try the notching technique to induce the growth of new branches and leaves.
  • Before and after each watering, make sure the top 2 inches of the potting soil are completely dry. This method of watering reduces the possibility of root rot and simulates the typical moisture levels of the fiddle leaf fig’s well-draining soil in its natural setting.
  • Place fiddle leaf figs in containers with drainage holes in the bottom, and after watering, remove saucers and trays. Fiddle leaf figs require good drainage since they are accustomed to living in soils with good drainage. This promotes soil drying, prevents root rot, and lessens fungal infections that turn leaves brown.
  • Use a pair of pruners to get rid of any brown leaves. Trim back any afflicted growth with a sharp pair of pruners to stop the infection from spreading, and clean the blades with a cloth dipped in disinfectant between cuts to stop the possibility of transmitting fungi from infected growth to healthy growth.

By carefully simulating the conditions of its natural environment, you can easily recover the sick fiddle leaf fig by watering it when the top 2 inches of the soil dry up and allowing for good drainage.

However, if the roots have been in wet soil for a long time and the root rot is severe, it may be difficult to save the plant because damaged or dead roots are unable to circulate enough moisture and nutrients throughout the plant to support the fiddle leaf fig.

Fiddle leaf figs are so prone to transplant shock that this is unlikely to rescue your plant. With certain plants, it is possible to remove the plant from the pot and actually clip down any sick roots.

A better choice is to grow any healthy leaves that are still present from a cutting. Fiddle leaf figs are relatively simple to grow from seed, and if your plant has severe root rot, this may be your only option.

For a good tutorial on how to grow fiddle leaf figs, visit this YouTube page:

Fiddle Leaf Fig Dying After Repotting

  • Symptoms. After being replanted, fiddle leaf fig leaves begin to droop or completely disappear.
  • Causes. Due to transplant shock, fiddle leaf figs dislike being moved and frequently respond when potted again.

Fiddle leaf figs frequently succumb to transplant shock and a sudden shift in environmental factors after being replanted. Fiddle leaf figs respond to any abrupt change in their environment by drooping their leaves or losing their leaves.

Due to the sensitive nature of indoor fiddle leaf figs, even seemingly little changes in temperature, air flow, sunlight, watering, the way the soil drains and retains moisture, and humidity can all contribute to a fiddle leaf fig dying after repotting.

Your withering plant might potentially be the result of repotting into a considerably larger container than the fiddle leaf fig’s prior container.

Greater soil capacity in larger pots allows for the storage of more moisture, which results in a slower rate of drying out than your fiddle leaf fig is used to.

The leaves frequently respond to a change in weather by appearing to droop or to entirely fall off.

A fiddle leaf fig experiences considerable damage when it is repotted. Remember that fiddle leaf figs can withstand and even benefit from having their roots confined to a container, so it’s best to avoid repotting or moving the plant altogether.

However, if the roots of the fiddle leaf fig truly grow out of the soil or begin to clog the drainage holes at the base, which might hinder drainage, there may be an overwhelming case for repotting.

After repotting, how to keep a fiddle leaf fig alive

As closely as you can, recreate the ideal conditions of its natural habitat. Make sure the temperature range is between 65°F and 75°F, mist any remaining leaves and stems with water to increase humidity, place in bright indirect light, and wait until the top 2 inches of the soil have dried before watering again.

The plant has the highest chance of recovering when the environment is mimicked to which the fiddle leaf fig is suited.

If there have been any fallen leaves, they should begin to grow again in the spring and summer.

Repotting your fiddle leaf fig at any other time of year can frequently stress the plant more than doing it in the spring when it is at its most resilient.

Repotting your fiddle leaf fig shouldn’t be done into a pot that is much bigger. Repot only one size larger than the preceding pot.

The risk of root rot is reduced since the soil should dry out at a similar rate in a container that is only slightly larger, allowing the plant to gradually acclimate to the new environment without suffering a severe shock.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overwatering or poor drainage are the usual causes of fiddle leaf figs that are dying. Between waterings, the top 2 inches of the soil must dry out for fiddle leaf figs to thrive. The fiddle leaf fig will develop root rot if the soil is constantly moist, which will cause the leaves to drop and give the plant a withering aspect.
  • Fiddle leaf figs frequently lose their leaves as a result of rapid temperature changes. Fiddle leaf figs prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The fiddle leaf fig becomes stressed and loses its leaves if the temperature changes abruptly.
  • Low humidity and underwatering are the causes of the browning of fiddle leaf fig leaf edges. While indoor humidity is often around 10%, fiddle leaf figs need at least 40% humidity. The leaves lose too much moisture due to the low inside humidity, becoming brown at the margins and curling.
  • Fiddle leaf figs’ leaves turn brown because of root rot brought on by excessive watering and inadequate drainage. Before watering again, fiddle leaf figs require the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. Too frequent watering can lead the roots to develop root rot, which results in the leaves becoming dark and falling off.
  • Fiddle leaf figs frequently die after repotting because the new pot is too big. The fiddle leaf fig develops root rot, which results in the leaves becoming brown and falling off, if it is repotted into a noticeably larger pot because it takes longer to dry out after watering.
  • Recreate the atmosphere of the fiddle leaf figs’ natural habitat by keeping the temperature between 65°F and 75°F, raising the humidity to about 40%, watering only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, and placing the plant in bright, indirect sunshine.

FAQ

Does a fiddle leaf fig like to be root bound?

Fiddle leaf figs thrive well in the pot they were purchased in and are generally content as root-bound plants. Place it into a larger decorative container or basket and cover the plastic store-bought pot with some beautiful moss. We’ll discuss more about repotting later.

How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig needs to be repotted?

How can you tell when to repotte? You can either gently remove the plant from its pot and search for roots that develop in a thick circle or check the bottom of the container to see whether the roots are emerging from the drainage holes. You can repot your fig into a container that is up to a few inches larger if it has outgrown its current one.

Why is my fiddle leaf fig dying after repotting?

Fiddle leaf figs frequently die after repotting because the new pot is too big. The fiddle leaf fig develops root rot, which results in the leaves becoming brown and falling off, if it is repotted into a noticeably larger pot because it takes longer to dry out after watering.

How can you tell if a fiddle leaf fig is root bound?

Your fiddle leaf fig is root-bound if its roots are visible above the surface of the soil, particularly if they are growing in a circle inside the rim of the pot. Around the plant’s base, you could find thick, bumpy roots as well. when roots begin to poke through the pot’s base.

When should I transplant my fiddle leaf fig?

Repot. Floppy Leaf Every two years, fig trees typically require repotting, and spring is an excellent time to do it because the weather can help your tree recover from any root shock. Additionally, the warmer weather makes it possible to repot your fiddle outside, which is advantageous if your tree is big. Mar 20, 2020