The fiddle-leaf fig tree is better known as Ficus lyrata and is an ornamental plant of the tropical rainforest. Its lush, vibrant leaves have made this houseplant hugely popular over the past few decades.
However, viola leaf figs are temperamental and require specific indoor environmental conditions to thrive. Fig leaf curls are indicators that the plant is not receiving proper care.
So why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves curling? A poor watering routine is the main cause of fig leaf curl. Other causes include fungal diseases, pests, improper lighting and lack of humidity.
If you notice your fiddleleaf fig leaves bubbling up, you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you find the exact causes and the right repair tips. Take the time to read and restore your ornamental plant.
Contents
13 causes of fig leaf curling
Fiddle leaf figs are native to tropical rainforests. Any indoor plant enthusiast should mimic the growing conditions of the rainforest at home. Otherwise, this tropical evergreen will begin to curl its leaves. Possible causes are listed below:
the type of soil
Fiddle-leaf figs thrive in light, well-drained potting soil. Heavy, compact soil inhibits root aeration and causes suffocation. Additionally, it will cause waterlogging which will promote mold growth and salt build-up.
If you notice the leaf curling problem, check the type of potting mix. The wrong type of soil prevents the roots from absorbing water and nutrients. We recommend that you transplant the houseplant to solve the problem.
rotten root
Under the root rot of fiddle leaf figs occurs due to a problem with too much water. Fungal diseases are not common in Ficus species, but they can cause your ornamental houseplant to develop leaf curl issues.
The fungal disease also causes water blisters on the leaves and stems. Severe root rot can cause stem rot and even plant death. Fixing root rot among Ficus plants can be a daunting experience for beginners.
The best solution is to transplant the houseplant into fresh potting soil and soil. We also recommend pruning roots with brown spots and sterilizing them before transplanting. Plan a strict watering routine to avoid overwatering your houseplant.
root limit
Fiddle-leaf figs are fast-growing rainforest plants, growing 2 to 3 inches per year. The growth rate makes them vulnerable to the root problem.
A small pot inhibits proper root growth and functioning. Tight roots prevent proper absorption of water and nutrients. Leaves that curl around fiddle leaf figs can also be a sign of malnutrition.
We recommend repotting fiddle leaf figs into a larger pot every 2-3 years to avoid root problems. Be sure to use the correct size container to avoid improper watering issues.
lack of humidity
Fiddle leaf figs are native to African rainforests. The environment experiences high humidity which allows this species of Ficus to thrive. The interior space is vulnerable to fluctuations in humidity.
If your fiddle leaf fig tree has curling leaves, adjust the indoor humidity. This will help solve the issue of curled sheets. Otherwise, low humidity will cause your houseplant to dry out and sag.
Maintain 40-65% indoor humidity with better ventilation. We recommend using an electric humidifier to increase the humidity around your plant. Another option is to bring the fiddle leaf fig tree into the bathroom with the right lighting conditions.
Too much water
Too much water can cause the leaves to curl on many houseplants, and this happens due to poor soil drainage and a lack of drainage holes under the pot. Excessive moisture in the potting soil increases the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases.
Overwatering can also cause stunted growth, wilting and leaf drop. Some species of Ficus can suffer from water blisters on the leaves, weak stems and an unpleasant odor around the pot.
Prolonged exposure to excess moisture can lead to plant death. Transplanting the fiddleleaf fig tree into well-drained soil will help solve the problem. But resolving the adverse effects of overwatering on fiddle-leaf figs can be difficult.
lack of food
Fiddle leaf figs are one of the few tropical plants that require few nutrients to produce beautiful, lush leaves. For healthy growth, we recommend feeding this ornamental plant with fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Lack of nutrients will lead to malnutrition, resulting in problems with leggy growth and curling. Feeding your fiddle leaf fig tree each spring and summer can help prevent leaf curl issues.
pest infestations
Pansy-leaved figs are very susceptible to scale insects, scale insects, spider mites, whiteflies and aphids. These creatures pierce leaves to suck cell sap and even damage vital tissue.
Fig leaves cracking and curling are the first signs of an insect infestation. To save your indoor plant, we recommend that you get rid of these pests as soon as possible. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill insects.
Another option is to isolate the infested fiddleleaf fig tree from other houseplants to prevent the spread of pests. Make sure the new location receives indirect sunlight and free air circulation to prevent insects from hatching.
leaf spot
Leaf spot is a type of fungal disease that affects most houseplants. Brown spots or black spots and leaf curl are the symptoms associated with leaf spot. The fiddle leaf problem is the easiest to solve.
We recommend spraying the plant with fungicides and moving it to a place with moderate humidity. It usually takes weeks or months to restore the beautiful lush leaves.
bad lighting
Fiddle-leaf figs prefer indirect sunlight to thrive, as they grow under the canopy in their natural habitat. Too much or too little sun exposure will negatively affect your houseplant.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will promote excessive sweating. Leaf curl is an indicator that water loss is greater than uptake. Scorched leaves are other symptoms associated with direct sun exposure.
Move your fiddle leaf fig tree to an area that receives direct and indirect sunlight. Also, water the plant to solve the leaf curl problem. Exposure to direct sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon is safe for fig leaves.
poor water quality
Water quality is another factor that affects the health of fiddle leaf figs. Pansy leaf figs are sensitive to certain minerals in the water. For example, tap water contains fluorinated and chlorinated components.
Watering fiddle-leaf figs with tap water can burn the roots and prevent long-term uptake. These minerals can also cause excessive salt buildup around the roots to limit water uptake.
Leaf curling may be due to dehydration caused by mineralized water. We advise you to water your fiddle leaf figs with distilled water or rainwater. Another option is to let the tap water sit overnight before watering the plant.
Extreme thermal stress
Potted fiddle leaf figs thrive in a temperature range of 65-75OV (18-29.)OC. Any temperature higher than optimum will cause fig leaf curl problems.
The sudden temperature change also causes fiddle leaf figs to roll up new leaves. The best option is to keep the fiddle leaf fig tree away from drafty areas. Do not place the plant near heating ducts and air conditioners.
Install a digital thermometer indoors to help track temperature changes. Make sure your indoor space is neither too cold nor too hot to promote healthy growth.
Inconsistent watering habits
Lack of water is the main cause of the grape leaf curl problem. When this tropical evergreen tree doesn’t get enough water, it wilts and dries out. Leaf curl is often the first sign of dehydration.
We recommend watering the plant when 2-3 inches of potting soil is dry. Rehydrating the houseplant will restore its beautiful, lush leaves. Water the plant twice a week in spring and summer.
Overfeeding the Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle-leaf figs are lightweight feeders compared to other rainforest plants. But it needs nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to thrive. Using the wrong amount of fertilizer can cause curling of fig leaves.
Over-fertilization can also burn roots and inhibit water uptake. Wrinkling of fiddleleaf fig leaves is a sign of dehydration. We recommend that you do not feed your plant in winter due to the dormancy effect.
Rinse the potting soil every three months to prevent excessive salt buildup. Be sure to feed your fiddleleaf fig tree the right amount of fertilizer in the spring and summer.
my last thoughts
Fiddle leaf figs are excellent houseplants for creating a tropical vibe in your indoor space. These indoor plants are suitable for beginners, although they are finicky for indoor environmental conditions.
The ultimate routine care promotes healthy growth of the fiddleleaf fig tree. But improper growing conditions will begin to show signs of stress, and curling leaves are the first signs of fig tree stress.
Fortunately, fiddle leaf figs are hardy and can bounce back in the right growing conditions. We hope this article will help you solve your grape leaf curl problems.
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