Fiddle-leaf figs are the most popular houseplants in the United States due to their lush, vibrant leaves. These stunning indoor plants are ideal for creating tropical atmospheres in your indoor space. It can be disconcerting to see fiddle-leaf fig leaves falling.
So why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves hanging down? Possible causes are too little water, too much food, too much water, incorrect lighting and high temperature. Other minor causes include pests, roots and grafts.
Identifying the exact cause of drooping leaves on fiddle-leaf figs may seem simple, but do some research on your plant before you find the solutions. In this article, we explain the possible causes and tips for fixing drooping leaves on fiddle-leaf figs.
Contents
15 Common Reasons to Hang Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
Fiddle-leaf figs are temperamental houseplants and any change in growing conditions makes them unhealthy. Here are the possible reasons why fig leaves are falling off and turning brown:
very little water
Most owners of fiddleleaf figs fear overwatering because the plant is very susceptible to root rot problems. Fear is the reason for watering your fiddle leaf fig tree which reacts by dropping the leaves.
Moisturizing your fiddle leaf fig tree is the only way to fix the dead leaves. Plan a strict watering routine to prevent your potted fiddleleaf fig tree from becoming soggy. We recommend that you water your plant weekly in spring and summer.
Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter (cold months) as your fiddle leaf fig tree will not experience active growth. Watering your fiddleleaf fig tree more often during cold months increases the risk of watering.
Too much water
drooping brown fig leaves are the first symptoms of too little and too much water. Take the time to examine your houseplant and identify the exact cause of the drooping leaves.
Too much water in the potting soil fills the air bubbles and prevents the roots from accessing oxygen. Root smothering prevents the leaves from receiving enough moisture and becoming mushy.
Overwatering occurs due to poor soil drainage and a lack of drainage holes under the container. We recommend using well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes to remove excess water.
Transplant your fiddle leaf fig tree to fresh potting soil and a pot to remedy root rot. Be sure to cut off any brown mottled root areas before transplanting. you will notice it too fiddle leaf fig leaves down after transplanting.
bad lighting
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants that thrive under the canopy. These plants can tolerate low to moderate lighting without becoming unhealthy. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight causes the leaves to drop and turn brown.
Lack of sunlight can also hanging fiddle leaf and yellow fig leaves. This happens because the leaves cannot produce food and process moisture. If the condition persists, the leaves will begin to wilt.
Move your fiddle leaf fig tree to a sunny, indirect location. The condition promotes the development of lush and vibrant dark green leaves. Fiddle leaf figs can also tolerate direct sunlight in the early morning and late evening.
High temperature
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a temperature range of 65-80OF (16-27OC) to thrive. Any temperature above the optimum requirement will cause fiddleleaf fig leaves to drop after watering.
High temperatures cause increased water loss and cause leaves to appear droopy and unhealthy. Damage can be greater if you grow your fiddle-leaf figs outdoors, as you have no control over extreme temperature changes.
Install a digital thermometer to track and detect temperature changes. Be sure to keep your indoor fiddle leaf figs away from air conditioners and vents to prevent the leaves from hanging down.
transplant shock
Fiddleleaf figs are fast growing tropical plants that require regular repotting to avoid root binding effects. Transplant shock occurs when you try to adjust the potting soil and container size.
If you notice that you fiddle leaf fig leaves hanging down after transplanting, do not panic. This is normal as the plant tries to adapt to the new environment. We recommend giving the last care to the fig tree to restore it.
acclimatization effect
Most houseplants come from various plant stores across the country. Each store has a unique environmental condition that allows the fiddle leaf fig tree to thrive. Hanging leaves are signs of transitioning to a new room or growing environment.
If you notice that you fiddle leaf yellowing fig leaves and suspended, do not be afraid. Instead, provide the best fig care to solve leaf problems. The plant needs more time to adapt to the new environment.
lack of humidity
Fiddle leaf figs are native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa. The rainforest has a hot climate with high humidity. Any indoor plant lover should mimic similar humidity levels at home.
But indoor humidity is vulnerable to fluctuation, causing fiddleleaf fig leaves to drop after watering. Fiddleleaf fig leaves turning brown around the edges and tips are other signs of low humidity.
Install an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity and pin dead leaves between your fiddle leaf figs. Make sure the room is well ventilated to avoid pests.
Over-fertilization
Fiddle leaf figs are light feeders compared to other tropical houseplants. But these plants need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote the growth of lush foliage. If you overfeed your fiddle leaf figs, the leaves will turn soft and brown.
Excessive salt buildup around the roots drains water from the plant and promotes wilting. We recommend flushing the potting mix every three months to prevent buildup or salt buildup.
Switching to homemade fertilizers for houseplants is the best option. This will help avoid problems related to over-fertilization. Other symptoms of overfertilization include fiddlehead leaves turning yellow and brown spots.
chemical combustion
Fiddle-leaf figs are susceptible to chemical exposure, as they are the most temperamental tropical houseplants. Using perfumes or air fresheners will cause the fig leaves to fall off and turn brown.
Additionally, spraying fiddle leaf figs with tap water can cause droopy and unhealthy leaves. Tap water contains chlorinated and fluorinated minerals that are harmful to the foliage of houseplants.
lack of nutrients
Fiddle leaf figs need nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote lush, vibrant leaves. Lack of nutrients will cause fiddleleaf fig leaves to drop and turn yellow in the long run.
Feed your fiddle leaf figs each spring and summer to enhance vegetative growth. Avoid applying fertilizer to your potted fiddle leaf figs in the winter due to the dormancy effect. Helps prevent the effect of over-fertilization on your houseplant.
pest infestations
Fiddle leaf figs are very susceptible to insect pests. These pests often extract nutrients from the leaves and damage vital tissues. If you notice your fiddleleaf fig leaves dropping, inspect the plant for cobwebs or cobwebs.
Aphids, thrips and mites are the main small creatures that can attack fig leaves. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of these insects on your houseplant and prevent leaves from falling or wilting.
leaf spot
Bacterial and fungal leaf spot diseases can also cause fig leaves to drop or turn brown. Leaf spot disease occurs due to high humidity and lack of ventilation in the room while growing fiddle leaf figs.
Dealing with these health issues can be a daunting experience for beginners and seasonal plant enthusiasts. We recommend using fungicides to treat leaf problems and remembering to isolate the plant.
leaf age
The new leaves of fiddle-leaf figs have weaker tissues that make them appear droopy. If you notice new leaves falling on your fiddle leaf figs, don’t worry, as the young leaves will mature to develop strong tissues to support upright posture.
clogged leaves
Clogged leaves due to dust are a minor cause of leaf drop on fiddle-leaf figs in the home. Excessive accumulation of dirt or dust on the leaves will block the stomata to inhibit photosynthesis and the flow of fresh air.
Wipe the leaves with a lint cloth dampened with water to remove dirt. The discovery of stomata promotes photosynthesis and gas exchange to solve the problem of hanging leaves.
root limit
Fiddle leaf figs are fast growing tropical houseplants. The growth rate makes them vulnerable to the root problem. If you don’t repot your fiddle leaf fig tree, you will notice the leaves dropping and turning brown.
We advise you to repot your fiddle leaf fig tree every year to avoid the effect of root seizure. You will also notice your fiddle leaf fig leaves dropping off after you transplant them. Provide the best fig care to avoid problems with the leaves.
my last thoughts
violin leaf hanging fig leaves occur as a result of a poor care routine. Adjusting fiddle leaf fig tree care practices will help with leaf drop issues. But examine your ficus lyrata to discover and correct the exact cause.
High temperatures, low humidity, direct sun exposure and over-fertilization are the main causes of ficus lyrate leaf drop. Addressing these conditions early will prevent plant death.
We hope this information helps you resolve the issue of leaves on your fiddle leaf fig tree. Feel free to share the article with your friends or family. Also let us know your thoughts or suggestions in the comments section.
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