Why Is Your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Dropping Leaves? Causes and Solutions Explained

The fiddle-leaf fig is an evergreen tree of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family (Moraceae). Its leaves are large, broad and fiddle-shaped at the tip, thick and leathery, dark green and glossy, with dense foliage and short internodes, giving it high ornamental value. When a fiddle-leaf fig drops its leaves during care, what is going on? Here are the specific causes and solutions for everyone.

I. Causes of leaf drop in fiddle-leaf figs

1. Soil causes

Because fiddle-leaf figs are suited to growing in slightly acidic soil, and most of what we use to water plants day to day is tap water, over time the soil in the pot becomes alkaline, leading to the leaves drying up and dropping off.

2. Lack of fertiliser

During the care of a fiddle-leaf fig, if fertiliser is not applied in time or is insufficient, the leaves will dry out, turn yellow and drop.

3. Pests and diseases

The main pest and disease problem of the fiddle-leaf fig is leaf spot; severe leaf spot will cause the leaves to wither, turn yellow and drop.

II. Solutions for leaf drop in fiddle-leaf figs

1. Solution for leaf drop caused by soil: for everyday watering you can choose purified water; if you do not have any, you can draw a bucket of tap water a few days in advance, leave it on the balcony in the sun for a few days and then water with it, which will prevent the soil from becoming alkaline.

2. Solution for leaf drop caused by lack of fertiliser: increase the amount of nitrogen fertiliser, but do not apply too much at once, so as not to burn the plant. Fertilise little and often; this will replenish the fertiliser in time and promote plant growth.

3. Solution for leaf drop caused by pests and diseases: if there are only a few leaf spots, move the potted fiddle-leaf fig to a place with good ventilation and plenty of light, and at the same time avoid spraying water directly onto the leaves. If the leaf spot is severe, cut off the entire affected leaf to avoid harming other leaves. At the same time, you can repot it and change the soil, which also helps prevent and control pests and diseases.

III. Points to note when growing fiddle-leaf figs

1. Choosing a pot

Choose a suitable pot, not too large. For a small plant you can choose a pot 20-25 cm in diameter; for a larger plant you can choose a pot 30-35 cm in diameter. Note that the bottom of the pot needs drainage holes so that drainage is kept good.

2. The question of moving the pot

In fact, the fiddle-leaf fig is a real homebody and does not like being moved around, so be sure not to move the pot often. When growing it indoors in a pot, you can rotate it 90 degrees each week so that it gets plenty of sunlight.

3. Managing pruning

Every year when you repot it, or after moving it indoors in late autumn, you need to prune it. You can change the shape in different ways according to your ornamental preferences, making it more classical and attractive.

4. Caring for the leaves

The most ornamental thing about the fiddle-leaf fig is its unusual leaves, so be sure to protect them well. Pay attention to cleaning them regularly and avoid letting dust build up, even a thin layer, as it easily blocks sunlight; you can spray a little water to clean the leaves.