fiddle leaf fig

Ficus lyrata

8 diagnoses
Avg. confidence 91%
1 article

Diagnoses

Click any entry to expand details

dropping leaves

GR-0461
95%

Cause

Environmental shock, drafts, or overwatering causing root stress.

Solutions

  • Identify and remove stressors (drafts, vents)
  • Check soil moisture levels
  • Maintain stable temperature and humidity

Prevention

Avoid moving the plant once it finds a happy spot.

Confidence

95%

spider mites

GR-0457
90%

Cause

Dry air and low humidity allow spider mites to thrive on Ficus lyrata, often appearing first on new growth.

Solutions

  • Isolate plant
  • Wash leaves thoroughly with water (especially undersides and folds)
  • Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3-4 weeks

Prevention

Increase humidity and perform weekly inspections of new growth.

Confidence

90%

edema

GR-0458
90%

Cause

Irregular watering causing cells to burst as they take up water too fast during leaf expansion.

Solutions

  • Stabilize watering schedule
  • Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings
  • Note: Red spots usually fade as the leaf matures.

Prevention

Consistent moisture levels and adequate light during leaf development.

Confidence

90%

leggy growth

GR-0459
90%

Cause

Insufficient light causing stretching; may also be due to lack of pruning or 'pinching' to encourage branching.

Solutions

  • Move to brightest indirect light (ideally directly in a window)
  • Consider supplemental grow lights (Sansi or Barrina recommended)
  • Pinch off the top bud to encourage lateral branching
  • Use 'notching' or keiki paste to activate dormant nodes

Prevention

Ensure high light (2000+ lux) and regular pruning.

Confidence

90%

brown spots

GR-0460
90%

Cause

Root rot from overwatering or fungal infections due to poor drainage.

Solutions

  • Check roots for rot
  • Repot in well-draining mix
  • Reduce watering frequency

Prevention

Use a chunky aroid-style mix for better aeration.

Confidence

90%

movement sensitivity

GR-8118
90%

Cause

Bi-weekly rotations induce mechanical stress and abrupt light shifts, triggering leaf abscission.

Solutions

  • Reduce rotation to every 4-6 weeks
  • Rotate gently over 10-15 minutes
  • Ensure high humidity (60-70%) to buffer stress

Prevention

Position in uniform indirect light or use 360-degree grow light array.

Confidence

90%

pot size mismatch

GR-8119
90%

Cause

Oversized pots hold excess moisture, preventing the drying cycles essential for Ficus lyrata.

Solutions

  • Match pot size to root ball (snug fit)
  • Repot in chunky mix (soil, perlite, bark)
  • Trim mushy roots and treat with diluted hydrogen peroxide

Prevention

Choose pots only 1-2 inches wider than the root ball.

Confidence

90%

phytotoxicity

GR-8120
90%

Cause

Application of horticultural oils or 'white oil' can cause chemical burns and respiratory stress on leaves.

Solutions

  • Rinse leaves immediately with lukewarm distilled water
  • Cease use of oil-based cleaners
  • Maintain high humidity to support recovery

Prevention

Clean leaves only with soft damp cloth and water.

Confidence

90%

Related Articles

In-depth guides for this plant

Fiddle Leaf Fig Rescue Guide: How to Fix Spider Mites, Edema & Leggy Growth

A complete rescue guide for struggling Fiddle Leaf Fig plants. Learn how to diagnose and treat spider mites, edema (red spots), and leggy growth with proven solutions based on 2025 plant care data.

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