Plant care guide
Fiddle Leaf Fig Mealybugs: Where They Hide and How to Clear Them
Updated
Why does my Fiddle leaf fig have mealybugs?
White, cottony clusters in the joints where fiddle leaf fig leaves meet the stem, along the veins under the leaves, or on the stem near the soil are mealybugs. Sticky, shiny patches on leaves below are their honeydew, which can turn black with sooty mould.
What to do first
Isolate the plant, dab each mealybug with a cotton swab dipped in 70% or weaker isopropyl alcohol, keeping it off the leaf surface, then follow with insecticidal soap labeled for houseplants. Check leaf joints, undersides and the pot every time you water, and repeat.
White fluff in the joints of a fiddle leaf fig is worth taking seriously, but it is manageable when caught early. NC State Extension says Ficus lyrata has no serious insect pests, yet lists mealybugs among those to monitor indoors. UC IPM includes ficus among the houseplants that often have trouble with mealybugs (UC IPM: Mealybugs).
Confirm it is mealybugs
Clemson HGIC’s houseplant pests factsheet describes mealybugs as pale, slow-moving insects 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4 in) long, covered in white wax that makes them look cottony. University of Maryland Extension says cottony white wax is usually the first sign (UMD: Mealybugs on Indoor Plants).
Other signs:
- Sticky, shiny spots on lower leaves or the floor. Iowa State Extension says this honeydew turns black with sooty mould over time (Iowa State: Houseplant Insect Pests).
- Yellowing leaves and stunted growth. UMD lists yellowing, stunting, dieback and, in bad cases, death.
- Leaf drop. UC IPM says high populations can cause it. NC State notes fiddle leaf figs also drop leaves from too much or too little water, so look for the insects before blaming them; see fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves.
Where they hide on a fiddle leaf fig
UC IPM says mealybugs feed in protected spots: the crown of a plant, branch crotches, stems near the soil, and between the stem and touching leaves. On a fiddle leaf fig, check:
- Every leaf joint where the leaf stalk meets the trunk or branch. Clemson names leaf axils as a favorite site.
- The underside of each leaf, along the midrib and main veins. NC State notes leaves can reach 45 cm (18 in) long, so work methodically.
- The newest growth at the tip. UC IPM says mealybugs prefer tender new growth for laying eggs.
- The base of the trunk and the outside of the pot. UMD says mealybugs can rest even on the outside of the pot.
Colorado State Extension adds that some mealybugs move to the roots (CSU: Managing Houseplant Pests). If the plant declines and the top looks clean, slide it out of the pot and check the root ball.
What to do
Wear gloves. NC State says the milky sap irritates skin and recommends gloves when handling the plant.
- Isolate the plant. UMD advises this so mealybugs don’t spread.
- Dab each mealybug with alcohol. UC IPM suggests 70% or weaker isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, tested on a small area first. UMD warns that alcohol on the leaves can damage them, and Colorado State mentions leaf burn. Touch only the insect.
- Wipe off the wax and honeydew. Use a soft, damp cloth on each leaf. Clemson suggests wiping both surfaces of large plants this way.
- Spray with insecticidal soap. UMD recommends soap labeled for indoor plants for heavier infestations, with multiple applications. Iowa State says insecticides work best on the immature mealybugs, which hatch every few weeks, so repeat.
- Consider a systemic, by label. UMD lists systemic houseplant insecticides watered in at the roots. Iowa State cautions that soil granules may not suit homes with pets or children that dig in pots.
- Recheck at every watering. UMD says retreatment may be needed.
UMD and UC IPM both say severe infestations are hard to clear and may justify discarding the plant.
Keep pets safe
The ASPCA lists Ficus species in its weeping fig entry as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. NC State says ingesting fiddle leaf fig can cause oral irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep pets away from trimmings and treated leaves.
Prevent a return
- Inspect before you buy. UC IPM says mealybugs are often introduced on new plants. Clemson suggests six weeks of quarantine.
- Go easy on nitrogen. UC IPM says excess nitrogen with regular watering spurs the soft new growth mealybugs favor.
- Clean pots and stakes. UC IPM advises checking them for egg sacs.
Our mealybugs guide compares treatments across houseplants. For overall care, see the fiddle leaf fig hub.
Related guides
Other fiddle leaf fig problems we cover: edema, low light, apical dominance, root rot, brown spots.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Ficus lyrata
- UC Statewide IPM Program: Pest Notes: Mealybugs (Publication 74174)
- University of Maryland Extension: Mealybugs on Indoor Plants
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 2252: Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests
- Colorado State University Extension: Managing Houseplant Pests
- Iowa State University Extension: Diagnosing Houseplant Problems Caused by Insect Pests
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Weeping Fig (Ficus sp.)
How this guide was put together: NC State Extension, UC Statewide IPM Program, University of Maryland Extension, Clemson Cooperative Extension, Colorado State University Extension, Iowa State University Extension and ASPCA guidance.