Whats wrong with my Fiddle leaf fig
dontmather
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
User
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoRelated Discussions
What's wrong with my fiddle leaf fig?
Comments (1)It seems that folks are ignoring your questions. Most likely that's because this forum is for edible figs. Need to add enough to saturate the entire rootball and to have at least 10% run off. Anyway, I suspect the 1.5 cups of water has the tree on a very stingy diet. Also, the tinted window is a problem in that it allows barely any suitable light through for a live plant. Suggest you go to the Houseplant Forum for more responses. Go to http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/houseplt...See MoreWhats wrong with my calathea and fiddle leaf fig??
Comments (3)Your plants' issues, relative to the spoiled foliage, are most likely related to over-watering, a high level of dissolved solids (salts) in the soil solution, or an ammonium toxicity that develops when roots are asked to live in saturated soils. I'd suggest that you start using a 'tell' to determine when your plants actually NEED water, and only then supply it. A 5/16" wooden dowel rod, ends sharpened in a pencil sharpener, makes a good 'tell. Read more below, and please forgive the formatting. It's from something I wrote and saved. The leaf shedding can be from a decrease in light during the last 6 weeks or so, from nutritional issues; it can be a drought response to a high level of dissolved solids in the soil solution, under-watering, or over-watering. It also appears there might be some mechanical damage (like a bruise would be to a human or animal) and some oedema symptoms on the calathea. Using a 'tell' Over-watering saps vitality and is one of the most common plant assassins, so learning to avoid it is worth the small effort. Plants make and store their own energy source – photosynthate - (sugar/glucose). Functioning roots need energy to drive their metabolic processes, and in order to get it, they use oxygen to burn (oxidize) their food. From this, we can see that terrestrial plants need air (oxygen) in the soil to drive root function. Many off-the-shelf soils hold too much water and not enough air to support good root health, which is a prerequisite to a healthy plant. Watering in small sips leads to a build-up of dissolved solids (salts) in the soil, which limits a plant's ability to absorb water – so watering in sips simply moves us to the other horn of a dilemma. It creates another problem that requires resolution. Better, would be to simply adopt a soil that drains well enough to allow watering to beyond the saturation point, so we're flushing the soil of accumulating dissolved solids whenever we water; this, w/o the plant being forced to pay a tax in the form of reduced vitality, due to prolong periods of soil saturation. Sometimes, though, that's not a course we can immediately steer, which makes controlling how often we water a very important factor. In many cases, we can judge whether or not a planting needs watering by hefting the pot. This is especially true if the pot is made from light material, like plastic, but doesn't work (as) well when the pot is made from heavier material, like clay, or when the size/weight of the pot precludes grabbing it with one hand to judge its weight and gauge the need for water. Fingers stuck an inch or two into the soil work ok for shallow pots, but not for deep pots. Deep pots might have 3 or more inches of soil that feels totally dry, while the lower several inches of the soil is 100% saturated. Obviously, the lack of oxygen in the root zone situation can wreak havoc with root health and cause the loss of a very notable measure of your plant's potential. Inexpensive watering meters don't even measure moisture levels, they measure electrical conductivity. Clean the tip and insert it into a cup of distilled water and witness the fact it reads 'DRY'. One of the most reliable methods of checking a planting's need for water is using a 'tell'. You can use a bamboo skewer in a pinch, but a wooden dowel rod of about 5/16” (75-85mm) would work better. They usually come 48” (120cm) long and can usually be cut in half and serve as a pair. Sharpen all 4 ends in a pencil sharpener and slightly blunt the tip so it's about the diameter of the head on a straight pin. Push the wooden tell deep into the soil. Don't worry, it won't harm the root system. If the plant is quite root-bound, you might need to try several places until you find one where you can push it all the way to the pot's bottom. Leave it a few seconds, then withdraw it and inspect the tip for moisture. For most plantings, withhold water until the tell comes out dry or nearly so. If you see signs of wilting, adjust the interval between waterings so drought stress isn't a recurring issue. You might find this helpful. Al...See MoreWhat’s wrong with my fiddle leaf?
Comments (0)The leaves of my dog have been very stiff, folding inward, and have their edges curling. I live in Las Vegas where it is extremely dry. The dog is not in direct light at all but get some sunlight. I water it once every 10 or so days. It’s under an area where a vent delivers cold air. I know my fig has many unfavorable factors but can someone tell me what this is a symptom of? Thank you much....See MoreWhat is wrong with my fiddle leaf fig?
Comments (1)Pls post a pic if you'd like folks to help. Sorry, but your description is not enough, we need to actually SEE the plant to try & help you....See MoreUser
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years agoDave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
4 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
4 years ago
Related Stories

HOUSEPLANTSPlay Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Tune
Strike a dramatic chord in a minimalist scene or a country note in a rustic setting — fiddleleaf fig plants harmonize with any style
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESA Glimmer of Gold Leaf Will Make Your Room Shine
Make a unique, unexpected statement in any space with this precious metallic finish
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSouth Beach Style: What It Is and How to Get It
This breezy Miami look features lots of crisp white and leafy hues for a laid-back feel that celebrates summer
Full Story
HOUSEPLANTSSee How Fiddleleaf Fig Trees Can Liven Up Your Decor
The tropical houseplant with big green leaves adds a cheerful and striking design element to rooms
Full Story
EVENTSTop Trends to Inspire You From the London Design Festival
What’s going to be next season’s biggest paint trend? Is midcentury still in? Discover the answers to these questions and more
Full Story
CONTAINER GARDENSContainer Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants
Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESBathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel
Full Story
MOST POPULARHow to Get Rid of Those Pesky Summer Fruit Flies
Learn what fruit flies are, how to prevent them and how to get rid of them in your home
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESEssential Watering Tips for Your Edible Garden
To give your edible plants just what they need, check out these guidelines for how, when and how much to water
Full Story
CONTAINER GARDENSConsider These 10 Pet-Safe Houseplants
Help keep cats and dogs healthy with the right selection of indoor plants
Full Story
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)