What´s wrong with my fiddle fig?
Diana Silva
last year
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
last yearlast modified: last yeartapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
last yearRelated Discussions
What did I do wrong pruning my fiddle leaf fig?
Comments (3)Normal result from a tip-pinch only, 1 or 2 new tips but no real reduction in upward mobility or increase in girth. Remove the lower leaves to encourage lower branches at the nodes where those leaves were attached. Practicing on Coleus is so fun because they grow so fast....See MoreFiddle Leaf Fig - help! what is wrong?
Comments (2)It appears you may not be properly watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Here are two posts that will be of help for you. Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig What Causes Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves...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 is wrong with my Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Comments (4)water a plant when it needs water .. insert your finger and FIND OUT ... or use a teaspoon to gently dig around and find out about water at root depth .. weight of the pot is also fairly indicative of how much dead weight water is in it ... i usually dont water until i feel a significant lessening of said weight ... or the plant actually wilts a bit.. indicating more water is needed ... [of course you huge pot may not be easy to lift ... ] random schedules and amounts dont really help ... until you figure out the schedule for your house ... how cold does it get near that door at night.. in your drafty old house??? you probably should find a good local nurseryman for advice.. rather than a florist ... your plant shows no signs of underwatering .. thats not how i read the affected leaves ... my only worry is overwatering and rotting the roots off .. and im not sure you are even doing that ... the best grower i ever met.. actually left his plants to slightly wilt ... before he watered again .. if you did that .. then you would have the beginnings of making a schedule for your house.. in that location... with all those windows ... you dont mention how long ago it was brought in .. i bet some of the leaf damage is related to that move.. or moving it from grower.. to seller ... minor leaf damage can show up a long time after the event that caused it ... meaning.. there is no current problem to fix .... frankly.. i think you plant looks great .. i would snip off the ugly leaves. perfect watering.. and try not to kill it with too much love ... i would also plan on moving it outside in summer.. in full bright shade ... large houseplants usually really enjoy such .. and can store a lot of energy.. for the winter .. but make sure its secure in that wind wont blow it over.. etc ... and of course.. that depends where you are relax.. it looks great .. welcome to the forums ... ken...See Moreken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
last yearMike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
last yeartapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
last year
Related Stories
BEFORE AND AFTERSMy Houzz: Minimalist, Airy Style in a Chicago Family’s 1950s Home
See how these homeowners resolved their layout design dilemmas in a midcentury split-level house
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSPlay 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 StoryHOUSEPLANTSSee 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 StoryFUN HOUZZ14 Things You Need to Start Doing Now for Your Spouse’s Sake
You have no idea how annoying your habits at home can be. We’re here to tell you
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGet a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing
Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside
Full StoryMOST POPULARHouzz Quiz: What Style of Kitchen Should You Have?
Should you be cooking up a storm in a modern, traditional, farmhouse or another style of kitchen? Take our quiz to find out
Full StoryLIGHTINGWhat to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs
If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Pretty Meets Practical in a 1920s Walk-Up
Creative styling gives an 800-square-foot rental such an inspired homey air, you might just miss the office in the living room
Full StoryLIFEA Caregiver’s Guide to a Supportive Home
A daughter who’s been there shares 9 tips on tailoring a home for a loved one with dementia
Full StoryDECORATING 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
Diana SilvaOriginal Author