Are your fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many people have encountered.
I can assure you that this issue isn’t as daunting as it may seem. In fact, with the right approach and care, you’ll soon be able to get your beloved plant back into its prime condition.
We’ll explore the possible causes of why your fiddle leaf fig leaves are turning yellow and provide helpful advice on how to restore them to their original beauty.
Understanding The Symptoms
When a fiddle leaf fig tree shows signs of distress, it’s like an orchestra conductor that has lost their control over the musicians. The leaves are all out of tune and playing different notes – yellowing is one of those notes.
It can be difficult to determine why this might be happening without looking further into the situation. In order for us to understand what is causing our beloved plant to turn yellow, we must listen closely to its symptoms and consider other factors such as light, temperature, water levels, and fertilization.
We need to carefully assess each element in harmony with one another to get our symphony back on track. Taking into account all elements will help provide clarity as we move forward in addressing any issues. From there, we can create plans tailored specifically to our plant’s needs that will bring them back into balance.
Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common causes for a fiddle leaf fig’s leaves turning yellow. The plant needs moist soil, but not soaking wet – it should be allowed to dry out between waterings and can even appreciate some drought stress. When overwatered, the roots are deprived of oxygen and cannot absorb nutrients properly, which leads to nutrient deficiencies in the foliage. This can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves or brown spots on them.
It’s important that you avoid over-watering your fiddle leaf fig if possible as it will quickly become root bound when kept too wet. You should also make sure that your pot has proper drainage – without adequate drainage holes, excess water won’t drain away from the plant’s roots and may lead to rot or fungal issues down the line.
To avoid this problem altogether, use pots with at least two drainage holes and check regularly for signs of overwatering before it becomes a bigger issue.
Underwatering
If the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig tree are turning yellow, it could be a sign of underwatering. Fiddle leaf figs require regular watering to maintain their health and vibrant green foliage.
When the soil around the fiddle leaf fig is too dry, the roots may not be able to absorb enough water to nourish the tree properly. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off.
To address the issue of underwatering, you should increase the frequency of watering your fiddle leaf fig tree. Be sure to check the soil regularly to determine when it is dry and in need of watering. You should also consider adjusting the amount of water you give the plant-based on factors such as the humidity level and temperature of your home.
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage can be a major cause of yellowing leaves on your fiddle leaf fig. Poor drainage prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, preventing them from absorbing essential nutrients and water. Additionally, excess moisture in the soil may lead to root rot or fungal diseases which could also contribute to yellowing leaves.
Here are a few things you should look out for:
- Does your pot have adequate drainage holes? If not, consider getting one with more holes or adding some yourself.
- Is there standing water in the bottom of the planter after watering? Even if no standing water is present initially, it’s important to check again an hour later – as this will allow time for any extra moisture to drain away properly.
- Have you been overwatering? If so, try reducing how much you’re giving it each time. This will help prevent new problems while allowing existing issues to resolve themselves over time.
It’s worth noting that poor drainage can also affect other aspects of your plant’s health such as growth rate and overall vigor – so taking steps to improve this issue is highly recommended.
Incorrect Potting Soil
Poor drainage can often lead to yellowing in fiddle leaf fig leaves, however, incorrect potting soil can also be the culprit.
For example, it’s important to use a porous plant mix while repotting a fiddle leaf fig to ensure adequate aeration and drainage. If too much sand or silt is used in the mix, water won’t flow through easily which can cause root rot and nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, if the ratio of organic matter is off balance for the type of soil you’re using then it could result in poor nutrition uptake by your plant’s roots leading to discoloration of its foliage.
It’s essential that your fiddle leaf fig has access to well-drained potting soil so as not to become susceptible to root rot and mineral deficiency issues.
To be sure you have an adequate amount of oxygen available for your plants’ roots, consider adding perlite or vermiculite into the potting mixture when repotting. Doing this will help create air pockets that are necessary for the proper absorption of minerals from the soil and provide healthy growth conditions overall – both key elements in keeping your plant’s leaves a vibrant green color.
Too Much Sunlight
A fiddle leaf fig can be sensitive to too much sunlight, which may cause leaves to yellow. Symptoms of sunburned foliage include light green or yellow patches on the upper surface of the leaves and reddish-brown marks on the underside. Too much sunlight exposure can also cause discoloration of new growth as well as wilting and dropping of existing leaves.
The following steps are recommended when dealing with a fiddle leaf fig that has been exposed to too much sunlight:
- Move it away from direct sunlight into an area with bright but indirect light.
- If possible, shade the plant for a few days until it is fully acclimated to its new location.
- Monitor the amount of water given, ensuring that you do not over-water while allowing enough moisture for proper hydration.
It’s also important to recognize that too little sunshine can affect your fiddle leaf fig in similar ways by causing slow growth and underdeveloped foliage. Therefore, finding the balance between too much and too little sunlight is key to keeping your tree healthy and happy.
Too Little Sunlight
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants, so they require a lot of sunlight to thrive. If your fiddle leaf fig is not getting enough sun, the leaves will start to yellow and become dry or crispy around the edges. This is especially true if you’re keeping it indoors – plants need direct sunlight for at least four hours per day to stay healthy.
Try moving the pot near a south-facing window where it can get more light throughout the day. If that’s not an option, then artificial lighting might be necessary to provide enough energy for photosynthesis. Incandescent bulbs won’t work as well as fluorescent lights since they produce too much heat; instead, look for full-spectrum bulbs that simulate natural daylight.
Place the bulb close enough to give off intense illumination but far away enough so that the foliage doesn’t get burned by the heat. With proper lighting, you should soon see healthier-looking leaves on your fiddle leaf fig.
Cold Temperatures
The sun is the lifeblood of many plants, providing them with essential energy and warmth. When a fiddle leaf fig receives too little sunlight, it’s like depriving it of nutrition—the leaves will start to wither away and turn yellow in protest.
But lack of sunlight isn’t the only thing that can cause yellowing; cold temperatures can also be an issue. When exposed to freezing temperatures, your fiddle leaf fig won’t just suffer from unsightly yellow leaves—it could potentially die.
Just as humans need warm clothing during winter months to stay safe and healthy, so do our beloved indoor houseplants. Be sure to monitor the temperature around your fiddle leaf fig, keeping it above 55°F when possible for optimum health. If you notice any frosty days on the horizon where you live, don’t hesitate to move your plant indoors until warmer weather returns.
Air Circulation Issues
Poor air circulation can be a major contributor to why fiddle leaf fig leaves turn yellow. In many cases, the plant is not getting enough fresh air and this causes their health to suffer.
Here are three telltale signs of poor air circulation:
1. Brown spots on the leaves
2. Yellowing or pale green coloring
3. Wilting and drooping foliage
It’s important for your fiddle leaf fig to have adequate airflow around its base as well as at the top of the canopy. If you notice any of these issues with your plant, try moving it away from other plants in order to create more space between them so that each one can get the proper amount of fresh air they need.
Additionally, avoid placing furniture or decorations too close to the plant as this will further inhibit airflow and cause problems down the line.
Fungal Infections
A shift in the air can be a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your fiddle leaf fig. As you observe and note the yellow leaves, it’s time to consider other causes of distress for this beloved houseplant.
Fungal infections are one such factor that may be causing the leaves to turn yellow. Fungi spore travel on air currents and can settle onto plant foliage when conditions are right – namely, high humidity levels combined with stagnant air circulation around the plant.
Signs of infection include discoloration along the veins or edges of leaves, as well as spots or fuzzy patches on upper surfaces. In some cases, fungal growths will appear like cottony tufts beneath the leaves or small mushrooms near the soil surface.
If these signs have been observed in addition to yellowing foliage, then a fungicide should be applied according to manufacturer instructions. With proper prevention and treatment measures taken against fungal infections, your fiddle leaf fig may soon begin to show its natural vibrancy once again.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can be a leading cause of yellowing leaves on fiddle-leaf figs. Bacteria are tiny living organisms that exist all around us, and they feed off the nutrients in our plants which eventually weaken them and cause discoloration.
There are several ways to tell if your fiddle-leaf fig is suffering from bacterial infection:
Visual signs:
- Wilting or drooping stems.
- Brown spots, streaks, or blotches on leaves.
- Leaves turning yellow or brown with water-soaked patches.
Physical symptoms:
- Slime oozing from plant joints/stems/roots.
- Soft, mushy roots.
- Sticky deposits were left behind after handling the plant.
If you have noticed any of these signs in your fiddle-leaf fig tree, it may be time to take action. Taking preemptive steps such as trimming away infected parts of the plant, sterilizing tools used in pruning, and avoiding overwatering can help prevent bacteria from spreading further and causing more damage.
To treat an existing infection, try using a foliar spray composed of antibiotics or antimicrobials at recommended dosages. With proper care and attention, your beloved fiddle-leaf fig will soon be looking healthy again.
Pest Infestations
Now that we have discussed the perils of bacterial infections, it is time to move on and consider another potential cause for yellowing leaves – pest infestations.
To many gardeners’ dismay, pests can wreak havoc in a fiddle leaf fig’s foliage if left unchecked. One particularly pesky offender is spider mite which often goes undetected until an infestation has taken hold.
As these tiny arachnids feed on your plant’s sap, you will notice a yellow stippling across the leaves as well as webbing between them.
The good news? With diligent pruning and topical application of insecticides, most pest infestations are reversible with patience and perseverance. So don’t throw away those faded fiddles yet. A little TLC might be all they need to make a comeback like some sort of horticulturalist phoenix rising from the ashes.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Yellowing leaves on a fiddle leaf fig can be caused by nutrient deficiencies.
The most common deficiencies are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-all essential for the plant’s growth cycle.
These nutrients help to promote healthy foliage but if they’re lacking from the soil or just not enough of them are present then yellow leaves may start appearing as a sign of distress.
If this is the case with your fiddle leaf fig, you should look into adding some type of fertilizer to boost these levels in the soil.
Don’t go overboard though as it’s possible to overfertilize too.
Too Much Fertilizer
Continuing on from the previous section, in which we discussed nutrient deficiencies as a potential cause of yellowing fiddle leaf fig leaves, another possible culprit is too much fertilizer.
The saying ‘too much of a good thing’ rings true here; it can be easy to get carried away with fertilizing your plant and inadvertently give them more than they need.
This over-fertilization can lead to an overload of minerals that can burn the foliage and turn its leaves yellow or brown.
It’s like giving someone too many compliments – sure, you mean well but it might not always have the desired effect.
Therefore, if you’ve been applying liquid feed regularly or using slow release pellets, test the soil before adding any additional fertilizer.
If it already contains high levels of nitrogen then there’s no need for extra – this could be why your fiddle leaf fig has started turning yellow.
Nevertheless, even if this turns out to be the case, there are steps you can take to help restore your plant back to health.
Transplant Shock
Fiddle leaf figs are unique and beautiful plants, but they can be prone to yellowing leaves. This could indicate transplant shock from re-potting or moving the plant too abruptly.
Transplant shock is when the roots of a plant are moved suddenly into new soil and environmental conditions, to which it may not yet be accustomed to. The symptoms of transplant shock in fiddle leaf figs include wilting, yellowing, and browning leaves.
To help prevent this issue with your plant, make sure you transition your fiddle leaf fig slowly into its new environment by gradually increasing light exposure and watering over time. If you notice signs of distress after transplantation, such as drooping branches or discolored foliage, try misting the leaves lightly with water to reduce dehydration stress before increasing other care elements like fertilizer use or pruning techniques.
With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig should eventually adjust well to its new home.
