Edema is the most frequent cause of little red dots on fresh fiddle leaf fig plant leaves.
Edema, also known as oedema, is frequently a sign of moisture stress, which is brought on by inappropriate irrigation. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a recognized nonprofit known for horticulture education, the ficus is particularly prone to edema.
Pressure rises till the leaf cells break when a plant’s roots absorb more water than the leaves can use or transpire. Dead cells then manifest as blisters or deep, 1- to 3-mm bruises.
Do not be alarmed; moderate incidences of edema are very common and even expected, particularly during periods of growth when you want to make sure your plants have enough water to support the growth of new leaves.
Fiddle leaf fig trees love to dry out between waterings, as you may have heard before. While occasionally true, a more accurate and healthy technique is to pay close attention to the health of the tree’s roots, boost watering when the tree is sprouting new growth, and take your signals from the plant’s growth cycles. This will allow you to tolerate minor edema without worrying about root damage.
Your newly speckled leaves may eventually grow out to seem fully normal and healthy, depending on how severe the condition was initially. A few weeks later, the above-mentioned problematic leaf is now recovering.
In fact, the spots will entirely disappear with the proper watering routine (going forward). New growth will eventually seem smooth, clean, and bright green. That is the most typical result for careful caregivers. Undoubtedly a promising prediction!
Unfortunately, the subsequent growth that appears after this spotty version will look even worse if the watering issue is not resolved. Leaves will soon arrive and look dead.
What do these blotches on my fiddle leaf fig represent?
Despite the fact that most parents of Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees overwater (keep the soil wet) and under-light (give it too little light), this problem is caused by drought-like conditions, which are typically accompanied by higher light levels.
Throughout the growing season, fiddle leaf figs require consistently moist soil (March-September). Ficus lyrata’s newest development is impacted by a problem that develops when the plant’s root zone does not have sufficient access to moisture.
The bottom sides of the leaves develop reddish, brown patches that are visible through the leaf.
According to the University of Florida, this illness is caused by excessive moisture stress, which sounds like there is too much moisture but is not.
That implies that the plant is subject to erratic watering schedules. Additionally, this frequently happens in conjunction with more light.
This produces the ideal storm to reveal the inconsistent irrigation patterns. The more light a plant is exposed to, the more water it will require because light and water are both consumed during photosynthesis. More information on that connection can be found here.
It is difficult for plants to absorb essential minerals from the soil when the root zone is dry. Keep the soil evenly moist for your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata) during the growing season, and let it dry out a little bit more in the fall and winter.
Also, make sure to illuminate it with bright, indirect light! In this one-minute video, that is explained.
Why do the spots on my fig leaf exist?
When there is a problem, fiddle leaf figs can communicate very effectively. The most typical indications that your Fiddle Leaf needs assistance are as follows:
Brown spots are a sign that there is watering stress at play. Spots can develop as a result of excessive watering or inadequate drainage, which can also result in fungi such root rot.
Yellowing Leaves: This symptom is caused by a few different things. Yellowing leaves are typically caused by inadequate light, a lack of nutrients, excessive fertilization, and an imbalance of water. Check out our more detailed guidance on how to recognize and treat yellowing leaves if you’re not sure why your plant’s leaves are yellow and you’re not sure why.
Leaf Drop: This symptom can be caused by a variety of factors, but for Fiddle Leaf Figs, temperature and light fluctuations as well as irregular watering schedules are the main causes. Visit our page on how to prevent leaf drop to find out more about leaf drop problems with other houseplants.
Can fiddle leaf fig brown patches be removed?
Unfortunately, treating this problem in a fiddle leaf fig is one of the most difficult things to do.
The idea is to treat the areas as soon as you can to prevent further damage from occurring. Making sure your plant’s roots dry out between waterings and that it receives enough of sunlight are important components of the treatment, which is comparable to treating root rot.
If the damage is not severe, remove any of the leaves that have brown spots and repot your plant in a container with good drainage using fresh, sterile soil. While it is healing, give it lots of light and don’t water as frequently.
Use our Leaf Armor, which was created to shield your houseplant against fungus, insects, and bacteria in addition to bacteria.
Why do my plants have red dots on them?
Red Blotch is also referred to as red spot, measles, and leaf blotch. The illness appears to be worse than it is. Red Blotch can result in anything from little red spots to substantial brownish blotches that can deform a plant’s leaves, stalks, and flowers. The good news is that splotch doesn’t significantly impair a plant’s fundamental health.
Why are the leaves on my ficus becoming red?
A ficus growing outside may develop leaf spot disease and Phytophthora root rot. Wilting, leaves that turn purple, yellow, or red, and a generally drought-stressed appearance are other signs of Phytophthora root rot. The bark close to the earth will appear darker than usual and may even start to seep sap. The wood will be reddish-brown if the bark is removed. Within a few years, the ficus could lose all of its branches and perish. When it is cool and rainy, the fungi typically spread. A six to eight-hour period of excessively damp soil is perfect for the propagation of this illness. Although a fungus typically causes leaf spot, bacteria can also be to blame. Brown spots that frequently start off small and spread as the condition worsens are the norm. The ficus’s leaves can also turn yellow and drop off. It typically happens while it’s raining outside.
How is fig rust handled?
Watering only the ground beneath your figs is the most straightforward technique to prevent fig rust. On the leaves, the rust fungus looks for free moisture. Water in the morning to give the foliage time to dry from the sun.
Pruning fig trees carefully can also aid in the evaporation of extra water from the figs’ leaves by increasing air circulation through the branches. Cleaning up after the fall is crucial to avoid fig rust since it will overwinter in debris and fallen leaves.
Treatment is challenging once rust is discovered on figs since there are so few fungicides approved for use on figs. Fungicides with copper sulfate and lime tend to have the strongest results against rust. During the dormant season, bare trees should be treated, followed by repeated applications every two to three weeks. By the time you notice fig rust, it’s usually too late to treat it for the current season, but starting a spraying routine can help avoid recurrence.
Home gardeners may be disappointed by rust on fig leaves and fruit, but it is not lethal. A spray treatment for already affected trees can prevent the illness from recurring. Proper cleansing and sufficient air circulation can go a long way toward preventing the disease.
Reminder: Organic methods are safer and more environmentally friendly; chemical control should only be used as a last option.
Do fiddle leaf figs need direct sunlight?
Although they can withstand moderate sunlight, it’s not their preferred environment. It’s a good idea to put the plant near a south or west-facing window, but not directly in the sun, as it prefers steady, ambient light. They can tolerate up to six hours a day of direct sunlight, if necessary.
Finding a location where the conditions are as consistent as possible throughout the day is the finest thing you can do for these plants as they are creatures of habit. Placing your plant in low light is one thing you must never do.
Can my plant go outside?
Of course, you can take care of your fiddle leaf fig outside given the correct circumstances. It might perhaps act and develop to a height of more than 40 feet if you locate it in the ideal location. Your garden should, however, be entirely frost-free and never drop below 50 degrees at night in order to prevent any issues.
On summer days, you should use caution as well. Keep your plant from getting too hot too quickly and water it frequently so the roots have access to moisture all the time. Similar to when you keep it as a house plant, you should be watchful of how much direct sunshine it gets.
Why do the leaves turn brown?
You have some homework to complete if the leaves on your fiddle leaf fig are starting to turn brown. There are several potential causes, but light and water are the most frequent ones.
In most cases, water is the culprit if the edges of the leaves are becoming brown. If just the lower leaves are impacted, overwatering has created root rot. The likelihood of the plant being thirsty increases if all of the leaves are going crispy. Unhappy leaves that are going brown in the middle show that the plant needs more humidity since it is receiving too much light.
What’s the difference between a fiddle leaf bush and a tree?
An established fiddle leaf tree can cost hundreds of dollars, so you’ll probably end up nurturing a smaller plant to grow tall. Ficus lyrata likes to grow straight up if left unattended, but you can encourage branching by either pruning the new growth or notching the stem.
To notch, choose where you want a new branch to grow and make a 1/8-inch cut into the stem just above a node using a clean knife. The node should produce a new branch. The lower leaves can then be removed when your plant appears very healthy.
Should I mist my plant?
When caring for any rainforest plant, especially in the winter, misting is a need. Fiddle leafs prefer a humidity level of 65 percent, which is substantially higher than that of most houses.
Filling a spray bottle and leaving it next to the plant is the ideal method for misting. You can regularly spritz it with room-temperature water in this manner. Misting your plant is very crucial after dusting its leaves. For your plant, a humidifier is ideal if you can afford one, but regular misting with a spray bottle should suffice.
How long does it take for the plant to grow?
Most fiddle leaves can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. They might even outgrow your home if they’re truly content. However, that may take up to 15 years. Of course you two want to stay together for that long, but it can be difficult to wait for a plant straight out of a magazine.
These are not the quickest-growing plants, but with proper care and fertilization, the 18-inch bush you purchased from the garden center should mature into a respectable-sized tree in 34 years.
Should I cut off brown spots off the leaves?
Although brown stains on the leaves are unsightly, you shouldn’t immediately remove them. After all, in order to photosynthesize, the plant requires its leaves. Your plant won’t thrive if the leaves are pulled out as soon as spotting appears.
Your plant is attempting to tell you something when its leaves turn brown, whether it’s water, fertilizer, sunshine, or pest control. The best course of action is to try to identify the issue, fix it, and then postpone pinching off the damaged leaves until your plant has produced some healthy new growth.
Are fiddle leaf fig toxic?
Yes. We’re not talking about plants that are aesthetically pleasing but dangerous here, but if you have kids or animals in your house, you should be cautious of them around any Ficus family plant, including your fiddle leaf fig.
A healthy adult won’t suffer long-term consequences from ingesting the plant, but cats, dogs, and small people can get hurt from the calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves. A burning, irritated mouth, trouble swallowing, drooling, and vomiting are indications of an adverse response. Consult a doctor straight away if you believe that your child or pet may have consumed a portion of the plant.
How frequently should fiddle leaf figs be watered?
Overwatering or failing to provide adequate drainage are the two most common ways to destroy a fiddle leaf fig. About once every 10 days or once a week, water your plant. As we just discussed, FLFs are accustomed to receiving a massive amount of water with intermittent dry spells because they are native to a rainforest-like habitat. Therefore, it’s recommended to water indoor plants until the soil is barely dripping before letting the soil dry fully in between applications.
There are two ways to accomplish this. Bring the plant inside after watering it and letting it drip for an hour or two outside or in the bathtub. Place your FLF on a plant stand above a drip tray if you don’t want to carry it back and forth to be watered. Make sure the roots don’t spend a long period sitting in extra water, whichever method you pick.
Watering a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Overwatering or failing to provide adequate drainage are the two most common ways to destroy a fiddle leaf fig. About once every 10 days or once a week, water your plant. As we just discussed, FLFs are accustomed to receiving a massive amount of water with intermittent dry spells because they are native to a rainforest-like habitat. Therefore, it’s recommended to water indoor plants until the soil is barely dripping before letting the soil dry fully in between applications. There are two ways to accomplish this. Bring the plant inside after watering it and letting it drip for an hour or two outside or in the bathtub. Place your FLF on a plant stand above a drip tray if you don’t want to carry it back and forth to be watered. Make sure the roots don’t spend a long period sitting in extra water, whichever method you pick.
Not sure of the next time to water? Simply press your finger into the soil’s top 2 inches. If it’s still wet, don’t touch it. Don’t believe in yourself? Purchase a cheap soil moisture meter, and water when it indicates that the soil is practically dry.
Having trouble deciding when to water your fiddle leaf fig? Simply press your finger into the soil’s top 2 inches. If it’s still wet, don’t touch it. Don’t believe in yourself? Purchase a cheap soil moisture meter, and water when it indicates that the soil is practically dry.