Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Have White Spots

Overwatering is the most typical issue with fiddle leaf figs, as was previously indicated. Usually, you can tell whether you’ve overwatered a plant by looking at the leaves. Yellowing or droopy leaves are a surefire indication that the roots are receiving too much moisture. It is crucial to take care of this problem as soon as you see it in order to prevent root rot and infection. Reduce the frequency of watering and move the plant to a more sunny location until it recovers its health.

This plant has huge leaves that can be used to identify any potential problems. Brown stains typically indicate that the air is either too dry or has been treated excessively. Misting your fiddle leaf fig leaves once every two weeks can help you remedy the problem of dry air quickly. How much handling is too much? Make sure the plant is out of the way of prying eyes and hands (including your own!).

The presence of white dots on the fiddle leaf fig’s leaves may indicate that the water you’re using is excessively harsh. To get rid of the white spots, which are actually mineral buildup from the water, and bring back the leaves’ bright sheen. The leaves should first be sprayed with purified or distilled water and a small amount of a detergent-free soap, such as castile soap, before the hard water stains are carefully removed using a microfiber cloth. Complete the cleanup by giving the plant a good water rinse.

Just be aware that droopy leaves could indicate a number of problems. Shock is the most frequent culprit, and it typically occurs after a fiddle leaf fig tree has been transplanted. Additionally, it might be overwatered or dehydrated. Think about your watering schedule and make any necessary adjustments, always remembering to allow the soil completely dry out between waterings.

Why do my figs have white spots on them?

White spots on fig trees are rarely caused by pests or illnesses (Ficus carica). Fig trees can be invasive in some locations and thrive in warm climes in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Spots on leaves that are light yellow and practically white can develop due to the mosaic virus and scale insects.

Why are the leaves on my fiddle leaf fig going white?

Given that it resembles the fluffy mold you would find on bread or fruit that has been left out too long, mold may be the first thing that comes to mind.

Fiddle leaf figs are susceptible to the fungal disease powdery mildew, which can harm both indoor and outdoor plants. Poor air circulation brought on by crowding or just a lack of air flow in the area is a common reason.

On your fiddle leaf fig leaves, it appears at first as little, chalky white or gray dots that gradually get bigger and fluffier. When you rub it with your finger, it comes off easily (although be careful, since you don’t want the spores to spread!).

Powdery mildew can weaken your fiddle leaf fig and make it more susceptible to pests, various diseases, and finally kill your tree in addition to being unsightly. It can also spread quickly to other houseplants that are vulnerable, so it’s critical to take action as soon as you spot a problem.

How are fig trees affected by powdery mildew treated?

Are you curious about the white spot on your plant? The fungus illness A typical issue in gardens is powdery mildew, which affects a wide range of plants and decreases the quality and yield of fruit and flowers.

What Is Powdery Mildew?

Numerous plant species are afflicted by the fungal disease known as powdery mildew. Each of the numerous varieties of powdery mildew infects a variety of different plants. Cucurbits (pumpkins, cucumbers, melons), nightshades (tomatoes, eggplants, peppers), roses, and legumes are some of the garden plants that are frequently impacted (beans, peas).

A layer of mildew made up of numerous spores develops across the top of the leaves when the fungus starts to take over one of your plants. These spores are then transferred to neighboring plants by the wind. If the infection is serious enough, powdery mildew can stunt the growth of your plant and lower fruit yield and quality.

How Does Powdery Mildew Spread?

Powdery mildew spores often blow into your garden with the wind, but if you’ve previously experienced outbreaks, new outbreaks could potentially result from dormant spores in surrounding weeds or old vegetative material.

Even though it needs relatively high relative humidity (i.e., humidity around the plant) to spread, powdery mildew does well in warm, dry areas (60–80F / 15–27C). It does not spread as quickly in cooler, wetter locations, and it is also hindered by temperatures above 90F. (32C). Additionally, plants in shaded places are typically more impacted than those in broad sunlight.

How to Identify Powdery Mildew

  • Plants with powdery mildew infection resemble they have been flour-dusted.
  • On leaves, stems, and even on fruit, powdery mildew normally begins as round, powdery white patches.
  • The upper portion of the leaves are typically covered in powdery mildew, although it can also develop on the undersides.
  • The most vulnerable foliage is the young foliage. The leaves dry out and turn yellow.
  • Some leaves may twist, shatter, or become deformed as a result of the fungus.
  • The majority of the leaves or other damaged parts will be covered with the white patches caused by powdery mildew.
  • The growing tips, buds, and leaves will also develop defects. Typically, these signs show up at the end of the growth season.

Small white dots on the upper half of the leaves are the earliest signs of powdery mildew. The Regents of the University of California, UC Davis, provided the image.

How to Prevent Powdery Mildew

The best method of eradicating powdery mildew, as with many other diseases and pests, is proactive prevention.

  • For your garden, pick plants that can withstand powdery mildew. Cucurbits (melons, cucumbers, squash, etc.) have many mildew-resistant varieties that are available from major seed providers.
  • Plant where there is more sunlight because powdery mildew tends to grow more frequently in shaded regions.
  • To improve air circulation around your plants and lower relative humidity, selectively prune crowded spots.
  • Spores on leaves can be removed with the use of overhead irrigation. It’s best not to rely on this as a preventive measure, though, as moist foliage can frequently lead to the development of other common diseases.

Homemade Prevention

Powdery mildew can be effectively treated using sulfur, lime-sulfur, neem oil, and potassium bicarbonate, among other organic fungicides. When given before infection or as soon as disease symptoms appear, these are most beneficial.

  • Many gardeners have demonstrated that baking soda works well to treat powdery mildew. Add 1 quart of water to 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Thoroughly mist plants because the solution only kills fungus that comes into touch with it.
  • A further efficient home treatment is milk spray. Spray roses with milk that has been diluted with water (usually 1:10) at the first indication of infection or as a preventative step.

Fungicides

There are several fungicides that are highly efficient with low toxicity, no residue, and long duration, especially for rose plants. Triadimefon is one case in point. It can be sprayed 1000–1200 WP of 15–% wettable powder once every 10 days for a total of 23 times. However, you should ask your neighborhood nursery about fungicides that are legal there.

How to Control Powdery Mildew

Concentrate on preventing the illness from spreading to other plants because it is very difficult to eradicate it if plants are severely afflicted. Remove and destroy any fruit, stems, or foliage that has been contaminated. You can either burn them or dump them in the trash. Any plant that has been affected should not be composted because the illness might still be carried by the wind and linger in the composted materials.

Avoid touching healthy leaves with pruning shears after removing sick areas. Pruners should first be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.

Potential Cause 1: Root Rot

Brown stains on the roots from a fungus caused by too much moisture. Root rot is brought by by over watering and bad drainage, and it eventually affects your plant’s leaves.

How to Correct It

Removing the pot and looking at the roots is the only way to be confident that your plant has root rot. Root rot is at blame if the roots are mushy and discolored. Let your plant dry out for around two weeks if there are only a few brown patches on the leaves so that the roots have enough time to heal.

Make sure your plant gets enough light, and remove any damaged leaves. If there are several brown patches, you should remove any brown, mushy roots and the affected leaves before repotting the plant and being careful not to overwater it in the future.

Potential Cause 2: Bacterial Infection

In addition to the brown spots, your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves will yellow as a result of bacterial leaf spot. In contrast to bacterial leaf spot, which causes the leaf to turn yellow as the brown spot spreads, root rot often causes the leaves to remain dark green with brown patches. Your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves will eventually drop off due to both bacterial leaf spot and root rot. Since bacterial leaf spot tends to feed on new growth, it is likely to be to fault if your younger leaves are suffering more than your older leaves.

Unfortunately, this is the Fiddle Leaf Fig condition that is most difficult to treat. It can already be too late for your plant, even with the right care and watering. Cut off all of the leaves that have brown spots if the damage is not severe, then repot your plant in new, sterile soil. While it is healing, give it lots of light and don’t water as frequently.

Potential Cause 3: Insect Damage

Although uncommon, insect illnesses leave clear signs. Check your plant for webs or insects using a magnifying glass. Small patches that develop into holes on the leaves are a sure sign of insect damage.

Treatment for insect infestations is simple. Use neem oil products made specifically for indoor plants. Alternately, you might make your own cure by mixing a few teaspoons of mineral oil and baking soda in a spray bottle with water. Spray the entire affected area of the plant after thoroughly shaking the solution. Your other houseplants should not be near diseased plants. Neem oil has an overpowering odor, so move your plant outside if you can. Spray your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves with a strong mist. Don’t forget to spray the area where the leaf meets the stem after turning each leaf to cover the underside. If more spraying is required, wait two weeks, inspect once more, then repeat the process.

Potential Cause 4: Your Plant is Too Dry

Dry tan or brown regions that originate at the edge of the leaf and force the leaf to curl make dry plant brown spots simpler to identify. Your plant will occasionally appear dry or wilted overall, and the dirt may have retreated from the pot (shrinkage). This may result in the water never reaching the root ball and instead running between the pot and the soil.

Consider transferring your Fiddle Leaf Fig to a more moderate area if it is currently close to a heater or in an extremely dry environment. When the soil is 50 to 75 percent dry, water as needed, and keep an eye on your plant to make sure it’s getting enough hydration. Use a humidifier close to your plant or try misting it once to three days. Make sure the root ball of your plant is completely submerged in water by giving it a long sip. Make sure the pot’s bottom is dripping with water. Before placing the plant back on its saucer, let it to rest and drain any extra water.

Remove your fiddle leaf plant from direct sunlight

As previously indicated, your plant’s leaves may get white patches if it is in direct sunlight. Remove your plant from the sun’s direct rays to avoid this from happening.

Instead, put your fiddle leaf fig plant near a window that faces south or west so it can get filtered light or indirect sunlight.

Clean off water spots

Fiddle leaf fig hard water spots might also appear as white patches on the leaves of your plant. This is due to the fact that hard water includes minerals that might accumulate on your plant’s leaves. Because they deny the plant access to air and sometimes sunshine, these minerals may eventually cause the leaves to become yellow and brown.

You can use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to gently wash away existing hard water stains. Using a vinegar solution is another option (one part vinegar to four parts water). Make sure to rinse the leaves with fresh water once you’ve removed the stains.