Fiddle figs are closely related to the rubber tree. Just like this one, the trees tend to lose their lower leaves and become bald, even with good care. Why does the fiddle leaf fig lose its leaves and can it be prevented?
Why is my fiddle leaf fig losing leaves?
The fiddle leaf fig can lose leaves due to substrate that is too dry or moist, low humidity, dark location, lack of nutrients, drafts, frequent moving or pest infestation. Make sure the conditions are optimal and check the plant regularly.
Causes of Fiddle Fig Leaf Loss
If the slightly poisonous fiddle leaf fig occasionally loses a few leaves, it is not a cause for concern. However, if it sheds a lot of leaves, you should look into what could be responsible for this:
- Too dry / moist substrate
- low humidity
- location too dark
- Nutrient Deficiency
- Draft
- frequent changes
- Pest Infestation
The substrate must be neither too wet nor too dry. Water so that the soil is always slightly moist, but the plant is never directly in water. Watering is always done only when the upper layer of the soil has dried out. Excess irrigation water should be poured off immediately.
Nutrient deficiency only occurs if the fiddle leaf fig has not been repotted for a very long time. Then you should fertilize them every 14 days with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) and repot them the following spring.
The right location for the fiddle leaf fig
Violin figs like it very bright, even sunny. In addition, the humidity must be as high as possible. The fiddle leaf fig doesn't tolerate cold feet at all.
Make sure there is enough light where the tree is located. If necessary, increase the humidity by spraying the leaves.
Watch out for pest infestation
If the fiddle leaf fig loses a lot of leaves, pests can also be responsible. These occur more often in unfavorable locations and when the humidity is too low.
The most common pests on fiddlehead figs include lice of all kinds, thrips and red spider mites. In the event of a pest infestation, you should act immediately and ensure control.
Keep cooler in winter
The fiddle leaf fig likes it very warm in summer. Temperatures up to 30 degrees are tolerated well as long as the humidity is right. In winter, place the fiddle leaf fig a little cooler at 15 to 20 degrees. Water even less and do not fertilize during the winter break.
Tip
The easy-to-propagate fiddle leaf figs don't like drafts. Therefore, place them somewhere protected. The trees also don't tolerate frequent moving very well, so you should leave them in one place if possible.
