If you’re like us, you’ve probably fallen in love with the fiddle-leaf fig plant, with its impressive size and beautiful, lush leaves. But, as lovely as these plants are, they can be quite finicky and sensitive to changes in their environment. It’s not uncommon to find a fiddle-leaf fig struggling, with leaves dropping and the plant on the brink of death. But don’t worry! There are ways to revive a dying fiddle-leaf fig and bring it back to life.
In this article, we’ll be sharing tips and tricks for reviving a dying fiddle-leaf fig. We’ll explore the causes of dying fiddle-leaf figs and provide you with practical solutions for bringing your plant back to health.
We’ll cover everything from emulating the plant’s natural environment, proper watering and drainage, humidity and light requirements, repotting, and treating root rot. With these tips, you’ll be able to give your fiddle-leaf fig the care it needs to thrive and add a touch of green to your living space.
So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Fiddle-leaf figs are sensitive to temperature change, draughts, low humidity, too much direct sunlight, not enough light, too much fertilizer, overwatering, underwatering, and poor drainage
- To revive a dying fiddle-leaf fig, emulate the conditions of the plant’s natural environment by maintaining a temperature range of 65ºF to 75ºF, misting the leaves to increase humidity, locating the plant in bright, indirect light, and only watering when the top 2 inches of the soil feel dry
- Fiddle-leaf figs require well-draining soil, the top 2 inches of the soil to dry out between each bout of watering, and humidity of around 60%
- Repotting to a much larger pot than the previous one can cause a fiddle-leaf fig to die, and repotting should only be done one size up from the previous pot if necessary.
Causes of Dying Fiddle-Leaf Figs
We’ve noticed that our fiddle-leaf fig is looking sickly and dropping leaves, so we reviewed our pre-existing knowledge and identified that overwatering and fluctuation in temperature are common causes of dying fiddle-leaf figs.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a fungal disease that affects the roots and can eventually kill the plant. To avoid overwatering, we need to ensure that the top 2 inches of soil are dry before watering and that the pot has good drainage. We should also decrease watering in winter during dormancy and empty any saucers or trays of water regularly to prevent water pooling around the base of the pot.
Preventing temperature fluctuations is also crucial for the health of fiddle-leaf figs. They prefer a temperature range of 65ºF to 75ºF and can droop if the temperature exceeds 75ºF. Fluctuations in temperature can cause stress and weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other problems. To prevent temperature fluctuations, we should avoid placing the plant in drafty areas or near heating or cooling vents. We can also use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust as needed.
By taking these steps to overcome overwatering and prevent temperature fluctuations, we can help revive our dying fiddle-leaf fig and ensure its long-term health.
Establishing Consistent Conditions
Maintaining a consistent environment is crucial for the health of our fiddle-leaf fig, as it becomes habituated to specific conditions when establishing in its micro-environment. To ensure our fiddle-leaf fig thrives, we need to manage its micro environment by providing a stable temperature range of 65ºF to 75ºF, as well as bright, indirect light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade.
We also need to adapt to changes and be mindful of the factors that affect our fiddle-leaf fig, such as fluctuations in temperature, low humidity, and poor drainage. To establish consistent conditions, we can group similar tropical houseplants together for a humid micro-climate, use a plant humidifier, and only water when the top 2 inches of the soil feel dry.
By doing so, we can ensure our fiddle-leaf fig has a healthy environment to grow and thrive in. Furthermore, we should avoid sudden changes in conditions, as our fiddle-leaf fig is sensitive to them and can become stressed. If we need to repot our fiddle-leaf fig, we should only repot one size up from the previous pot and avoid repotting to a significantly larger pot, as this can cause the plant to die.
By establishing consistent conditions and adapting to changes, we can ensure our fiddle-leaf fig remains healthy and vibrant.
Watering and Drainage
Let’s ensure our fiddle-leaf fig stays healthy by closely monitoring its watering and drainage. Damp soil can cause root rot and lead to dropping leaves, which is why it’s crucial to allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between each bout of watering.
We can achieve this by checking the soil’s moisture level using a moisture meter or by simply sticking our finger into the soil. If the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it’s time to water our fiddle-leaf fig.
To prevent root rot, it’s essential to use well-draining soil and plant our fiddle-leaf fig in a pot with drainage holes in the base. We should also avoid overwatering, especially in winter when our plant is in dormancy.
Emptying saucers and trays of water regularly will prevent water from pooling around the base of the pot, which can lead to root rot and drooping leaves. By following these tips, we can maintain the proper watering and drainage conditions for our fiddle-leaf fig and ensure its overall health and longevity.
Humidity, Light, and Temperature
To ensure our fiddle-leaf fig thrives, it’s important to understand the humidity, light, and temperature conditions it requires.
Fiddle-leaf figs prefer a humid tropical environment with around 60% humidity, whereas indoors is usually around 10% humidity. Therefore, creating a humid microclimate is essential to prevent leaf dropping. This can be achieved by misting the leaves regularly or using a plant humidifier. Grouping similar tropical houseplants together can also help create a humid microclimate.
In addition, fiddle-leaf figs require bright, indirect light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while not enough light can cause the plant to become leggy. It’s important to place the plant near a window with bright, filtered light and to rotate it frequently to ensure even growth.
Maintaining the temperature between 65-75°F is also crucial to prevent drooping, as higher temperatures can increase the rate at which the potting soil dries and the rate at which moisture is lost from the leaves.
Overall, creating a suitable environment with the appropriate humidity, light, and temperature is key to reviving a dying fiddle-leaf fig.
Treating Root Rot
If we notice root rot in our fiddle-leaf fig, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage to the plant.
One way to treat root rot is by improving the plant’s soil drainage. We can do this by repotting the plant with well-draining soil and ensuring that the pot has proper drainage holes. It’s also important to avoid overwatering the plant and to allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Another option for treating root rot is through pruning techniques. We can carefully trim away any visibly diseased roots with clean shears. However, we need to be cautious not to remove too many roots, as this can cause transplant shock and further damage to the plant.
If the root rot has progressed extensively, propagating healthy leaves from cuttings may be the only option for saving the plant.
By carefully monitoring the plant’s soil moisture, drainage, and pruning techniques, we can effectively treat root rot and revive our dying fiddle-leaf fig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fiddle-leaf figs be grown outdoors?
Fiddle-leaf figs can be grown outdoors in mild climates with proper care. They require bright, indirect sunlight exposure, well-draining soil, and regular pruning techniques. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings.
How often should I fertilize my fiddle-leaf fig?
We fertilize our fiddle-leaf fig every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The best fertilizers are those high in nitrogen and potassium. Follow package instructions for the fertilizing schedule.
Can fiddle-leaf figs tolerate low light conditions?
Fiddle-leaf figs can survive in low light conditions, but they may not thrive. Shade alternatives include placing them near east or west-facing windows or using grow lights. Fiddle-leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
How long does it take for a fiddle-leaf fig to grow new leaves after dropping them?
As the saying goes, patience is a virtue when it comes to fiddle-leaf figs dropping leaves. Leaf drop causes can vary, but with proper care and Fiddle leaf fig recovery methods, new leaves can appear in a few weeks to a few months.
Can fiddle-leaf figs be propagated from a leaf cutting?
Yes, fiddle-leaf figs can be propagated from a leaf cutting. Propagation techniques include taking a healthy leaf cutting and placing it in water or soil. Success rates vary, but can be improved by ensuring proper humidity and avoiding overwatering.
