Fig Leaf

Question

I have fig trees are in pots on a balcony. The leaves on the trees are yellowing and falling off. When I looked closer I can see pale coloured dots on the leaves. What is this and how can I treat it?

Answer 1

It resembles spider mite damage. This will need to be taken care of before the problem gets too out of hand. Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-control.htm

The aftermath will be fungal or bacterial infections. You will want to go ahead and treat for that.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/homemade-fungicide.htm

Here is an article to help you to grow Fig trees in container:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/growing-figs-in-pots.htm

Answer 2

I have checked for spider mite as described but it does not seem to be that. It looks like dirt residue on the leaf that I can rub or scrape off.

Answer 3

It could be dirt. It is very hard to say without a closeup. We cannot zoom in on the pictures, so I cannot see close up. This can happen when rain splashes dirt on the leaves, but I do see signs of distress.