New Leaves Have Brown Spots

Question

My SIL purchased two Fiddle Leaf Figs a few weeks ago. She found some flying insects last week and trapped them with the sticky pads. She also let the plants dry out a little more than before. Currently she noted that 2 newly emerging leaves have brown spots. Please see picture. We thought the flying insects could be fungus gnats. Are these spots part of the fungus gnat problem. What else should be done? Thanks!

Answer 1

Fungus gnats will eat fungus, rather than cause it. They don't touch living plant material, and prefer their food to be rotting, already.

Their presence indicates that the soil may have been too moist, causing rot. The gnats will be attracted to the rotting roots.

It doesn't seem like it but these will be considered beneficial insects. They have their limitations, and will not be able to clear a fungal infection, though. They will only be an indicator of an issue.

Make sure that you treat the plant with a fungicide, and make sure that the soil has a chance to dry, thoroughly, down to about 2 or 3 inches between watering.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

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

Fiddle Leaf Figs will be very sensitive to overwatering, and are usually killed by infection before they reach maturity. Make sure to let the soil dry out some between waterings, and don't let it remain wet and it will have a better chance at survival.

here is an article that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/growing-fiddle-leaf-fig-trees.htm