Top Questions About Fiddleleaf Fig

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Questions About Fiddleleaf Fig

Asked by
Anonymous on
February 7, 2014

Q. New leaves on Fiddleleaf Fig Have Purple Spots

My fiddleleaf fig has purple speckles on the new leaves only. What is causing this, and what action should I take? Thank you!

Answered by
Nikki on
February 7, 2014
Certified Expert
A.

It may be one of two things. The first is that it is a fungus. Treat the plant with a fungicide to take care of that. The other is that it may be a phosphorous deficiency. Give the tree some bone meal to help boost phosphorous.

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Asked by
Anonymous on
December 10, 2014

Q. Fiddly Fig Plant

How can I propagate an indoor Fiddly fig plant?

Answered by
Nikki on
December 11, 2014
Certified Expert
A.

This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/fig-propagation.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
December 21, 2014

Q. pruning “figlia” plant

I think it is an indoor figlia(?) plant. It has no side branches (just 1 main “trunk). How do I get it to have side branches? Thanks.

Answered by
theficuswrangler on
December 21, 2014
A.

There's no such thing as figlia plant, but perhaps you mean some type of ficus, most likely a fiddle leaf fig? That has large leaves - around 6 - 10" long and shaped roughly like a fiddle; possibly also a ficus decora, known as rubber tree, that has large thick darkgreen leaves. Those two would be the most likely to have only one main trunk with no side branches. Given that the plant is healthy and growing, you can simply cut off the top top few inches, and it might well start to branch. If you send in a picture to this address, we might be able to give you more information. It's alway important to know the correct name for any plant you wish to be successful with.
questions@gardeningknowhow.com

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Asked by
DemreeNicolex3 on
May 15, 2016

Q. Fiddle Leaf Fig Problems

I’ve had my fiddle leaf fig for a few months now, repotted about a month ago because it appeared root bound. For the most part, the fig looks pretty healthy and is sprouting a new leaf every week! Some things are troubling me that I’d like to address before they get out of hand.

1. Clusters of small rusty brown spots on leaves, newest leaves have minor clusters as well

2. There are annoying gnats crawling in soil and flying around tree.

3. Older leaves have some dark blackish spots (they had when I bought the tree) and are dry and cracked. Also, some leaf curling and “crunchiness” around edges.

I water the tree once a week with a few cups of water to make soil evenly wet. Pot is 1/3 full with stones at bottom and topped with Miracle Grow moisture control soil.

Answered by
kh0001 on
May 16, 2016
A.

Sounds like your Fig might be suffering from Fig Rust and/or Leaf Blight. These articles may help you identify and treat it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/figs-disease-rust.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/common-fig-tree-diseases.htm

The gnats that you see happily hanging around your tree are likely fungus gnats or soil gnats, and they generally don't do any harm, but the larvae of certain types can damage the plant when they feed on the roots. This article may help you get these tiny bugs under control:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm

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Asked by
lizbolejack on
November 17, 2017

Q. Compact Fiddle Leaf Fig plant dropping leaves

I have a 2.5 foot compact Fiddle Leaf Fig plant that I got about 2 months ago. It has been sitting near my big southwest facing window. I water it about once per week. The leaves on the bottom of the plant have been turning brown and falling off. I haven’t noticed too much new growth, so I’m afraid if leaves keep falling, then there won’t be much plant left! I’m not sure what the problem is- over watering? under watering? not enough light? Any help would be great!

Answered by
BushDoctor on
November 18, 2017
Certified Expert
A.

Even though you seem to be watering correctly, it would appear that this has a fungal infection. Apply wettable sulfur to the soil, along with some dolomitic lime. This will help kill off the infection.

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Asked by
Austranwyn on
January 20, 2018

Q. Fiddle Leaf

I have attached a picture of my fiddle leaf, is it salvageable? There is new growth down the bottom, how could I re-pot this?

It’s an inside plant, under filtered flight, hasn’t been re-potted in two years and it’s watered once a week.

Answered by
BushDoctor on
January 21, 2018
Certified Expert
A.

Sometime during it's life it has contracted a severe fungal infection. It is going to take quite a bit of effort on your part to be able to save this.

The first thing to be done is to take is out of its soil, and completely wash off the roots VERY CAREFULLY.

After this, you can soak it in a half and half mix of water and peroxide. You will want to do this for 2 to 3 minutes. Then replant it into fresh soil with plenty of drainage. I recommend a good potting soil with a good mixture of perlite.

Top dress with a coating of dolomitic lime, and wettable sulfur according to the packages. As you water in, these will condition the soil, and kill off any remaining infection.

It is going to take a little while, but it CAN recover.

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Asked by
Jaded on
March 4, 2018

Q. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Have had my fiddle leaf fig since January.
It started to look a bit sad and then the pot it was in smashed.
I repotted the plant two days later (see top row of photos, in the middle).
It then started to lose most of its leaves day by day and as of yesterday we’re down to one leaf but it’s very green.
Is it dead or can it be fixed?
Have been keeping it in indirect light and the soil is moist.
Osmocote was also put in the soil when I repotted.

Answered by
BushDoctor on
March 4, 2018
Certified Expert
A.

This will want direct light at this time. Most likely the lak of light is causing leaf loss. For me, it would be a bit early to apply fertilizers. I don't think that it will hurt the tree, but it won't be taking up much during recovery.

The first thing that I would do would be to put it in direct light. Make sure the soil is moist but not very wet. Only water after the top is almost completely dry. This will keep any infections from starting. Then apply some dolomitic lime. This will correct any pH issues that it may be having.

If your household is using a water softener, then you will not want to use this water. The salt content is way to high. Purified, or bottled water is fine.

It is still alive for now, but without proper lighting it will attempt to go into a dormant state.

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