Finding brown spots on fig leaves can be disheartening and annoying. Unfortunately, it is one of the common problems most gardeners face.
Brown leaves on leaves are not just annoying but are also hard to control. While it is almost tempting to give up and let the plant die, it is much more rewarding to seek causes and solutions to the fiddle fig’s problem. If you are seeking information on the causes of brown spots on your plant and how to cure them, then this article is what you need.
The fiddle fig tree, also known by its botanical name focus Lyrata is a flowering species that belongs to the Moraceae family.
The fiddle fig tree is characterized by its beautiful shiny foliage and its large leaves. This is why the plant is loved among gardeners both for indoor and outdoor gardening. With proper care the fiddle fig tree can grow to about 50 feet is known to have originated from western Africa.
Although the fiddle fig tree is not susceptible to diseases, the plant is known to face one common growth problem, which is the brown spot.
Problems on plants arise from an improper care routine. The first step to identifying the solution to the brown spot problem is to properly examine the plant and its care routine.
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What Causes Of Brown Spots On Fiddle-leaf Fig Leaves?
Brown spots come in different sizes, shapes, and locations. You must understand that the location, size, and shape all signify the cause of the problem. In understanding the problem, you have to first make a note of some of the following.
- Are there spots on each leaf or just one?
- Are the brown spots only on the old leaves?
- Are the brown spots starting from the middle of the edges?
- Is the brown spot dark or a lighter shade?
All of these questions accurately help you decide on the causes of the spots before the solutions. Below are possible causes of brown spots on your plant.
- Bacterial infection
- Under-watering
- Fungal root rot
- Pest attack.
- Stress
1. Brown Spots Caused By Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infection is one common cause of brown spots on fiddle plants. This is usually a problem with the soil, which in turn affects the plan. A sure way to connect bacterial infection to the cause of the brown spot is to know the other signs and symptoms that accompany it. The following are symptoms of bacterial causing brown spots.
- In addition to producing brown spots, the leaves will begin to turn yellow
- The spots appear in a spreading manner, it also starts to from the middle, before moving to the edges.
- The spots and the yellowing will eventually cause the leaves to fall off. If you notice that your plant is experiencing all of these symptoms, then it is time to seek a solution for bacterial infection.
Possible Solutions to Bacterial Infections In Fiddle-leaf fig plants
Treatment 1: If you identify these symptoms easily, we recommend that you get rid of the affected leaves, wait until the plant completely dries out before you water it moderately, and place your fiddle fig where it can access bright, indirect light.
Treatment 2: If your plant has been severely destroyed by the infections, we suggest that you re-pot immediately so you do not lose the whole plant! Repot the healthy parts in a fertile potting mix. Ensure to take out the damaged leaves and the bad roots before you re-pot.
Treatment 3: Place the plant outside, where it can receive proper lighting and air. Providing these for your plant will keep it healthy again. Ensure to place it in a temperature range of 50 to 95 degrees F and to keep the sun from direct light.
Treatment 4: Another solution to salvage the problem is to get an antibacterial medicine for your plant. You can get this offline or online. Antibacterial medicines are available as powdered or liquid, you can purchase any or as prescribed.
Brown Spots Caused By Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal infection in the soil which is usually caused by poor drainage and over-watering. Although root rot is a problem that occurs in the soil, it goes all the way up to the plant and affects the leaves.
Because the problem occurs in the root, it might be a bit hard to find out if your plant is infected; however, you can take out your plant from its pot, to properly examine its root.
If the root is brown and mushy, then you know it is rotting. What are the symptoms of black spots caused by fungal infection?
- The old leaves are usually the first to be affected before the new/young leaves. If you find your bottom leaves with brown spots, you can be certain your plant’s root is rotting.
- If the spotted leaves are beginning to fall out, beginning from the older ones, to the young ones, your plant has root rot!
Possible Solutions to Root rot issues In Fiddle-leaf fig plants
Treatment 1: Evaluate your watering schedule and the amount of sunlight your plant receives. Remember your plant requires well-draining soil, a pot with at least two drainage holes, bright indirect light, and a moderate watering schedule. All these should be provided to keep your plant in good health.
Treatment 2: If the whole plant has not been destroyed, your plant can still live and become healthy. Get rid of the affected leaves and place your plant in a well-lit room. Ensure you do not wet the plant until it is completely dry before watering moderately again. in a few, your plant should get back to life.
Treatment 3: You can also seek medical treatment for your plant, by purchasing any medicated treatments to fight root rot. These medicated products are available in your local nursery stress or online. You can also seek consultation on how to properly treat your plant.
Treatment 4: If your plant has been damaged, we are sorry to hear that, however, you can get rid of the damaged roots and leaves and repot what is left. Ensure it is provided bright, indirect light and not watered for a week or more. The plant must be raised in a pot with a proper drainage system.
Brown Spots Caused By Dryness
Your plant might be suffering from dryness/overwatering if you can find some brown spots on your fiddle fig leaves. Not just under watering, brown spots will also appear on your plant’s leaves if it is kept in a high temperature and low humidity. The following are symptoms of dryness.
- The first thing you might notice is that your plant will look wrinkled and dry if it is suffering from underwatering.
- The edges of the leaves are crispy and brown spot.
- The soil becomes dry and shrinks.
Possible Solutions to Dryness In Fiddle-leaf fig plants
Treatment 1: Water or mist your plant thoroughly, this will provide moisture and revive your plant in no time.
Treatment 2: Ensure that the plant is provided enough humidity, which will keep the plant moist. If you live in a very dry climate, we suggest that you mist your plant as often as possible. You can also purchase a plant humidifier to keep the surroundings moist.
Black Spots Caused By Pest Attack
Pest attack is usually reddish or black if you find your fiddle fig leaf’s brown spot turning into tiny holes.
When the brown spots on your fiddle tree fig are caused by pests, it is common that you find insects or these pests on your plant; you can inspect your plant with a magnifying glass to find them. Attacks from pests usually start from young and fragile leaves before moving to the whole plant.
Symptoms Of Pest Attack In Fiddle-leaf fig plants
- The presence of white or grey web-like structure on the leaves. These are indications that spider mites have infected your plants.
- With a closer look, you might find mealy bugs and other insects on your plant.
Possible Solutions to Pest Attack problems in Fiddle-leaf fig plants
Treatment 1: Purchase of pesticides is one sure way to get rid of these insects and get your plant back to good health. There are various types of pesticides in the market that you can purchase. However, this purchase should be done after proper recommendations.
Treatment 2: Over the years, farmers have acquainted themselves with the use of neem oil to get rid of plants. Neem oil is a natural remedy that is proven to get rid of pests and help your plant back to good health. Gently spray your plant with neem oil.
Treatment 3: This is best done if you are dealing with just one plant. This involves removing the webs and mites with the use of cotton and neem oil. Dip the cotton in neem oil to get it wet and cleans your plant’s leaves with it.
Final Thoughts
It is a common occurrence for the fiddle fig plant to be infected with brown spots.
However, you must observe your plant to determine the problem and then the solutions. Proper care must be provided for your plant to keep it in good health. i.e., moderate watering, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil. Etc.
