If you’re the proud owner of a fiddle leaf fig, then you know that they can be a little high-maintenance.
One of the most common problems with these plants is brown spots.
Brown spots can be caused by a variety of things, from overwatering to pests.
In this blog post, we will discuss the common causes of brown spots on fiddle leaf figs and how to fix them!
Causes of Brown Spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig
Brown spots on fiddle leaf figs are often a sign of too much sun or water.
Brown spots that are smaller and more numerous may be signs of a fungal infection.
Here are the common causes of brown spots in fiddle fig leaves in detail:
1. Underwatering or Growing in Dry Conditions
Underwatering or growing in dry conditions can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs.
Brown spots are often a result of the plant not getting enough water.
If you notice brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig, it’s important to act quickly.
They are a sign that the plant is stressed and not getting the resources it needs to thrive.
By increasing the watering frequency you can help reduce the stress on the plant and prevent further damage.
2. Pest, Disease, or Bacterial Infection
Brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig can be caused by pests, diseases, and bacterial infections.
All of these can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, resulting in unsightly brown spots.
Pests that can cause brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies.
These pests feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn brown.
The most common pests that cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs are spider mites and mealybugs.
Spider mites are tiny, red spiders that feed on the sap of plants. Here is how you can control spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from plants and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.
If you suspect that your plant has spider mites or mealybugs, you can inspect the leaves for small, red spiders or small, white insects. Here is how you can control mealybugs.
You can also look for a sticky substance on the leaves.
Diseases that can cause brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig include botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and stem rot.
These diseases can infect the plant through its leaves, stems, or roots, and can cause the leaves to turn brown.
The most common diseases that cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs are fungal leaf diseases and bacterial leaf spots.
Fungal leaf diseases are caused by fungi and result in wilting, yellowing, and brown spotting of the leaves.
Bacterial leaf spot is caused by bacteria and results in brown lesions on the leaves.
If you suspect that your plant has a fungal leaf disease or bacterial leaf spot, you can inspect the leaves for wilting, yellowing, and brown lesions.
Bacterial infections that can cause brown spots on a fiddle leaf fig include pythium blight and Erwinia amylovora.
These bacteria can infect the plant through its leaves or stems and can cause the leaves to turn brown.
The most common bacterial infection that causes brown spots on fiddle leaf fig is Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.
This bacterium causes small, brown spots to form on the leaves of tomato plants.
If you suspect that your plant has Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, you can inspect the leaves for small, brown spots.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem that can cause brown spots on fiddle leaf figs.
The rot is caused by a fungus, and it can attack the plant’s roots, stems, and leaves.
Brown spots are one of the first signs of root rot, and if left untreated, the plant will die.
If you think your fiddle leaf fig may have root rot, there are a few things you can do:
- Check the soil moisture levels. The plant should be kept moist but not wet.
- Don’t over-water the plant. Fertilize it instead.
- Trim off any dead or diseased branches.
If the plant is severely affected by root rot, you may need to remove it and start over with a new one.
4. Sunburn
The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of brown spots on fiddle leaf figs.
These spots form when the leaves are overexposed to the sun, which can happen when the plant is in direct sunlight or when it’s in a hot, sunny room.
Brown spots can also be caused by drought, cold weather, and other environmental stressors.
If your fiddle leaf fig has brown spots, the best thing to do is move it to a shady spot outdoors or to a less sunny room indoors.
You can also water it more frequently to help it recover from sunburn.
Be sure to avoid giving your plant too much water, as that can also lead to brown spots.
5. Lack of Light
When a fiddle fig leaf is deprived of light, it can develop brown spots.
This happens because the plant is not able to produce the chlorophyll that is necessary for photosynthesis.
As a result, the leaves will start to turn yellow and then brown.
If the lack of light continues, the plant will eventually die.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent this from happening.
First, make sure that your plant is getting at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If it is not, then move it to a brighter location.
Second, water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Brown spots on leaves can also be a sign of overwatering, so make sure that you are not underwatering or overwatering your plant.
6. Under or Overfertilizing
Under or over-fertilizing a fiddle leaf fig can cause it to develop brown spots on its leaves.
Fertilizing too much can cause the leaves to become too green and lush while fertilizing too little will cause the leaves to become pale and thin.
Brown spots on the leaves are a sign that the plant is not getting the right nutrients, and can be caused by either under or over-fertilization.
