Fiddle Leaf Fig trouble

8 years ago

My fig has recently been losing a lot of its leaves. Within the last 6 months two of the sprouts lost all their leaves and the main ones have lost all but a few leaves. I use a 3 way meter to water and wait until it’s in the red to water. I have had the plant for a little over two years and the only time it has been reported is when we first got it. I live in Arizona so our water does have some salt content however we do have a softener. It has always been a flourishing plant up until recently so not sure water would have anything to do with the recent issues. Need some help on reviving it.

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Jason (Zone 10b, San Diego)

8 years ago

No, I have a few common figs, the edible variety. They're in the same family. Two are in ground and two are inn n pits, but outdoors.

Just repeating some hard won general knowledge. If you put a wooden dowel or other probe, it should go 4 to 6 inches. If dirt sticks to it, it's probably moist enough. Over watering is as bad as under watering.

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Comments (7)

Jason (Zone 10b, San Diego)
8 years ago
Those water meters are reportedly very inaccurate. Best bet is to stick a finger in or a probe. If it comes away moist or with dirt sticking to it, the plant has enough water. The burnt tips could be either over water, under watering, or salt damage.

It doesn't look like its getting much light.
muncy2210
Original Author
8 years ago
Do you have a fiddle leaf fig? How often do you water yours on average?
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Dave
8 years ago
To be fair, this section is for edible figs. Ficus Lyrata, aka Fiddle Leaf Fig is not one of those.

I agree, the moisture meters do not work.

Use a sharpened wooden dowel. Stick it all the way to the bottom and pull it out.

If it comes out dark, damp with soil stuck to it, don’t water.

Keep checking that way ever couple days and water when it comes out clean and dry.

You’re likely over watering if you’ve been following that meter. The brown tips and a telltale sign.

Give the tree a lot more light as well.

Did you repot or pot up? What type of soil was used?
muncy2210
Original Author
8 years ago
Dave
It has not been repotted at all other than when we bought it a little over two years ago. I believe it was just a common potting soil by miracle grow. We have only been watering maybe once every two weeks do you think it is overwatering? When we water we can only give it so much because a lot of it tends to come out the bottom in the catch tray. Do you have a fiddle leaf dig? How often do you water? This is our first and we love it just want to do what’s necessary to save it and watch it flourish again. Do you think it needs repotted?
muncy2210
Original Author
8 years ago
This is the corner I have it in because of all the windows is this not sufficient lighting? It has been in this spot since we bought the plant.
muncy2210
Original Author
8 years ago
Here is a photo of the soil