fiddle leaf fig tree

7 years ago

I am not particularly good with or experienced with house plants but I was given a fiddle leaf fig tree this past Christmas. It is only 2 ft tall but leaves appear to be very healthy. It has put out some new growth but as soon as the leaves unfurl they get tiny brown spots at the tips and then fall off. It is in a light filled room with south facing windows but not in direct sunlight. I was told not to fertilize it during the winter so I haven’t. Also was told to let it get dry between waterings. I really have no idea how to care for it but I really like it and hope someone can help me. Thanks!

Featured Answer

nasmijati

7 years ago

bacino. I agree that it would be a good idea for you to learn how to care for your plant. The Internet and YouTube are good sources of information.

One reason for the tips of leaves to turn brown on SOME plants (I do NOT know of this is the case for your type of plant) is hyper chlorination. Solution: do not use fresh tap water to water the plant. Put some tap water in a bowl (wide top for contact with air) and let it sit on the counter for at least an hour. All day is better. Then water your plant.

This is the same technique used for changing water in a fish bowl. Fresh tap water can kill goldfish.

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Comments (9)

Susan Davis
7 years ago
Look on you tube with your spots and see what they say about caring for a fiddle fig tree.
bacino
Original Author
7 years ago
If anyone has any useful information that I can actually use I would appreciate it.
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User
7 years ago
How rude. Susan was only trying to help, and since you pointed out that you have little experience caring for houseplants and have "no idea how to care for it," her suggestion to start by looking up basic care information was a good one. I second that suggestion.

I would also suggest you search the Houseplants Forum for "fiddle leaf fig", "flf", or "ficus lyrata". There are a huge, huge number of threads identical to yours ("I got a fiddle leaf fig, I have no idea how to care for it, and now the leaves are looking bad! Help!"), and reading through literally any of these should provide exactly the information you need.
User
7 years ago
Actually, letting the water sit may not do anything. That will work if your municipality still uses chlorine, but if they have switched to chloramine (as many have), it will do nothing, as chloramine is more stable and will not dissipate that way.
HU-260544998
7 years ago
I’m sorry if I appeared to be rude but after searching lots of sites (and yes you tube) I was hoping for some help on this forum and not to continue in frustrating circles. My apologies.

I find lots of info on care/watering/transplanting /light sources but none as to why NEW growth lasts only a few days then falls off.
Karen S. (7b, NYC)
7 years ago
Bacino,

Folks above were trying to help you & if you'd provided a photo of your problem you might have gotten more specific help. [Am guessing Bacino is gone.]

HU ... 4998

You haven't mentioned soil or mix & that's as critical as the others factors you mentioned.
Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
7 years ago
Bacino, you may be letting your soil dry too much. Try to keep a regular watering schedule. That should eliminate the red dots and drying of leaf when they first come out. the red dots may also be caused by spider mites, check if you have damage on leaves. If you have spider mites, mist your plant especially the new leaf regularly like daily. Hope this help. If you need more info let me know. Next we will look at pruning, notching, propagating, etc.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
7 years ago
A picture of the phenomenon and the plant's situation would be really helpful. Please ignore Mike's suggestion to water to schedule. You water when required by the plant, not to a timetable. That's why it takes a while to learn how to get it right. Also nothing you've said indicates spider mites.