It should be no surprise that Fiddle Leaf Figs are among the most treasured indoor plants. Their striking, lush, dark green foliage makes them flourish in any environment, and their maintenance requirements are typically not too complicated.
Fiddle leaf figs have a stunningly exotic appearance. However, they are infamous for their dramatic flair, especially when it comes to the quality of the lighting and the water.
Even while root rot and overwatering are more likely to be the issues that plague owners of fiddle leaf figs, dryness can still be a problem.
It can be a very dreadful experience if the leaves on your fiddle leaf tree begin to turn brown. You would prefer nothing more than for these large, glossy, green leaves not to perish.
When it occurs, the extent to which it has been dry will determine whether your tree can be saved, depending on the circumstances.
Reasons for Fiddle-Leaf Figs Leaves Turning Crisp
Not Watering the Plant Enough
Fiddle Leaf Brown spots on figs are typically the result of insufficient irrigation, which leads to the plant becoming excessively dry.
The brown spots caused by insufficient watering are dry and light brown. They typically begin at the leaf’s margins and move inward, but this pattern can change depending on whether the problem has been resolved. When there is not enough water, the leaves will frequently droop.
The Wrong Climate for the Fiddle-Leaf Fig to Grow in
The amount of water required by a Fiddle leaf fig might vary greatly depending on the temperature and humidity.
If the climate is getting warmer where you live, your Fiddle will probably require more hydration than it did during the winter.
During this time, people are more likely to switch on the air conditioning in their houses to maintain a pleasant temperature, so you should move your Fiddle away from any air vents.
The dry air can cause the leaves to become completely desiccated and brittle.
Not Finding the Right Humidity Levels for Your Plant Can Damage the Leaves
If the soil surrounding the fiddle leaf fig plant is dried, the plant may quickly develop brown spots. These spots, typically tanner in color than brown, begin at the leaf’s edge and spread inward.
If the humidity in your home is much lower than that or your plant is located near a heating element, you may have to establish more moisture content for your fiddle leaf fig by watering it or moving it to a different location. The ideal temperature and humidity for your plant are between 30 and 65 percent.
Root Rot Might Result in Crispy Leaves
Fungus infections, such as root rot, can occur if water pools around a plant’s roots for too long without anywhere for the water to drain.
The appearance of brown blotches on roots is like that of overwatering. This is because root rot might, unfortunately, develop if the overwatering issue is not resolved.
On the other hand, root rot is a more significant issue, as it requires you to repot your Fiddle and remove any roots that have begun to rot.
A lack of sunlight can exacerbate this issue. If the pot is too big, the plant’s roots will sit in water even when you’ve stopped watering.
Root rot is intriguing because it typically attacks older leaves before it attacks new growth, which is relatively close to the sunshine your plant needs to survive. Your plant’s lowest leaves will be the first to show root rot symptoms, so start there.
Roots of fiddle-leaf fig trees require well-drained, porous soil. There is an urgent need for action if you notice brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig, a symptom of root rot.
Bacterial Infection in Plants Can Result in Crispy Leaves
Fiddle leaf figs frequently have difficult-to-treat bacterial illnesses. This issue is tough to resolve, like brown spots caused by root rot. The symptoms of a bacterial infection include:
Spots will be a lighter brown than they would be due to root rot. Instead of only appearing at the leaf’s margins and base, the spots will appear all over the leaf’s surface, as with root rot. Leaves could fall from the stem as well as the canopy of your plant.
Find the Right Pot to Grow Your Plant in
When you bought your fiddle leaf fig plant, it most likely arrived in a large, perforated plastic grower’s container.
Due to the additional stress repotting might create, it is best to leave your Fiddle in its original pot for at least the first month.
However, leaving your Fiddle in the grower’s pots could be detrimental to its health, and some of those pots have so much outflow that you’ll need to report it as soon as you bring it home.
The roots of plants in grower’s pots are kept extremely dry so they can be watered daily; nevertheless, it is challenging to maintain enough watering of the plants once they are transplanted into their final containers.
When you get the Fiddle back to your house, monitor it closely to ensure it immediately clears it doesn’t dry out within a few days. When the soil in the grower’s pot dries out, it’s time to repot your plant.
Dry or Too Wet Soil Can Make the Plant Leaves Crispy
If the earth appears to have dried out and hardened, the leaves could start to appear languid or withered. You can repot the plant if the soil appears dry. The new soil will be perfect for it.
Finally, think about adding a humidifier in the room with your plant or misting it. Humidity is essential for these plants; boosting it can help prevent future leaf browning on your fiddle leaf fig.
How Can You Address Crispy Leaves of a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant?
One of the most frequently encountered concerns among fiddle leaf fig enthusiasts is the development of brown crisps on the leaves of their plants.
Getting a proper diagnosis and starting treatment for your plant as soon as possible significantly improves its chances of achieving a full recovery. Four main factors lead to brown spots:
- Root bacterial infection Mold on the roots
- Dryness
- the destruction caused by insects
- Keeping the following in mind can help you understand the brown, crisp spots: Due to the fiddle leaf fig’s dryness,
If your fiddle leaf fig is wilting, check if there is a correlation between the amount of water it receives and the amount of sunlight it receives.
The second defense against a dry plant is not to overwater it. If you notice the soil around your plant shrinking, it’s time to report to make sure the root ball is getting enough water. It’s only a matter of sticking to a few simple rules to report successfully.
It’s best to keep your fiddle leaf fig tree away from a heater or fireplace when the air is too dry. Always keep an eye on your plant and water it as needed to ensure it’s getting enough moisture.
Creating the Perfect Environment for Your Plant
Although it usually is unnecessary unless you have a heater on, misting your plant once every few days or placing a humidifier in the area where it is located will help counteract the dry air.
After treating your plant for drought and getting it on a good watering routine, new growth should emerge after a while, assuming the plant is still alive.
An effective method against bacterial and fungal infections is stopping the spots from spreading, so it’s essential to get to them quickly.
The therapy is the same as root rot: let the soil dry up between waterings and expose the plant to as much sunlight as possible.
You can save your plant by removing all the browning leaves and repotting them in a clean container with adequate drainage if the damage is not too severe. Lighten up on the watering and ensure it gets enough sunlight while it heals.
You can also treat bacterial infections in milder climates by letting your fiddle leaf fig rest in the shade outside. Your plant may recover fully if you provide fresh air, sunlight, and warm circumstances.
Aside from avoiding temperatures below 50 degrees and above 90 degrees, direct sunshine and extreme cold and heat should be avoided when caring for your plant.
Our Final Thoughts
If brown spots have appeared on more than half of your plant’s leaves and are spreading, you may choose to start over. Cast it aside in favor of a new, healthier plant.
Drainage issues should be addressed immediately to prevent root rot. Using a container with adequate drainage and potting soil that dries rapidly will help you avoid overwatering your plants.
Examining the destruction is the next stage. If your plant has only a few brown patches on its leaves, there is no need to report it. Don’t water your plant for at least two weeks to recover its roots. Move your plant outside where it will receive bright sunlight and remove any infected leaves.
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Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.