Fiddle Leaf Fig is striking because of its enormous leaves resembling violins. This fig tree, which belongs to the family Moraceae, can grow to a height of 12 meters in its natural environment.
Thankfully, it grows slowly and stays much shorter when cultivated inside. It has large, wavy leaves that reach 30 cm in length and 15 cm in width, and the veins on its leaves are particularly noticeable.
The naturally glossy leaves only need to be wiped down with a damp cloth regularly to stay in pristine condition.
Although they can be a little picky, fig trees make lovely houseplants and can live for decades. Giving your Fiddle Leaf Fig what it needs will reward you with years of beauty.
Several challenges are typical with fiddle leaf figs, but the good news is that most are not overly challenging to resolve.
Be patient when your plant does not immediately jump back into shape because it may be some time before your Fiddle Leaf Fig fully recovers from the stress of the previous sickness.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Dull leaves?
Do you think the appearance of your fiddle leaf fig has become dull, dry, and droopy? Even though there are a lot of other things that could be causing this, including basic maintenance issues and environmental change, root rot seems to be the most likely culprit.
Root rot is a common problem with house plants and can be a significant issue with the renowned Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Several variables can cause root rot. Even though this plant is predisposed to having its leaves turn brown and fall off, the root rot that develops if it is not treated on time might hasten its mortality.
Cause of Dull Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Leaves
Root rot is brought on by an excess of moisture or humidity in the soil the plant is growing, which is spurred on by overwatering the plant.
Like most other indoor plants, Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer to have some of their soil dry out between waterings.
If you water them too frequently or too much, they may develop a nasty rot that will infect the roots below the soil and then begin to show up on top by browning or dropping their leaves.
An inadequate drainage system can cause root rot in the container, inadequate drainage combined with excessive watering, or both factors working together.
Identifying Dull Leaves on a Fiddle Leaf Fig
It is not always easy to determine whether a potted plant has root rot simply by looking at the plant. Even a Fiddle that looks relatively dry on the surface of its soil may still be in the process of roots further below the surface.
The only way to know is to examine the roots under the surface. If you notice symptoms of suffering on your plant, such as the leaves falling off or becoming brown, you should probably take the plant from its pot and give it a closer inspection.
How Can You Treat Dull Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Leaves?
Clean Roots
Pull the fiddle leaf fig out of the ground and scrub the roots. To start, take the fiddle leaf fig out of the growing container.
After removing the plant’s roots, wash the root ball to remove any excess soil clinging to the roots. After you have cleaned the roots, it will be simple for you to differentiate between the rotten roots and those that are still healthy.
Prune Leaves
Remove any roots or leaves that have been damaged. You can use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove the diseased root hairs, leaving only the healthy ones.
When you are finished, remove the browning leaves from the plant’s foliage. This will assist the plant in refocusing its energy on producing new leaves after it has been repotted.
Further Care for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Dull Leaves
Remove any roots or leaves that have been damaged. You can use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove the diseased root hairs, leaving only the healthy ones.
When you are finished, remove the browning leaves from the plant’s foliage. This will assist the plant in refocusing its energy on producing new leaves after it has been repotted.
Repotting
You can repot your fiddle leaf fig once the sick roots have been removed by pruning and the healthy roots have been cleansed of the germs that cause disease.
In an ideal situation, you will want to replant your Ficus lyrata in a soil mix with good drainage that won’t hold on to excess water, which can lead to root rot.
On the other hand, the container needs to have holes in it to facilitate the correct drainage of water.
Preventing Dull Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Leave
Dulling leaves are readily avoidable if proper care is taken of the plant by paying attention to the following maintenance tips:
Lighting
When it comes to illumination, fiddles may be rather picky; they require a great deal of brilliant indirect light. The optimal environment for fiddles is one in which they are close to an intense light source but not directly in its path.
If a position in your house receives indirect light from two windows (for example, a south-facing window and an east-facing window or a south-facing window and a west-facing window), this might be the ideal site for your fiddle!
If you want your fiddle leaf fig to do well and flourish in your home, you need to find the perfect area to grow in.
Please keep it in a location that does not have a lot of wind or drafts (so stay away from the air vents!), where it will get some sunlight but not be entirely baked by it, and where there is some humidity.
Watering
What is an essential fact to remember about fiddle leaf figs? It would help if you took care not to overwater them. Seriously.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, in this case, less watering is really what the plant needs. Allow the soil surrounding your fiddle leaf fig to dry out somewhat between waterings, and limit yourself to one good soaking once a week.
You can’t always tell from appearances; if in doubt, put your finger in and test whether it’s dry or not.
The top two inches of soil should be left to dry out before you water your fiddle leaf fig. If it seems wet to the touch, you should wait to add water for now and check again later.
When the leaves on a fiddle leaf fig plant begin to droop or flop, it indicates that the plant needs water. A fiddle leaf fig’s leaves may also alert you whether it needs water.
However, dark leaves are often a result of overwatering. If this happens, give your tree a chance to dry out before you try to give it a thorough soaking again.
Take Care of Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
This can be something you already know, but it’s necessary to emphasize because lustrous fiddle leaf fig leaves depend on it. If your tree isn’t in good health, it won’t be able to shine!
It is essential to provide it with adequate water, lots of indirect sunlight, and the appropriate nutrients to encourage the growth of healthy leaves on your tree. If you can get those three components in order, everything else will be a lot simpler to accomplish.
Provide Humidity
Fiddles are tropical plants that adore high levels of humidity. It maintains the leaves’ wonderful texture and flexibility, which contributes to the plant’s luster and that gorgeous, dark green hue.
Keeping your plant away from space heaters and vents and providing it with a humidifier or pebble tray to boost the humidity in the room is essential if you reside in a dry environment.
It’s essential to water your tree often, especially the emerging leaf buds, to ensure they’ll be as healthy and shiny as possible.
Clean Your Leaves
Again, this may seem like common sense, but dust and hard water stains are one of the primary causes of leaves that appear dull.
Plants use their leaves to carry out photosynthesis (eat) and respiration (breathe), so it is essential to keep the leaves clean to do their job!
Cleaning your leaves is also essential to maintaining good health for your plant. Giving your leaves a light scrubbing occasionally with distilled water and a very tiny bit of detergent-free soap is a good idea.
Our Final Thoughts
Taking care of a fiddle leaf fig plant can be difficult and stressful, especially for people who have never owned a plant. But never fear! Be careful not to drench this poor fellow. If you give it a warm area with bright, indirect light and keep it out of the way of any annoying breezes, you should be rewarded with those large, green leaves and a lush plant for many years to come.
You may like the following articles:
- How to treat Fungal Infection in Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Why is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Losing Leaves
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Loses Leaves [Causes & Fixes]
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.