Why Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Wrinkling [Reasons & Fixes]

If you want a plant to add to your collection, then the fiddle leaf fig can be an easy pick. Large, rich green leaves on FLFs (Ficus lyrata) have made them popular since they quickly improve the visual appeal of your living area.

However, a fiddle leaf fig that is unwell may have curled leaves. Finding the precise cause can be difficult but not impossible.

Fiddle leaf figs’ leaves might curl because of poor lighting and under-watering. Place your plant in a well-lit area where it will receive enough indirect light. Additionally, remember to water the FLF when the soil becomes dry.

Lack of humidity, pest infestation, insufficient fertilization, meager water quality, etc., are other causes.

The only method to cure your plant’s curled leaves is to find the source and address it. For fiddle leaf figs to flourish, they require much sunshine, water, nutrients, and humidity. Without essential elements, the plant will experience issues such as curled leaves. As a result, monitoring your FLF’s needs might help avoid issues like curling leaves.

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Reasons for Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Wrinkling

Although these puckered leaves may not be as attractive, they usually function just like other leaves and do not indicate a maintenance problem.

The characteristics of a healthy FLF leaf, what to anticipate from new development, and the most typical reason for wrinkling or puckering on Fig leaves are all covered in this article.

In most cases, the presence of a puckered or wrinkled leaf on your fiddle leaf fig isn’t a sign of an underlying medical condition. When a new leaf was unfolding or growing, it was probably influenced by environmental variables like low humidity or a lack of water. The lack of moisture caused the leaf tissue to wrinkle.

Bad Soil

Each plant has different needs in terms of soil. Knowing which soil your fiddle leaf fig will thrive on is crucial. If the wrong type of soil is used, it can hold water and harm the roots, leading to several issues, including the leaf’s curling.

Additionally, utilizing the incorrect soil might foster an environment where germs and fungi can flourish. The soil must be nutrient-rich, well-draining, and aerated for fiddle leaf figs to thrive.

Make sure the soil you use has the components necessary to be well-draining and to contain all the nutrients your plant need.

Lack of nutrients will impact a plant’s health and welfare and may even cause the leaves to curl. Gardeners frequently assume that plants, particularly indoor plants, will receive all the nutrients they require from the soil they are growing in.

Unfortunately, the growth medium used for indoor houseplants does not contain as much nutrition as the outside soil. This is so that the soil in your indoor garden receives a more significant recharge than in your outside garden without feeding your fiddle leaf fig.

You may need to fertilize your plant if you feel that the nutrients it now receives (excellent soil, indirect sunlight, and routine watering) are insufficient for it to thrive.

The best violin is the one stated above, and you might be able to find one in your neighborhood nursery. You are not alone if you cannot obtain it using this specific way.

A general-purpose fertilizer called C type could also be helpful. Utilizing potent fertilizers like the one you select might lead to overuse. Therefore, keep in mind that feeding your plant too much fertilizer might have the same effect as feeding it a special diet.

Root Rot

Overwatering might result in root rot. One of the most severe issues with plants is this one. Although fiddle leaf figs enjoy sitting in water, they require a lot. Without a reliable drainage system, the soil holds onto the water for too long, which leads to root rot.

Root rot is when the roots lose their crisp, white appearance and get brown and mushy. Lack of water and nutrients causes the roots to cease working and the leaves to begin curling. Take the FLF out of its pot and examine the roots if you have any doubts. In case of root rot, you must begin treatment right once.

To treat root rot, you must trim the harmed roots and all other components and repot the plant. By comprehending the plant’s watering requirements and adhering to a timetable, you can ensure you aren’t overwatering the plant and prevent root rot.

The pot has to have adequate drainage holes to allow the extra water to drain out. Additionally, select a soil mixture that drains properly and doesn’t hold too much water.

Pest Infestations

Occasionally, but it does happen, a fiddle leaf fig will become infested with an insect. Mealybugs and spider mites are a few frequent pests that damage these plants. These bugs deplete your plant’s nutrients by feeding on the plant’s sap and sucking out all the nutrients. Insufficient nutrition causes leaves to curl.

If your plant is afflicted with pests, it is essential to place it far from the other plants and begin the treatment as soon as you can. The first step is to shower the plant or wash the leaves with soapy water. Then, to get rid of the pests, you can apply an organic miticide like rosemary oil.

Under Watering

All plants require water to carry out daily tasks and take in nutrients from the soil. For instance, FLFs require a lot of moisture and water since their huge leaves require a lot of energy to thrive. Your fiddle leaf fig will dry if you don’t give it enough water or the soil becomes too dry between waterings.

The result is that the leaves begin to curl. Give your FLF one cup of water once a week to start if you are unsure how much it requires. Keep the soil wet; fiddle leaf figs like it when it’s not too dry. Check the water and the soil to see if the soil is cool but not moist.

The quality of the water you use for the FLF plant can also cause the leaves to wrinkle. The typical tap water you drink contains minerals that are bad for your plant. These minerals accumulate in the soil and harm the roots, preventing them from absorbing nutrients or water, drying them out, and causing the leaves to curl.

These corrosive elements might burn even the roots of your fiddle leaf fig. Use distilled or filtered water since they don’t contain the same harsh minerals as conventional tap water if you believe the quality of your water is the cause of the curling of your leaves.

Inadequate Lighting

Long hours of light are ideal for fiddle leaf figs. As a result, they require at least 6-7 hours of sunshine each day to be healthy. They won’t be able to photosynthesize if they don’t receive enough light.

As a result, leaves may curl because they won’t receive enough nutrients. It is advisable to keep in mind that fiddle leaf figs do not thrive in direct sunlight. Instead, indirect light is better for these plants.

As a result, if your FLF plant is exposed to direct sunlight, its leaves will burn and curl. To solve these issues, you should place your fiddle leaf fig in a spot where it receives 6-7 hours each day of consistent indirect light.

Treatments are rarely as successful as prevention. But it would be beneficial if you didn’t put your fiddle leaf fig on a window sill that gets direct sunshine all day. Look around your house if you think the fig tree’s leaf curling indicates having issues with too much light.

Look for a location that is well-lit, bright, and out of the direct sun. Fiddle leaf figs dislike changing locations, yet occasionally they must do it for their good. So they must be placed in the designated spot.

Humidity Levels

African tropical rainforests are the natural habitat of FLFs. They enjoy high humidity levels and do well there. Anything below 30 to 65 percent humidity is unsuitable for these plants. Low humidity will prevent the plant from retaining moisture since the soil will rapidly dry up. The result will be the leaves curling due to a lack of moisture.

Your fiddle leaf fig can benefit from increased humidity in various ways. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Homes frequently use humidifiers to raise the humidity level, which is suitable for your plant.

This is a simple and practical method for keeping the ideal humidity level in your home. By using a tray, adding pebbles to it, and then adding water, you may make a pebble tray.

The plant must then be set on the tray. The fiddle leaf fig will release moisture when the water in the tray evaporates. Keep your plant close to other indoor plants if you have them since their transpiration releases moisture that will raise the humidity for the violin leaf fig.