Fiddle Leaf Fig Yellow Leaves [Reasons & How to Fix It]

Is your fiddle leaf fig turning yellow? Don’t worry; we are here to help. This problem is very common with Fiddles; luckily, several things can help you resolve the issue. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of yellow leaves in Fiddle trees and how to correct them. We’ll also share tips for keeping your tree healthy and looking its best. So, if your tree shows signs of trouble, read on for help!

Reason Why Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Getting Yellow

Fiddles are modern houseplants and have been all the rage for the past few years. They are known for the texture of their shiny leaves, growing up to a foot long. They originated in tropical regions of Africa and need hot environmental conditions and bright sunlight to thrive.

The trees are easy to care for, look great, and purify the air. But what do you do when your Fiddle leaves start getting yellow? Here are a few reasons why the leaves may be getting yellow and what you can do about it.

Too Much Sunlight

Fiddle Leaf Figs are tropical plants that originate from the rainforests of Africa. They grow under the canopy of taller trees in their natural habitat, where they receive filtered sunlight.

The leaves will turn yellow if your Fiddle tree gets too much direct sunlight. The best remedy is moving your plant to a spot with indirect or filtered sunlight.

Not Enough Sunlight

As too much light can turn your plant leaves yellow, too less sunlight is also not good. These trees need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they’re not getting enough light, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and even fall off.

You’ll know your plant is not getting enough light if the leaves are pale and yellow and the stems are long and spindly. If this happens, you can find a brighter spot for your plant or supplement its light with a grow light.

Excessive Watering

The Fiddles are susceptible to root rot, a condition caused by too much water. Overwatering can cause the roots to suffocate and the leaves to turn yellow. If you think your plant is overwatered, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You may need to remove the Fiddle from its pot and replant it in fresh, dry soil.

If you believe your plant is suffering from root rot, it is essential to act quickly. Root rot is a severe condition that can kill a plant. If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are dark brown or black, they are probably rotten. Cut away rotten roots and replant the plant in fresh, dry soil.

Low Humidity

Low humidity is another common reason for yellow leaves in Fiddle trees. These trees come from tropical climates with humid air, so they prefer similar indoor conditions. If the air in your home is too dry, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off.

There are a few ways to increase the humidity around your tree. One is to mist the leaves regularly with a water bottle. You can put the plant on a pebble tray or in a room with a humidifier. Keep an eye on the humidity levels, as too much moisture can harm the plant.

Over Fertilizing

Too much fertilizer can cause the tree’s leaves to turn yellow for several reasons. First, fertilizer contains high nutrients that can build up in the soil and cause an imbalance. This can lead to the leaves turning yellow as the plant tries to cope with the excess nutrients. Additionally, fertilizer can contain salts and herbicides that can damage the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.

If you think fertilizer is causing your Fiddle’s leaves to turn yellow, then you should stop using it and try another method of feeding your plant. You can also try flushing the soil with water to remove any excess nutrients or salts that might be causing the problem.

Pests

These trees are also susceptible to pests, such as aphids, mites, scales, and mealybugs. The leaves will turn yellow or brown if the pests are not controlled. The best way to control these deadly pests is to apply a pesticide designed for houseplants.

Additionally, you can apply a mixture of water and soap to kill the pests. Ensure to shower the mixture on the underside of the plant leaves, where the pests are most likely to hide.

Diseases

Several potential diseases could cause the plant leaves to turn yellow. These include bacterial leaf spots and fungal leaf spots. Each of these diseases can cause severe damage to the plant and should be treated as soon as possible.

Bacterial leaf spot is caused by several different bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas. While the fungal leaf spot result after an infestation of Alternaria and Colletotrichum. These diseases infect the plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. In severe cases, the leaves may fall off the plant entirely.

Removing any affected leaves from the plant is essential for both diseases. This will assist in preventing the disease from spreading. In addition, it is vital to ensure that the plant has good air circulation and is not overwatered.

Tips for Dealing with Yellow leaves of Fiddle Trees

If you notice your Fiddle tree has yellow leaves, here are some tips to help you fix the problem:

Install Irrigation System

Getting the right amount of water for your tree can be challenging if you live in an area with hard water. An irrigation system can help solve this problem by delivering water directly to your plant’s roots.

Adjust the Watering Schedule

Fiddles are sensitive to too much or too little water. So, finding a watering schedule that works for your plant is essential. Generally, it is good to water your tree when the top inch of the soil is dry.

Adjust the Soil

The trees prefer well-drained soil. If the soil is too dense, it can hold too much water and cause the roots to rot. At the same time, the loose soil can drain too quickly and cause the plant to stress. For this reason, you can add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to adjust the soil. This will make the soil hold water and nutrients better.

Move to a Brighter Location

If you think that your Fiddle plant is not getting enough light, it is the potential reason the leaves start to turn yellow. Move your plant to a brighter location near a south-facing window. You can also use grow lights to provide additional light for your plant.

Use Artificial Light

Artificial light can also provide the extra light that your plant needs. Place your plant under a grow light for 12-16 hours daily. They should be placed about 12 inches away from the light source.

Provide Nutrients

You can take advantage of a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fulfill the nutrients requirement of your houseplant. These nutrients will help your plant grow strong and healthy leaves.

Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots of your plant.

Reduce Stress

Like most houseplants, the Fiddle trees are also sensitive to environmental stress. The stress can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To reduce stress, ensure your plant gets enough light and water. Also, avoid moving your plant around too much, as this can also disturb the overall health of your plant.

Prune Yellow Leaves

If the tips of the Fiddle leaves turn yellow, it’s a good idea to prune them off. This will encourage new growth and prevent the spread of disease. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to prune your Fiddle tree. Cut off the yellow leaves at the base, careful not to damage the main stem.

Monitor Temperature and Humidity

These trees are native to tropical regions of Africa and require warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. If the temperature in your home is too cold or the air is too dry, it can cause your plant’s leaves to turn yellow.

Get Professional Help

If you’ve tried all these tips and your Fiddle tree still has yellow leaves, it’s a good idea to get professional help. A certified arborist or plant doctor can diagnose the problem and recommend a course of treatment.

Wrapping Up

If your fiddle leaf fig has yellow leaves, don’t panic! It’s natural for older leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant. If your plant drops many leaves or the new growth comes in yellow, that could signify too much or too little water, light, or nutrients. Check your plant’s soil and adjust your watering and fertilizing schedule. With a little TLC, you can return your tree to its gorgeous self in no time!