Why Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Lose Leaves, and Can This Recover?

There can be several reasons your Fiddle Leaf Fig may lose its leaves. One reason can be a shock after being moved to a new location. Other reasons can include the plant suffering from dryness or conditions such as an infection or root rot.

May you wonder, will Fiddle Leaf Figs leaves grow back, and will my plant recover? Depending on its stage, there is a good chance the plant can recover. Let’s discuss this in detail below.

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Details About the Ficus Lyrata

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, or the Ficus Lyrata, is a plant native to tropical African rainforests. These hardy plants are relatively low-maintenance, provided specific prerequisites are met.

These plants can grow quite large, even when grown indoors. When grown in pots, they can become ten feet tall. When planted outside, they can reach as high as fifty feet. It’s also possible to grow this plant in containers outdoors in the form of shrubs.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are primarily known for their beautiful leaves. These leaves are large, violin-shaped, and dark green.

As the Fiddle Leaf is native to rainforests, it has adapted to growing under the shade of a thick forest canopy. Therefore this plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It does not prefer direct, harsh sunlight, which can burn its foliage.

The Fiddle Leaf can also grow indoors and outdoors, given the right climatic conditions. This plant grows well in a warm, humid climate.

It does not tolerate heat or frost well. Many pant enthusiasts usually grow this plant in pots indoors and leave it in a shady spot outdoors in the summer.

The Fiddle Leaf can grow in certain states of the United States that match its native climate. This includes regions like southern California and Florida.

The Fiddle Leaf’s glossy, lyre-shaped leaves give this plant its unique beauty making it one of the trendiest houseplants in the country.

Why Do Fiddle Leaves Lose Leaves?

If you find your Fiddle Leaf losing its leaves, it can undoubtedly indicate trouble. Ficus plants are prone to losing leaves when in a state of stress. Leaf loss needs to be addressed immediately. The Ficus Lyrata is so large that it takes months for the plant to recover lost foliage.

There can be multiple reasons why your plant may be losing leaves. These are discussed below.

One reason your Fiddle Leaf may be losing leaves is the shock. The plant can quickly go into shock if it is moved. Moving may include repotting the plant to a different pot or placing it in a different environment.
If the plant receives less light or humidity than it used, it may shed its leaves. The physical trauma of moving also causes this plant to shed leaves near its middle and base.

Another reason your Fiddle Leaf may be shedding leaves is if it’s suffering from dryness. Exposure to dry air and lack of watering can also lead to dryness.
It would help if you did not keep this plant’s leaves under direct sunlight or near a heating vent. The dry air emanating from the vent can easily cause the paint to dry out.

Root rot is a common reason to make your Fiddle Leaf drop its leaves. Root rot occurs due to overwatering or not receiving enough bright light. Noticeable black or brown spots on the plant leaves is also an indication of root rot.
Reassess the plant’s drainage and light conditions immediately if you notice such spots on the foliage. It would help if you protected your Fiddle Leaf from conditions such as root rot, fungus, and pest infestations to keep it healthy.

Overwatering your Fiddle Leaf can also cause browned leaves. To avoid this, ensure the soil has dried out and is not moist before re-watering the plant.

If your plant’s leaves are yellowing, this can indicate a bacterial infection. Pruning or repotting the plant is one way to save it. Also, place the plant somewhere warm and humid, such as a brightly lit bathroom.

Over-exposure to sunlight can cause the plant’s leaves to lighten in color and become sun-bleached. Placing the plant in indirect sunlight instead of direct light helps with this.

If your Fiddle Leaf is not receiving enough water, its leaves can become stiff and curl. Create a weekly watering schedule and assess soil conditions before you water.

Monitor your Fiddle Leaf Fig if you notice changes in its leaves’ color or texture. This indicates disruption within the plant and can eventually cause the leaves to fall.

Can Fiddle Leafs Live Without Leaves?

These plants can survive without leaves as long as their roots and stem are healthy. You can also revive a bare Ficus Lyrata to full foliage if tended to ill health on time. Effective treatment of the ailment and exposure to soft sunlight and humidity can nurse this plant back to health.

Only if your Fiddle Leaf has become completely dry and no sap present can it probably die.

Sometimes the Fiddle Leaf also drops leaves when adjusting to a new home. If this is happening, keep your plant under observation. It’s normal for this plant to leave between three to seven leaves in this state.

Therefore if you notice your Fiddle Leaf losing leaves, don’t panic. There is a possibility your plant can be revived back to its former glory, especially if it still has at least half of its leaves. This may be arduous and time-consuming, but it is very much possible.

Growing Leaves on Fiddle Leaf Fig

Plant owners often wonder will Fiddle Leaf Figs leaves grow back.

Let’s discuss the steps to take to revive your plant back to health.

Examine Drainage and Lighting

If your Fiddle Leaf drops leaves or black or brown spots are visible on its foliage, assess the plant’s lighting and drainage conditions.

Your plant’s container should not be too large and contain the right soil mix. Also, the plant should only be watered when required. The plant should also receive adequate sunlight that is not too dim or too harsh.

Indirect, bright sunlight works well for this plant. Placing the plant close to a sunny window can encourage regrowth. Keeping your plant warm is an essential step in its recovery.

Water the Plant

The balance between underwatering and overwatering this plant is a delicate one. If your Fiddle Leaf has lost many leaves, it won’t use much energy and will not require much hydration.

It’s best not to overwater the plant in such a state accidentally. Also, ensure the plant is not receiving hot air from a nearby heater.

It is also vital to ensure the Fiddle’s root ball receives water when you water it. These plants have narrow root balls that can miss out on retaining water.

The water can flow around the root ball and drain out. It may seem like the plant is watered well, but in reality, its roots are still thirsty.

To avoid this, water the plant gradually neat the trunk base. This will enable its roots to absorb water adequately.

Provide a Consistent Environment

To help your Fiddle Leaf recover, provide it with a consistent environment. Make sure the plant is receiving adequate sunlight and humidity constantly. Also, water it routinely after studying its soil conditions.

Before watering your Fiddle, check that the soil is dry in the top two-three inches. If so, the plant needs to be watered. Suppose the top layer of the soil is still moist; water it a few days later. You can also use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the soil.

Examine the Plant’s Stem

Examine your Fiddle Leaf’s stem, branches, and roots thoroughly. Be gentle and see if there are any signs of life present. Feel the plant’s branches and stems with your fingertips.

If you feel brittle and dry to the touch, your plant is not in good shape. But if they are still supple, the plant may survive.

Prune and Rotate the Plant

Place your plant in a warm location with plenty of indirect, bright sunlight. Keep rotating the plant so all its sides can soak the light. If you notice later of dust on the leaves, wipe it off with a piece of moist cloth. This will allow the leaves to absorb more sunlight.

Also, make sure to prune your Fiddle Leaf frequently to lessen the chances of diseases. Removing crossing branches, damaged foliage, and overgrowth will allow your plant to breathe more efficiently.

Concluding Thoughts

Will wondering Fiddle Leaf Figs leaves grow back? There is a good chance they can if you take suitable measures. Make sure to place your plant in conditions similar to its native habitat.

Warmth and humidity can nurse the plant back to health. Also, ensure the plant is well watered and its roots are in good condition.

Sophia

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.