Drooping leaves of your Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrate) show that your plant is under stress, but what can it be? Based on my experiences underwatering, low humidity, repotting or changing its place are the most common culprits for fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down. If you want to fix it correctly or find more reasons for this problem, keep reading.
In the following, first I will tell you all the factors from environmental conditions to Pests and diseases which can cause drooping, felling and limping of your fiddle leaf fig leaves. I show you how to deal with these problems to fix your fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down.
In addition, I will discuss the best practices for caring for this beautiful indoor fig plant from watering to repotting.
I will also show you more beauties and benefits of this lovely large tropical houseplant giving you ideas to discuss with your guests and friends.
Why Are My Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Pointing Down?
First, let to find out the wrong caring manners which can cause fiddle leaf fig leaves to point down or droop.
Underwatering: The Most Common Culprits
Based on my experience the dry soil is incredibly the main reason for the drooping Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves.
Hence you must have and keep a consistent watering schedule to be sure you’re not under-watering (or even over-watering) your fiddle leaf fig.
I always recommend watering only when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry. I reemphasize having a consistent watering schedule because if you sometimes let your fiddle leaf fig’s soil dry out completely, its branches will go limp and the leaves droop and crisp up. To avoid it you must check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If it’s dry, water thoroughly.
When its soil is extremely dry through the pot, a good soak is in order. However, when the soil goes from bone-dry to saturated, it can cause stress for your fiddle leaf fig and may cause leaves to drop. Give it some time to adjust. Anyway, Let’s show you how to soak water in your fiddle leaf fig.
- Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
- Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
- Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
- If not all the soil feels saturated, water your fiddle leaf slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
- When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.
Overwatering: Leaves Drooping along with Yellowing
Too much water can suffocate the roots and cause root rot. In this situation, your fiddle leaf fig leaves point down and will turn yellow. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Sometimes, you must repot your plant and treat the rotted roots.
Low Humidity:
Fiddle leaf figs originate from tropical rainy forests and, hence, prefer humid environments. Low humidity will cause your fiddle leaf fig leaves to point down with brown leaf tips. So, you must increase humidity around your plant by misting the leaves regularly, providing a pebble tray, or using a humidifier.
I discussed the best way to provide humidity for bamboo in my other post. I recommend reading it to make your inspiration.
Insufficient Light:
While they prefer bright, indirect light, too little light can cause leaves to droop. In this situation, the leave will be pale too.
Stress:
Any changes in its routing life will go to fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down. It can be something like moving your plant to a new spot in your home or just repot it. Sudden changes to the plant’s environment can cause your fiddle leaf fig to become limp and droop, but your fig should recover in a few weeks.
As long as all of its care needs are being met, your plant should adjust to the change. Take care that you are monitoring the soil volume and watering your plant only when 50-75% of the soil volume is dry. Moving your plant into a new spot or new pot may change how frequently your plant needs water.
In addition, drafts can also cause stress for your plant. According to my experiences, cold drafts can shock the plant and cause leaf drop.
Root Bound can also be another reason for fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down. If the plant is root-bound, repotting it into a larger pot can help.
Pests or Diseases
Tiny bugs on houseplants can also cause drooping leaves. However, in pest infestations, leaf drooping is along with other signs like yellowing, discolourations, honeydew and so on. So, inspect your plant for signs of pests or diseases. If found, send its picture to my Instagram (inhouseplant2017) to detect it and tell you how to treat it.
In the following, you can find tips for caring for your fiddle leaf fig which help you to grow it healthy.
Caring for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a beautiful plant, but it can be a bit temperamental. Here are some key care tips:
Light:
- Bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
- Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even growth.
Watering:
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
- Overwatering is a common cause of problems.
- Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant.
Humidity:
- The fiddle leaf fig prefers a humid environment.
- Misting the leaves regularly can help.
- A humidifier can also be beneficial.
Temperature:
- Keep your fig in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C).
- Avoid cold drafts.
Repotting:
- Repot your fig every 2-3 years or when the roots become overcrowded.
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
Feeding:
- Feed your plant with a proper fertilizer once a month during the growth seasons. I discussed the best liquid fertilizers for indoor plants in my other post.
Why I Should Have a Fiddle Leaf Fig in My House?
Fiddle Leaf Fig: A Living Piece of Art
The fiddle leaf fig, with its scientific name Ficus lyrata, is undeniably a showstopper in the world of houseplants. Its large, violin-shaped leaves are the plant’s signature feature. I love its deep, glossy green leaves with a striking, sculptural quality.
Another stunning feature is fiddle leaf fig tends to grow tall and upright, adding a sense of elegance and height to a room. In addition, its lush, green foliage evokes a sense of tropical paradise, bringing a touch of the exotic indoors.
Whether you place it in a minimalist or eclectic setting, the fiddle leaf fig can complement a variety of interior design styles.
Benefits of a Fiddle Leaf Fig as a Houseplant
Air Purification: Like many houseplants, the fiddle leaf fig helps to improve indoor air quality by removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia.
Increased Humidity: Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. This can help to humidify your home, especially during dry winter months.
Conclusion
I told you the most common reason for fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down is unwatering, however other things like overwatering, low light, low humidity, repotting, changing its place at home, cold drafts, root bound and some pests and diseases like mites can cause drooping and limping the leaves.
You often spot leaf drooping with other signs which help you to diagnose the exact reason. For instance, in low humidity, leaf drooping is along with brown leaf tips or in overwatering the leaves will turn yellow too.
Why are your fiddle leaf fig leaves pointing down? Did you detect its causal agent? If you have any questions, ask me in the comments or contact with me on Instagram (inhouseplant2017). I will help you to keep your lovely houseplants healthy.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.