Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves turning brown? If leaf browning starts from the edges and is developing, most often it’s due to low humidity, however, it can be due to root rot if you spot yellowing too. Underwatering and cold weather will also turn leaves brown and sunburn can produce brown to discolored spots on leaves. Anyway, fungal and bacterial leaf spots are also common problems on Fiddle Leaf Figs and make brown spots on their leaves.
Before fixing any problem, first must detect its causal agent correctly. But how to do it? Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant who majored in Plant Protection science. I love houseplants and, in this post, want to help you distinguish disorders that caused your Fiddle leaf fig leaves to turn brown.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown: Bacterial Diseases
Pseudomonas cichorii on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Pseudomonas cichorii is a bacterial disease that can affect a variety of plants, including fiddle leaf figs. While it’s not the most common culprit for fiddle leaf fig problems, it’s essential to recognize its symptoms to prevent further damage.
Symptoms typically manifest on the leaves:
- Brown spots: These are often the first signs and can vary in size and shape.
- Yellowing leaves: As the infection progresses, leaves may turn yellow before dropping.
- Leaf drop: Severe infections can lead to premature leaf fall.
- Stem lesions: In some cases, brown or black lesions may appear on the stems.
Xanthomonas campestris on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Xanthomonas campestris is a bacterial disease that can affect a variety of plants, including fiddle leaf figs. It causes a condition known as bacterial leaf spot.
Symptoms of Xanthomonas campestris on Fiddle Leaf Figs
- Tan to brown, dry-looking lesions: These spots are typically irregular in shape with darker reddish borders.
- Tattered lesions: As the disease progresses, the lesions may become ragged or torn.
- Premature leaf drop: Severe infections can lead to the early loss of leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown: Fungal Diseases
Anthracnose on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that can affect fiddle leaf figs. It’s often caused by overly moist conditions or poor air circulation.
Symptoms of Anthracnose on Fiddle Leaf Figs
- Brown spots: These spots typically appear on the leaves, often with a darker border.
- Leaf yellowing: As the disease progresses, leaves may turn yellow before dropping.
- Premature leaf drop: Severe infections can lead to excessive leaf loss.
- Lesions on stems: In some cases, dark lesions might develop on the stems.
Botrytis Blight on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Botrytis blight is less common on indoor plants like fiddle leaf figs compared to outdoor plants. However, it can still occur in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Symptoms of Botrytis Blight on Fiddle Leaf Figs
- Grey mould: A distinctive grey mould often appears on affected parts of the plant.
- Brown spots: These spots may develop on leaves and stems.
- Premature leaf drop: Severe infections can lead to excessive leaf loss.
- Soft, rotting stems: In advanced stages, the stems might become soft and rot.
Corynespora Leaf Spot on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Corynespora leaf spot is a fungal disease that can affect a variety of plants, including fiddle leaf figs. It’s often favoured by warm, humid conditions.
Symptoms of Corynespora Leaf Spot on Fiddle Leaf Figs
- Circular or oval spots: These spots typically have a dark brown centre surrounded by a yellow halo.
- Leaf yellowing and drop: As the disease progresses, leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely.
- Lesions on stems: In severe cases, dark lesions might develop on the stems.
Myrothecium roridum on Fiddle leaf fig
Myrothecium roridum is a fungal pathogen that can infect a variety of plants, including fiddle leaf figs. It’s particularly prevalent in warm, humid environments.
Symptoms of Myrothecium Roridum on Fiddle Leaf Figs
- Circular or irregular leaf spots: These spots often have a dark center surrounded by a lighter halo.
- Leaf yellowing and drop: As the disease progresses, leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely.
- Stem lesions: In severe cases, dark lesions might develop on the stems.
Symptoms of Root Rot on a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Root rot is a serious issue for fiddle leaf figs, often caused by overwatering. Here are the common symptoms:
- Yellowing leaves: This is often the first sign and can spread rapidly.
- Leaf drop: As the root system deteriorates, the plant will struggle to support its foliage.
- Brown or black spots on leaves: These might appear as the plant’s overall health declines.
- Soft, mushy roots: If you can inspect the roots, they will appear brown or black and have a slimy texture.
- Unpleasant odor: The soil might emit a foul smell due to the rotting roots.
- Slow growth or stunted growth: The plant’s overall health will decline, and new growth will be minimal.
It’s crucial to act quickly if you suspect root rot, as it can be fatal to the plant.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown: Sunburn
Symptoms of Sunburn on a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Sunburn is a common issue for fiddle leaf figs, especially if they’re suddenly exposed to intense sunlight. Here are the typical signs:
- Brown spots: These are usually the first indication and often appear on the upper part of the leaves.
- Yellowing leaves: As the sunburn worsens, the leaves may start to yellow.
- Crispy or dry leaves: Severe sunburn can cause the leaves to become crispy and brittle.
- Leaf drop: In extreme cases, the plant may drop its leaves to protect itself.
Sunburn often looks different from other leaf issues, as it’s typically a light brown or tan discoloration, rather than a dark brown or black spot.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown on Edges: Low Humidity
Symptoms of Low Humidity on a Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in humid environments, so low humidity can cause several issues:
- Brown tips or edges on leaves: This is a common sign of low humidity.
- Leaf curling: Leaves may curl inward as they lose moisture.
- Leaf drop: Severe cases of low humidity can lead to premature leaf drop.
- Brittle leaves: Leaves may become crispy and brittle.
- Slow growth: The plant’s growth may be stunted.
I review the best ways to provide humidity for Lucky Bamboo plants, It can also be helpful for you.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown: Underwatering
Symptoms of Underwatering a Fiddle Leaf Fig
An underwatered fiddle leaf fig will show distinct signs:
- Dry soil: This is the most obvious indicator. The top few inches of soil should be dry before watering.
- Leaf browning: Brown tips or edges on leaves are common signs of underwatering.
- Leaf curling: Leaves may curl inward as they lose moisture.
- Leaf drop: Severe underwatering can lead to leaf drop.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown: Cold Damage
Cold Weather and Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants and are quite sensitive to cold temperatures. Exposure to cold can cause significant damage.
Symptoms of Cold Damage:
- Brown or black spots: These will appear on the leaves, often starting at the edges.
- Leaf drop: Severe cold exposure can cause the plant to drop its leaves as a protective measure.
- Wilting: Leaves may wilt and droop.
- Growth stunting: Cold temperatures can inhibit growth.
Conclusion
Now you have a Photo troubleshooting guide to detect and fix your fiddle leaf fig leaves turning brown. I show you various agents that can cause brown spots on its leaves from troubled environmental conditions like low humidity or direct sunlight to fungal and bacterial diseases such as anthracnose and root rot. However, distinguishing between the above disorders may be challenging.
If you have any questions about detecting your fiddle leaf fig problems, please ask me in the comments below this page or be in touch with me on Instagram (Inhouseplant2017). I will help you.
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.