Discolored leaves are the most common problem among many houseplants. Fiddle leaf fig yellowing leaves should not freak you at all. But the yellowing leaves may throw off your living space aesthetic.
Yellow leaves on fiddle leaf fig plants may be due to inappropriate watering, the normal aging process, pest infestations, transplant stress, nutritional deficiencies, and incorrect lighting condition.
We recommend identifying the exact cause of fiddle leaf fig yellow leaves before implementing measures for fixing it. Below are the common causes and solutions of yellow leaves on the fiddle leaf fig plant.
Causes of Fiddle Leaf Fig Yellowing Leaves with Solutions
Below are the reasons for fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow and the best tips for fixing the problem. Read the entire article and learn how to keep your fiddle leaf fig plant healthy. (Source: University of Florida).
Overwatering
Most houseplants love water to enhance healthy growth. But too much moisture in the soil will create wrong conditions that inhibit healthy root growth. The excess moisture will make the roots start rotting due to suffocation.
Fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow is the initial sign of overwatering. Rotten roots will stop absorbing water and nutrients to promote healthy growth. Severe root rot may lead to plant death in the long run.
We recommend re-potting your fiddle leaf fig plant when the leaves start dropping and turning yellow. Trim the affected root tips and sterilize them before transplanting them into a new container with fresh potting mix.
Schedule a strict watering routine to avoid the overwatering problem. Reduce the watering frequency during winter since the houseplant is in a resting stage. But water the plant twice a week during spring and summer.
Normal Aging
Aging is inevitable among all living things. Fiddle leaf figs cannot hold onto their lush and green foliages forever. Older leaves on the lower part of the plant usually turn yellow then brown and fall off.
One or two old yellow leaves on your fiddle leaf fig should not raise concern. But if the newer leaves begin to turn yellow, we recommend investigating the plant to identify the exact cause.
Pest Infestation
Fiddle leaf fig plants are highly vulnerable to insect infestations. Pests’ damage is the leading cause of fiddle leaf fig yellowing leaves. These insects usually hang on the foliages and feed on the cell sap or tissue.
The frequent piercing to suck the cell sap makes the areas die off. The yellow spots start to develop and spread across the entire leaf. Handling severe pest infestations can be a daunting experience for beginners and other season houseplant enthusiasts.
The best option is to identify the exact insects on the plant and formulate a plan to tackle them. We recommend using an insecticidal soap solution to eliminate these insects on your plant.
Transplant Shock
Fiddle leaf fig leaves turn yellow due to transplant shock or stress. The issue is prevalent when you recently re-potted your fiddle leaf fig from the pot to the outdoor garden.
The move from one pot to another may have physically shocked the plant. Besides that, the stress might be due to changes in the environmental conditions. It will take time for the plant to adapt to the new environment.
Nutritional Deficiency
Fiddle leaf figs are fast-growing plants since they gain two feet to their height every year. The addition of nutrients to the growing zone helps fuel the rapid growth. We recommend feeding your fiddle leaf figs with fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow could be a sign of nutritional deficiency. The problem is common among those plants growing in the same pot for many years. We recommend re-potting the plant or feeding it every summer and spring.
Over-fertilization Effect
Most newbie houseplant enthusiasts think feeding the fiddle leaf fig more often helps promote faster and healthy growth. But over-fertilization results in a buildup of salt in the soil.
Excess salt in the soil burns the roots and leaves. Besides that, some new leaves may turn yellow and lead to plant death. We recommend flushing the potting soil every three months to prevent salt buildup.
Consider re-potting your fiddle leaf fig plant to another container with a high-quality potting mix. Never apply more fertilizer than what is recommended on the bottle. The best deal is to feed your plant during the spring and summer.
Incorrect Lighting Condition
Fiddle leaf figs are the only houseplants that can tolerate direct sunlight when introduced slowly. But bright indirect sunlight is the plant’s minimum light requirement that fosters healthy growth.
Low-lighting condition is not suitable for fast-growing houseplants. Fiddle leaf fig leaves are signs of incorrect lighting conditions. Poor lighting will also trigger a slow growth rate and leaves dropping.
We recommend keeping your fiddle leaf fig near the south-facing window with curtains to enjoy bright indirect sunlight. Early morning or late evening direct sunlight is also suitable for your houseplant.
Inconsistent Watering Habits
Fiddle leaf fig plants rely on water for photosynthesis, chlorophyll development, and transport nutrients to various plant parts. Inadequate water supply will make your fiddle leaf fig leaves droop and fall off.
Prolonged exposure to insufficient soil moisture will make the plant leaves turn yellow to brown and fall off. Hydrating your houseplant will help restore the lush and green leaves after some time.
Extreme Temperature and Humidity Changes
Fiddle leaf figs hail from West Africa, where the weather is warm and humid. Maintaining high humidity indoors can be a daunting experience for many houseplant enthusiasts. It could be the reason for fiddle leaf fig leaves turning yellow.
We recommend maintaining indoor temperature to about 60-75oF and a humidity range of 70-90%. Avoid cold and hot drafts since these conditions will damage the leaves leading to a brown or black effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fiddle Leaf Fig New Leaves Dying
Lack of water and low humidity are the possible causes of fiddle leaf fig new leaves dying. Water your houseplant twice a week during spring and summer. Remember to use an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity.
How Much to Water Fiddle Leaf Fig
Water your fiddle leaf fig plant every 10 days or once a week during spring and summer to foster vegetative growth. Reduce the watering frequency during colder months since the plant usually experiences dormancy.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves on fiddle leaf fig plants are due to overwatering, under-watering, and incorrect lighting conditions. Other less common causes are transplant shock, pest infestations, and acidic soil.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Light Green
Lack of nutrients and low-lighting conditions are the leading cause of fiddle leaf fig leaves turning light green. Root rot is the other cause of the leaf problem among these fast-growing houseplants.
How to Get Fiddle Leaf Fig to Grow New Leaves
Relocate your fiddle leaf fig to a spot that receives bright indirect sunlight and feed it with fertilizer rich in phosphorus. Ensure the indoor space experience high humidity and free flow of fresh air.
My Final Thoughts
Fiddle leaf fig yellowing leaves can be due to many reasons. But the leaf problem is common among many houseplants due to dynamics in indoor growing conditions that do not match their native habitat.
Provision of ultimate fiddle leaf fig care will help prevent the leaves from turning yellow or brown. We recommend providing the right environmental conditions for the houseplant to thrive well.
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