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Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

Leaf drop

Likely cause: Stress: overwatering, under-watering, drafts, lack of nitrogen, low light, or being moved/repotted.

Fix: Keep conditions stable; avoid heat vents and drafts; plant readjusts and regrows once settled.

Root rot

Likely cause: Slow-draining soil or overly frequent watering.

Fix: Use fast-draining soil; let substrate dry slightly between waterings.

Brown leaf spots

Likely cause: Fungal leaf-spot — small brown spots with yellow margins, sometimes target-pattern.

Fix: Remove affected leaves; avoid wetting foliage; improve air circulation.

Pests (spider mites, scale, mealybugs, aphids, thrips)

Likely cause: Common ficus pests.

Fix: Inspect regularly and treat infestations.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

Pothos4 issuesMonstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)5 issuesSnake Plant (Sansevieria)4 issuesPeace Lily5 issuesSpider Plant4 issuesZZ Plant2 issues

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.