How to Save a Dying Fiddle Fig Plant

Fiddle fig plants are beautiful, trendy, and can add a touch of elegance to any interior space. However, keeping a fiddle fig plant alive can be challenging, especially if it’s not getting the right care. If your fiddle fig plant is looking sickly, don’t lose hope. With the right care, you can revive a dying fiddle fig plant and bring it back to its former glory.

Signs that Your Fiddle Fig Plant is Dying

Before we dive into the steps you can take to save your fiddle fig plant, let’s look at some of the signs that indicate your plant is in trouble.

• Yellowing leaves
• Drooping leaves
• Leaves falling off
• Brown spots on leaves
• Stunted growth
• Root rot

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay taking action. The earlier you catch the problem, the easier it will be to fix.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The first step in saving a dying fiddle fig plant is to identify what’s causing the problem. Here are some common reasons why fiddle fig plants may become sickly:

Lack of Light

Fiddle fig plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may become weak and leggy. Move your plant to a brighter spot or consider investing in a grow light.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons why fiddle fig plants die. These plants prefer well-drained soil and don’t like to sit in water. If the soil is constantly wet or waterlogged, it can lead to root rot and other problems.

Underwatering

On the other hand, if you’re not watering your fiddle fig plant enough, the leaves may start to droop and fall off.

Lack of Humidity

Fiddle fig plants are native to tropical regions and love humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, it can make your plant sickly.

Pests

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can wreak havoc on fiddle fig plants. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation, such as webbing or sticky residue on the leaves.

Step 2: Provide the Right Care

Once you’ve identified what’s causing your fiddle fig plant to become sickly, you can take steps to fix the problem.

Light

Make sure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect light. If you don’t have a bright spot in your home, consider investing in a grow light.

Watering

Water your fiddle fig plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and avoid letting it sit in standing water.

Humidity

Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier nearby. You can also place a tray of water near your plant to help raise the humidity level.

Pests

If you notice signs of pests, isolate your plant from other plants and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Step 3: Prune Your Plant

If your fiddle fig plant has dead or yellowing leaves, prune them off to encourage new growth. You can also prune back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.

Step 4: Wait and Be Patient

Reviving a dying fiddle fig plant takes time and patience. Don’t expect overnight results. It may take several weeks or even months for your plant to fully recover.

FAQ

How often should I water my fiddle fig plant?

Water your fiddle fig plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Depending on the humidity level and temperature in your home, this may be once a week or once every two weeks.

Can I propagate my fiddle fig plant?

Yes, fiddle fig plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a cutting that’s at least six inches long and has a few leaves attached. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light until it roots.

Why are the leaves on my fiddle fig plant turning brown?

Brown spots on the leaves of a fiddle fig plant can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, lack of humidity, or pest infestations. Identify the problem and take steps to fix it.

Can I plant my fiddle fig plant outside?

Fiddle fig plants are tropical plants and don’t tolerate cold temperatures. They’re best grown indoors as houseplants.