Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: The Complete Guide (2025)

Leaf drop in fiddle leaf figs typically signals environmental stress from sudden changes in temperature, light, or watering patterns, or indicates root problems from overwatering. Some lower leaf drop is natural—1-2 leaves per year—but rapid loss of multiple leaves requires intervention. Check soil moisture first: soggy soil means reduce watering frequency immediately and ensure drainage holes are clear. If soil moisture is appropriate, assess whether the plant experienced recent changes in location, temperature fluctuations near windows or vents, or dramatic light changes. Fiddle leaf figs need consistent conditions and gradual acclimation to any changes over 2-3 weeks rather than abrupt environmental shifts.

Water your fiddle leaf fig when the top 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch, which typically occurs every 7-10 days during spring and summer, and every 14-21 days during fall and winter. Never water on a fixed schedule—always check soil moisture first by inserting your finger into the soil. If it feels cool or damp, wait. When you do water, add water until it flows freely from drainage holes, then empty the saucer completely. The frequency varies based on pot size, soil type, light levels, humidity, and temperature, so learning to read your soil is more reliable than following a calendar. Using a moisture meter like the XLUX T10 eliminates guesswork and helps you develop confidence in your watering timing.

Fiddle leaf figs require 6-8 hours of bright indirect light daily for optimal growth, with an ideal light level of 40,000+ lux (4,000+ foot-candles). Position your plant within 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) of an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or near a south or west-facing window filtered through sheer curtains to prevent leaf burn from direct afternoon sun. The minimum acceptable light is approximately 5,000 lux (500 foot-candles), though growth will be slow and weak at this threshold. Signs of insufficient light include small, pale new leaves, slow or no growth during spring and summer, and leaning dramatically toward the light source. If natural light is limited, supplement with full-spectrum LED grow lights that provide appropriate PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) for 10-12 hours daily.

Brown spots require location-based diagnosis to identify the cause. Dark brown or black spots in the center of leaves indicate root rot or bacterial infection from excess moisture—check if soil is waterlogged and reduce watering frequency immediately. Light brown crispy spots at leaf edges signal underwatering or low humidity below 40%—increase watering consistency and consider using a humidifier. Small red-brown spots on new leaves suggest edema from inconsistent watering where cells absorb water faster than they can transpire it—establish a consistent watering schedule. For spots with yellow halos spreading outward, suspect bacterial or fungal infection requiring removal of affected leaves and improved air circulation. The spot location, color, texture (crispy vs. soft), and pattern (spreading vs. static) all provide diagnostic clues for determining the root cause and appropriate treatment.

Fiddle leaf figs cannot tolerate direct afternoon sunlight and will develop brown, bleached patches on leaves from photodamage when exposed. However, they tolerate and benefit from gentle morning sun from east-facing windows, which provides bright light without the intensity that causes burning. In their native African rainforest habitat, these plants grow under the forest canopy where they receive bright filtered light rather than direct sun. The large, thin leaves contain chloroplasts that become overwhelmed when receiving more light energy than they can process, causing reactive oxygen species to form and damage cell membranes—resulting in the crispy brown patches you want to avoid. If you want to move your plant to a sunnier location, acclimate gradually over 2-3 weeks by increasing exposure incrementally rather than making sudden changes that shock the plant.