Plant Care
Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Dropping? Here's Why (+ Fixes)
Last updated: November 1, 2025
Your fiddle leaf fig Ficus lyrata is dropping leaves because of environmental shock, watering issues, or pest problems—here's how to diagnose and fix it fast.
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TL;DR
Your fiddle leaf fig is dropping leaves because of environmental shock (temperature changes, moving the plant, drafts), watering problems (overwatering or underwatering), or pest infestations. Normal leaf drop is 1-2 lower leaves per year—anything more means there's a problem. Fix it by stabilizing temperature at 65-75°F (18-24°C), checking soil moisture before watering, and inspecting for pests immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves?
Your fiddle leaf fig is dropping leaves because of environmental shock, watering problems, temperature extremes, or pest infestations. Environmental shock from moving the plant, repotting, or seasonal changes is the most common cause. The plant responds to stress by shedding leaves to conserve resources. Identify what changed in the past 1-2 weeks before the leaf drop started. Stabilize conditions immediately by maintaining temperature at 65-75°F (18-24°C), checking soil moisture before watering, and keeping the plant in one location without further changes.
How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig?
Water your fiddle leaf fig when the top 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) of soil are completely dry, which typically occurs every 7-10 days during the growing season. The exact frequency depends on your home's humidity, temperature, and light levels—there's no universal schedule. Use your finger or a moisture meter to check soil moisture before each watering. Water thoroughly until water runs from drainage holes, then empty the saucer. In winter, reduce watering frequency to every 10-14 days as growth slows and soil dries more slowly in cooler temperatures.
How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?
Fiddle leaf figs need 6-8 hours of bright indirect light daily for healthy growth and to prevent stress-related leaf drop. Place your plant directly in front of a window (not across the room) with sheer curtains to filter intense direct sun if needed. East-facing windows provide gentle morning sun ideal for these plants. South and west-facing windows work with curtain protection from hot afternoon rays. Insufficient light causes weak growth, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Supplement with a grow light if natural light is limited, especially during winter months when daylight hours decrease significantly.
Why does my fiddle leaf fig have brown spots?
Brown spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves indicate overwatering and root rot when spots appear dark brown or black in the center of leaves, or underwatering when spots are tan and crispy at leaf edges. Check soil moisture 3 inches (7 cm) deep to diagnose. For overwatering, let soil dry out significantly and consider repotting if roots are brown and mushy. For underwatering, water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) of soil are dry. Small red-brown spots on new leaves indicate edema from inconsistent watering—establish a regular schedule based on soil moisture rather than calendar days.
Can fiddle leaf figs tolerate direct sunlight?
Fiddle leaf figs can tolerate gentle morning direct sun from east-facing windows but cannot tolerate intense afternoon direct sun from south or west exposures. Direct afternoon sun causes sunburn—light brown or bleached patches on upper leaves with yellow halos. In their native habitat, fiddle leaf figs grow under forest canopy receiving filtered light. Recreate this with bright indirect light by placing near windows with sheer curtains or positioning 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) from unobstructed windows. If moving to a sunnier location, acclimate gradually over 2-3 weeks to prevent shock and leaf drop.
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Dr. Sarah Green
Sarah earned her doctorate in plant biology and spent time working in botanical garden education before transitioning to freelance writing and consulting. Now based in Portland, Oregon, she teaches plant identification workshops at local community centers and maintains a modest collection of over 60 houseplants in her small apartment. Sarah specializes in helping beginners understand plant science without the jargon—her approach focuses on practical observation over theory. She's killed her fair share of fiddle leaf figs and finally cracked the code on keeping them alive.
