Fiddle Leaf Fig Freak-Out? The 3 Most Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

Is your Fiddle Leaf Fig looking rough lately? Are the leaves turning brown, curling, or falling off for no reason you can see? Don’t worry, you are definitely not alone! A lot of people get stressed when their plant starts to struggle, but we’ve helped many plant owners fix their Fiddle Leaf Fig problems, and you can do it too.

These plants are picky, but when you know the most common mistakes and how to solve them, your Fiddle Leaf Fig can turn from sad and droopy to tall and full of big, shiny green leaves.

Let’s talk about the three biggest mistakes people make with these plants, show you how to fix each one, and give you a bunch of extra tips for keeping your Fiddle Leaf Fig looking amazing every day.

Why Are Fiddle Leaf Figs So Popular And So Fussy?

Fiddle Leaf Figs (their science name is Ficus lyrata) are super popular because their big, glossy leaves make any room look cool and fresh. You see them everywhere, from living rooms to classrooms and even in videos online. A lot of people want one for their home or school project because they’re so pretty.

But Fiddle Leaf Figs can be sensitive. Just a little change, like moving the pot or changing the watering schedule, can make them drop leaves or get weird brown spots.

Mistake #1: Giving Too Much Water

The number one mistake we see with Fiddle Leaf Figs is overwatering. Many people think that plants always want more water, but that’s not true for these guys!

Fiddle Leaf Figs hate having wet, soggy roots. In the wild, their roots dry out between rainstorms. When you water too much, the roots can’t breathe, and the plant gets sick.

What Overwatering Looks Like:

• Leaves start to turn yellow and drop off

• Brown or black spots appear on leaves

• The soil smells bad, like something is rotting, or it stays wet for days

How To Fix Overwatering:

• Stick your finger in the soil every time before you water. Only water if the top two inches are dry. If it feels wet, wait a few days.

• Make sure your pot has holes in the bottom so extra water can get out. If water sits in the tray, dump it out.

• Never let your plant’s roots sit in water. That’s the fastest way to cause root rot.

• If your plant looks really bad, gently take it out of the pot and look at the roots. If you see any black or mushy roots, trim them away with clean scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, dry soil and water less often from now on.

Most Fiddle Leaf Figs only need water about once every 7–10 days, but it depends on how warm, sunny, and humid your home is. In summer they might need a bit more, and in winter a bit less.

If you’re not sure when to water, you can buy a simple soil moisture meter from any garden store. It tells you if the soil is dry or wet, making it easier to know when your plant really needs a drink.

Mistake #2: Not Enough Light

Fiddle Leaf Figs love sunlight. They don’t like dark, shady corners, and if your plant isn’t getting enough light, it will start to act unhappy. It might grow slower, drop its lower leaves, or stretch toward the window looking for more sun.

Signs Of Low Light:

• Leaves drop off, especially from the bottom up

• New leaves stay small, or the plant barely grows

• The stem gets long and thin, reaching toward the light

How To Fix Low Light:

• Put your Fiddle Leaf Fig as close as you can to a bright window. Windows facing east or south usually get the best sunlight.

• If you don’t have a sunny window, use a grow light made for houseplants. These lights give your plant the kind of light it needs to grow well.

• Turn the pot every week so all sides of the plant get sunlight, and it grows straight instead of lopsided.

• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to get rid of dust, because dusty leaves can’t soak up as much light.

If your plant hasn’t gotten much light for a while, move it closer to the window slowly, a little more each day, so it doesn’t get sunburned. The leaves need time to get used to brighter sun.

There are lots of grow lights you can buy online or at stores. Some are small and clip onto your shelf, while others stand on the floor. Look for one that says “full spectrum” for best results.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Humidity And Air Flow

Fiddle Leaf Figs like air that is a bit moist and they do best if the room isn’t too stuffy. Dry air, especially in winter when heaters are running, can make their leaves crispy or curled. If the air never moves and feels heavy, it’s easy for bugs or mold to start growing on your plant.

Signs Your Plant Needs More Humidity Or Air Flow:

• Brown, dry, or crispy edges on the leaves

• Leaves start to curl or feel brittle when you touch them

• You notice dust building up, or see tiny spider webs from pests

How To Fix Humidity And Air Problems:

• Put a tray of pebbles and water under the plant’s pot (but not touching the pot). As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air around your plant.

• Use a small humidifier in the room. This helps, especially in winter, to keep the air from getting too dry.

• Spray the leaves with water (misting) a couple of times a week, but not so much that the leaves are dripping wet.

• Make sure air can move gently in the room. You can use a fan on low, but don’t blow air right at your plant. Also, never put the plant right next to a heater or AC vent.

• Clean the leaves with a damp, soft cloth. This keeps them shiny and healthy, and lets the plant “breathe.”

• Check for bugs or webbing every time you water. If you spot any, gently wipe them away with a wet paper towel.

If you see brown edges on the leaves, check everything—humidity, water, and sunlight. All of these things work together. Fixing just one might not solve the problem if another thing is off.

You can buy small room humidifiers or plant misters at most stores. They are easy to use and really help Fiddle Leaf Figs stay happy, especially in the colder months.

Not Giving Enough Plant Food

Fiddle Leaf Figs are fast growers, especially in spring and summer. If you never feed them, they might get pale leaves, weak stems, or just stop growing. Plants need extra nutrients to grow big and strong!

How To Feed Your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants every month in spring and summer. For the best results, try a product like our Professional Liquid Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Fertilizer 3-1-2 Concentrate for House Plants. This formula is easy to mix into water and gives your plant exactly what it needs for healthy growth and bigger, greener leaves.

• Skip feeding in winter when your plant isn’t really growing.

• Always follow the instructions on the plant food bottle. Too much can actually harm your plant.

If you’re nervous about feeding, there are slow-release plant food spikes and pellets you can stick in the soil. These slowly feed your plant over time, so you don’t have to remember every month.

Plant food comes in bottles, packets, or even in pre-measured sticks. Pick one that is labeled for indoor houseplants or Fiddle Leaf Figs for best results.

A good plant food or fertilizer makes a big difference in how fast and healthy your Fiddle Leaf Fig grows. Using the right product—like our Professional Liquid Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Fertilizer 3-1-2 Concentrate—means bigger, greener leaves and a stronger plant.

Is It A Real Problem Or Just Normal?

Sometimes a Fiddle Leaf Fig will lose a leaf or turn one yellow, even if you’re doing everything right. This is totally normal! Plants get rid of old leaves as they grow new ones. But if your plant is dropping lots of leaves at once, or you see tons of brown spots, it’s a sign something needs fixing. Use the tips above and take action right away.

If you see just one lower leaf turn yellow while the rest of the plant looks good and new leaves are growing, don’t worry. Your plant is just growing up!

Troubleshooting Chart: What’s Wrong With My Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Keep this chart handy and check your plant every week. If you see a problem, look for the cause and try a fix. Plants usually recover if you catch problems early.

Our Best Fiddle Leaf Fig Tips (From Helping Tons Of Plant Lovers)

• Use water that’s not too cold or too hot. Room temperature is best so the roots don’t get shocked.

• Don’t move your Fiddle Leaf Fig around a lot. They like to stay in one spot and can drop leaves if you keep moving them.

• Trim dead leaves or crowded branches so your plant gets enough air and light. This keeps it healthy and looking neat.

• Repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig every 1 or 2 years. Fresh soil and a bigger pot give the roots more room to grow.

• Use sharp scissors or special pruning shears made for houseplants, like our Pruning Shears for Trimming Plants. Clean the blades with rubbing alcohol before cutting so you don’t spread germs. Trim off any brown or crispy edges, following the natural shape of the leaf as much as you can.

Having a good pair of pruning shears makes it so much easier to care for your plant. Pruning shears help you trim leaves and branches safely, so your plant heals quickly and stays healthy. These are a great tool to add to your plant care kit.

• Dust leaves with a damp cloth every week. Shiny leaves look better and help the plant soak up more sunlight.

• Watch for bugs like spider mites or mealybugs. If you spot any, gently wipe them off right away so they don’t spread.

• Write down what works for your plant in a notebook. Every home is different, and some Fiddle Leaf Figs like more or less water or light.

You Can Do This!

Fiddle Leaf Figs might seem dramatic, but they’re actually strong plants when you know what they need. If you avoid the most common mistakes, keep an eye on your plant, and take care of it with a simple routine, you’ll get rewarded with lots of big, green leaves and a plant you can be proud of. Enjoy the process and have fun watching your Fiddle Leaf Fig grow!

If you need more tips, want help picking the right plant food, or need tools to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig looking its best, just ask us! We’re always happy to help you and your plant succeed.