How to Keep Your Fiddle Leaf Fig from Getting Brown Edges

by Lisa Mays August 21, 2025

Keeping a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) healthy and green can be challenging, especially when those beautiful leaves develop brown, crispy edges. We understand how frustrating it is to see your plant’s leaves turning brown at the margins.

Don’t worry – we’re here to help you figure out why it’s happening and what steps we can take to prevent brown edges on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves.

In this guide, we’ll explain the common causes of browning leaf edges and share friendly, professional tips on how you can keep your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves lush and free of brown tips.

Why Are the Edges of Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Turning Brown?

When you notice brown edges on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves, it’s usually a sign that something in its care or environment isn’t quite right. By identifying the cause, we can take action to nurse your plant back to health.

Here are the most common causes for brown or crispy edges on fiddle leaf fig leaves:

Underwatering (Dry Soil)

Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to a lack of water. If the soil is too dry or you water infrequently, the leaves may develop brown edges or tips that start to curl. Underwatered fiddle leaf figs often have crispy leaf margins and might also droop. Brown spots starting at the edges and moving inward are a classic sign of dryness and insufficient watering.

Low Humidity

These plants are native to tropical rainforests, so they love humidity. Indoors, especially in climate-controlled homes, the air can be very dry. When humidity is too low (often below about 40%), the leaf edges can dry out and turn brown. You might see light brown, brittle patches on the edges and an overall wilted look if the air is too dry for your fig.

Overwatering & Root Issues

Too much water can be just as harmful. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which prevents roots from delivering moisture and nutrients properly. Although overwatering typically causes brown spots in the center of leaves or black patches, it can sometimes make edges turn brown and soft as the leaf tissue dies. If you see dark brown or black areas (often starting near the leaf base) along with brown edges, and the soil is constantly wet, root rot could be the culprit.

Mineral Buildup (Water Quality)

Hard tap water or excess minerals in the soil from fertilizers can cause browning at the tips and edges of fiddle leaf fig leaves. Over time, salts from tap water (like chlorine, fluoride, or other chemicals) accumulate in the soil.

The leaves, especially older ones at the bottom, act as filters and may develop brown, burnt edges from this salt buildup. If you bottom-water your plant or never allow excess water to flush out the soil, mineral residues can concentrate and singe the leaf margins.

Over-Fertilizing (Fertilizer Burn)

While proper feeding helps your fiddle leaf fig thrive, using too much fertilizer or a formula that’s too strong can scorch the roots and leaf edges. Fertilizer burn often shows up as brown tips or rim on the leaves. This is essentially another form of salt buildup – an overload of nutrients that the plant’s roots can’t absorb can lead to brown, crispy leaf edges.

Direct Sunlight and Heat Stress

Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright light, but too much direct sun can burn the leaves, especially if the plant was previously in lower light. Intense afternoon sun or placing your fig outside in direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch – the edges might look bleached, dry, or reddish-brown. Similarly, excessive heat (for example, being next to a hot window or heater) can dry out the foliage and result in brown, curled edges.

Nutrient Deficiency

On the flip side of over-fertilizing, not having enough nutrients can also cause problems. If a fiddle leaf fig lacks certain nutrients, you might see brown edging along with general yellowing of leaves. For instance, a phosphorus deficiency is sometimes indicated by browning around leaf edges while the rest of the plant looks pale or yellowish. Inadequate nutrition weakens the plant, making leaf tissue more prone to browning and drying out.

Pests or Diseases

Although pests usually cause spots or speckles rather than uniform brown edges, a severe infestation or infection can lead to edge damage. Insects like spider mites suck plant juices and can cause leaf edges to look stippled, brown, and dry if the problem is extensive. Similarly, fungal or bacterial leaf spot diseases might start as brown spots that can merge and sometimes affect the edges of leaves.

(For example, a fungus could cause irregular brown patches that include the margins.) However, pest and disease issues usually come with other signs – like visible bugs, webbing, black spots, or a yellow halo around brown areas – not just crisp edges.

As you can see, brown leaf edges can result from a variety of issues – most of them related to the plant’s water, nutrients, or environment. The good news is that most of these problems are fixable.

Next, we’ll go through how we can prevent brown edges and keep your fiddle leaf fig looking its best.

How to Prevent Brown Edges on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves

Now that we know what causes those unsightly brown edges, let’s focus on how we can prevent them. Here are our top tips and solutions for keeping your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves green and pristine:

1. Water Properly and Consistently

Getting your watering routine right is one of the most important steps in preventing brown edges.

We need to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Make sure you water your fiddle leaf fig regularly so it doesn’t completely dry out between waterings. Typically, it’s best to water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. When you do water, water thoroughly until you see excess water drain out of the pot’s drainage holes.

Don’t let your plant sit bone-dry for too long (to prevent underwatering symptoms), and don’t let it sit in a puddle of water. If the pot has a saucer, always empty any standing water after watering so the roots aren’t submerged. Consistency is key – for many indoor environments, a fiddle leaf fig might need watering roughly once a week, but this can vary.

Always adjust based on your plant’s needs: in warmer, brighter conditions it will dry out faster (needing more frequent watering), and in cooler or lower-light conditions it will need less.

Tip:

If you find it hard to gauge soil moisture, you can use a simple tool like a moisture meter or even just stick your finger into the soil. We’ve found that checking soil moisture helps avoid accidental under- or overwatering. With proper watering, your plant’s leaves will stay supple and green.

2. Increase Humidity Around the Plant

Boosting humidity is a sure way to stop those dry, brown leaf margins. Indoors, especially during winter or in air-conditioned rooms, the air can be much drier than a tropical plant like the fiddle leaf fig prefers. We recommend aiming for at least moderate humidity (around 40-50% relative humidity or higher) for your fiddle leaf fig. Many experts note that about 40% humidity is a good minimum to prevent brown leaf tips on tropical plants.

There are several easy ways we can raise humidity for your plant:

Misting the leaves with water a few times a week can provide temporary relief (though the effect is short-lived, it does give the leaves a quick drink of moisture). Use a fine spray so the water forms a light mist that will evaporate around the plant.
Use a humidifier in the room with your plant. This is one of the most effective methods to maintain consistent humidity. Placing a small humidifier near your fiddle leaf fig, especially in dry seasons, can dramatically reduce leaf crispiness.
Pebble tray: Fill a tray with pebbles and water, and set your plant’s pot on top (make sure the bottom of the pot isn’t submerged). As the water evaporates around the plant, it increases the local humidity. It’s a simple trick that can help, and you don’t have to worry about overwatering since the pot isn’t sitting directly in water.
Group your plants together: If you have other houseplants, cluster them near each other. Plants naturally release moisture through their leaves (a process called transpiration), so a group of plants can create a slightly more humid microclimate around them.
Avoid dry-air sources: Keep your fiddle leaf fig away from heating vents, radiators, or drafts from windows/doors. Hot air blasts or cold drafts can dry out leaf edges quickly. Instead, choose a location with stable temperatures and no direct blasts of air.

3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light (and Avoid Harsh Sun)

Light is essential for your fiddle leaf fig’s health, but we need to strike a balance to prevent stress. We recommend bright, indirect light for most indoor fiddle leaf figs. Place your plant near a large window where it gets lots of light, but try to avoid intense direct sun rays on the leaves for extended periods, especially midday sun.

Early morning or late afternoon sun is usually gentle enough, but strong noon sun through glass can scorch the leaves and cause those browned, crispy patches on the edges and surfaces. If you notice leaves getting pale, bleached-looking brown areas at the edges, that’s sunburn – move the plant a bit further from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.

On the other hand, insufficient light isn’t directly a cause of brown edges, but it can weaken your plant overall. A weak, light-starved fiddle leaf fig may drop leaves or be more susceptible to overwatering issues (since it uses water more slowly in low light). So we want to give it enough light to stay healthy. A bright room with lots of natural light is ideal.

If you don’t have a good window, we can use grow lights to supplement – fiddle leaf figs respond well to bright artificial light too. We’ve found that providing about 8+ hours of bright light (natural or artificial) per day keeps the plant vigorous.

Also be mindful of temperature when it comes to placement: keep your fiddle leaf fig in the range of about 65–85°F (18–29°C), which is comfortable indoor room temperature. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents or drafty doors in winter, because cold drafts can cause leaf edges to darken or even lead to leaf drop.

A sudden cold night by an open window can result in blackened edges by morning. So, choose a spot with stable, warm temperatures and good light. By doing so, we prevent environmental stress that could show up as brown leaf margins.

4. Use Good Water Quality & Flush the Soil

Since mineral buildup in the soil can cause brown edges, it’s important to pay attention to your water quality and soil condition. If your tap water is heavy in chlorine, fluoride, or other minerals, consider taking a few extra steps to protect your fiddle leaf fig:

Use filtered or distilled water: We can water the plant with filtered water or let tap water sit out overnight in an open container to allow chlorine to dissipate. This reduces the harsh chemicals going into the soil. Some plant owners even collect rainwater for their indoor plants, which is great if available, as it’s naturally soft and mineral-free.
Flush the soil occasionally: Even with good water, over time fertilizers and minerals can accumulate. Every month or two, we like to give the plant a good “flush.” This means taking the pot to a sink or tub and slowly pouring a generous amount of water through the soil (at least two to three times the pot’s volume of water). Let it drain out completely. This flushing leaches out excess salts from the potting mix, preventing them from burning the roots or leaf edges. Just be sure the pot has drainage and that you allow all the extra water to drain away after flushing.
Well-draining soil: Use a quality potting mix that drains well (for example, a mix containing ingredients like peat or coco coir, perlite, and maybe some bark). Good drainage ensures water doesn’t stagnate and cause salt concentration. Stagnant water in dense soil can leave behind mineral residues as it slowly evaporates. We want the soil to retain some moisture but also let excess water flow out.

5. Fertilize Moderately for Healthy Growth

Regular feeding will keep your fiddle leaf fig strong, but we must do it carefully to avoid both nutrient deficiencies and fertilizer burn.

We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for houseplants. An ideal choice is often a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio around 3-1-2 (for example, something like 3% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphorus, 2% Potassium), as many experts find this ratio well-suited to fiddle leaf figs’ nutritional needs. One excellent option is our Professional Liquid Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant 3-1-2 Fertilizer, specifically designed to support healthy green growth and strong roots.

During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant about once a month following the product’s dilution instructions (usually mixing the fertilizer with water). Always apply fertilizer to damp soil (never bone-dry) to avoid root burn. In the fall and winter, you can scale back fertilizing to every other month or pause if the plant’s growth slows, since it won’t use as much nutrients then.

By fertilizing on a schedule, we prevent nutrient deficiencies that could cause leaf discoloration or browning. You’ll likely notice your fiddle leaf fig producing larger, vibrant green leaves when it’s getting the right nutrients. However, be careful not to overdo it – more fertilizer is not more helpful. Over-fertilizing is a common cause of brown leaf edges. If you see any signs of browning right after feeding, flush the soil with plain water to wash out excess fertilizer.

6. Keep Leaves Clean and Use a Leaf Spray

Dusty, dirty leaves can’t breathe or absorb light as well, and sometimes pests or fungi can take advantage of that. Keeping the foliage clean is an underrated way to maintain your plant’s health.

We like to gently clean our fiddle leaf fig’s leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. Simply supporting the leaf with one hand and wiping off the dust with the other (using a clean microfiber cloth or a paper towel dampened with water) will do wonders.

Clean leaves can photosynthesize more efficiently, which means the plant is stronger and better able to regulate water in its leaves – helping prevent those dry edges.

Additionally, using a leaf spray can help hydrate and protect the leaves. There are a couple of options here, depending on what your plant needs:

Leaf misting spray: As mentioned earlier, regular misting increases humidity around the leaves. You can incorporate this into your routine by misting the leaves in the morning a few times a week. We often put a fine mist on our fiddle leaf fig’s foliage; it not only boosts humidity briefly but also cleans off any accumulated dust.

Leaf shine or leaf conditioning spray: If you have access to a commercial leaf shine/conditioner (one made for houseplants and free of harsh chemicals), you can use it occasionally to keep leaves glossy and dust-resistant. These products often also have mild pest-repellent properties or gentle nutrients. Just be cautious: don’t use anything that’s oily or clogging on the leaves, and never use kitchen oils or milk (some DIY remedies) as they can block pores or invite disease. Use only products intended for plant leaves.
Pest control foliar spray (if needed): A big part of preventing brown damage is stopping pest outbreaks before they get bad. We keep an eye on our fiddle leaf fig’s leaves (top and bottom) for any signs of insects. If we ever spot pests like spider mites or scale, we use a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray on the leaves. This kind of leaf spray will eliminate pests that could be sucking sap and causing leaf stress. Always follow the instructions and do test-sprays on a small area first to ensure your plant isn’t sensitive.

7. Prune Away Damaged Edges (Carefully)

If some leaves already have brown edges, there’s no way to turn those brown parts green again. However, you can trim off the brown areas to make the plant look nicer, and more importantly, to direct the plant’s energy to healthy growth. We do this carefully so as not to stress the plant further:

Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or our Professional Pruning Shears. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol first to ensure no bacteria or fungi are spread to the plant. Then simply trim the brown, crispy edges off the leaf, following the natural shape of the leaf as much as possible.

Try not to cut into the green, living part of the leaf. If just the tip is brown, snip off the brown tip at an angle, leaving a tiny margin of brown so you’re not cutting into healthy tissue. For larger sections along the sides, trim in a gentle curve. This way, the cut areas will dry and hopefully blend in without further dieback.

Pruning off damaged edges is mostly cosmetic, but it can also prevent any fungus from finding a home in the dead tissue. Dispose of the trimmings and any fully dead, dropped leaves. After trimming, your plant will immediately look healthier.

And with the other care steps we’re taking (proper watering, humidity, etc.), you should see new leaves emerging that stay completely green and unmarred. Remember to also prune off any fully brown, dead leaves at the bottom of the plant – those won’t recover and removing them encourages new growth.

8. Maintain a Stable Environment

Fiddle leaf figs are a bit finicky about changes. We’ve learned that keeping conditions as steady as possible helps prevent stress signals like brown edges. Try to keep your plant in a spot where it can stay long term – avoid moving it back and forth frequently between different light or temperature environments.

Each time it has to adjust, it may respond by dropping leaves or getting imperfections. So, once you’ve found that perfect bright corner with the right conditions, let your fiddle leaf fig settle in and get comfortable there.

Also, consider the seasonal changes: in winter, indoor heating can dry the air significantly (remember to run that humidifier or mist more often during these months).

In summer, if you blast the AC, make sure the plant isn’t in the direct airflow of a vent, which could chill and dry it out. By being mindful of these changes and adjusting care (water a bit more in summer, humidify more in winter, etc.), we help the plant avoid shock. A comfortable, stress-free fiddle leaf fig will reward us with flawless leaves.

9. Outdoor Care Tips (if You Keep Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Outside)

Most of us grow fiddle leaf figs as indoor houseplants, but some people may keep them outdoors on a patio or balcony, especially in warm climates or during summer months. The same principles apply outside, with a few extra considerations to prevent brown, damaged leaves:

Acclimate to sunlight: If you move your fiddle leaf fig outdoors, don’t place it in full, direct sun on day one. We recommend starting it in a shaded or semi-shaded spot for the first week or two, gradually introducing more morning or late afternoon sun. Outdoors sun is much stronger than indoor light, and sudden exposure can scorch the leaves (leading to brown or white crispy patches). After acclimation, fiddle leaf figs can enjoy a few hours of gentle direct sun, but many still prefer bright shade for best leaf health.
Water more frequently: Outside conditions (sun, wind, heat) will dry out pots faster. Check the soil often – you might need to water every few days outside, as opposed to once a week indoors. Keeping the soil moisture consistent will prevent the leaves from drying at the edges. Also, rain can be beneficial. If your fiddle is in a pot, a good rainshower now and then can act as that flushing we discussed, washing out salts and thoroughly wetting the soil. Just make sure the pot drains well so the plant isn’t sitting in water after heavy rains.

Watch the temperature: If outdoor night temperatures drop too low (below ~55°F or 12°C), it can harm your fiddle leaf fig. Leaves exposed to cold may get brown/black edges or spots. If a cold night is forecast, we should bring the plant indoors or into a protected area. Likewise, if it’s extremely hot (above 95°F or 35°C) and very dry, consider moving the plant to a cooler, shaded spot to avoid heat stress on the leaves.
Protect from wind: Strong winds can batter the large leaves and even tear them, causing brown, tattered edges. Outdoor fiddles should be in a somewhat sheltered spot where high winds won’t whip the leaves around. A gentle breeze is fine (it can even strengthen the stems), but no plant likes a gale.
Pest vigilance: Outdoor plants are more exposed to pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites finding them. Inspect the leaves regularly (especially the undersides) for any insects or chew marks. If you spot pests, treat promptly with the appropriate method (a spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil, depending on the pest). Keeping pests at bay will prevent the leaf damage that could be mistaken for brown edge issues.

Many fiddle leaf fig owners actually report that their plants love spending summer outdoors in warm, humid weather – new growth can be especially vigorous. Just remember to transition them slowly and give them a good environment outside.

When conditions are ideal (warm temperature, higher humidity, bright but indirect light), your fiddle leaf fig can truly thrive and will likely have fewer issues with brown edges than it might indoors. Think of the outdoors as mimicking its native habitat – just take precautions against the elements that could harm it.

Healthy Leaves, Happy Fiddle Leaf Fig

By following these care tips, we can work together to keep your fiddle leaf fig free from brown edges and spots. It comes down to understanding what your plant needs: the right amount of water, a humid environment, proper light (but not too harsh), and balanced nutrition.

We’ve addressed the common mistakes that lead to those crispy brown margins, and we’ve outlined how you can correct them. Remember, even if your fiddle leaf fig has had some brown-edged leaves, with consistent proper care new growth will come in healthy and green.

We hope this guide helps you feel confident in caring for your fiddle leaf fig. We know how rewarding it is to see those big, green fiddle-shaped leaves looking perfect in your home. With a little attention and the right conditions, we can ensure your fiddle leaf fig stays healthy, vibrant, and free of brown edges.