Fiddle leaf figs are among Britain’s more cherished houseplants, but their beauty comes with a catch.
Without the correct care, the plants can become prone to perplexing issues, with leaf drop being one of the most common problems.
A houseplant enthusiast at Roger’s Gardens shared: “Check around your plant for any vents or possible heat sources.
“Drafts from chilly air conditioning or too much hot air can stress out your plant, causing it to drop leaves quickly.
Too much hot air can stress out your plant
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“If necessary, move your fiddle to a bright location with consistent temperatures.”
One primary cause of the vexing leaf loss of, fiddle leaf figs, is exposure to overly dry conditions.
When plants are kept in rooms that are excessively air-conditioned or draughty, they will struggle to retain their leaves, explained Roger’s Gardens.
Identifying the signs of dryness-induced leaf drop is crucial for maintaining the plant’s health.
One of the key warning signs of struggle to be on the lookout for is yellowing leaves.
Yellow, discoloured leaves are among the most common problems among fiddle leaf figs, and it’s often caused by a well-meaning carer who has simply gone overboard with watering, according to Roger’s Gardens.
Fiddles thrive in soil that is kept relatively moist, but it should not be consistently waterlogged or soggy.
“Too much water (especially combined with insufficient drainage) can cause the roots to rot, leading to dull-looking leaves,” the expert added.
All plants shed leaves over time
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In the event that leaves start dropping, it’s important not to panic, as this doesn’t necessarily signal the plant is withering.
Sometimes, dropping leaves is a common occurrence even when the plant is enjoying optimal health.
Experts at the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource noted that all plants shed leaves over time because they’re constantly growing new ones.
“Older leaves might simply drop off as the tree grows new leaves to replace them,” they said, highlighting why it’s important to look for other signs of struggle.
