Brown Spots on Fiddle-Leaf Fig?
The common causes, and how to tell them apart.
Brown spots are the fiddle-leaf fig's most-searched problem, and the look tells you the cause. Fungal or bacterial leaf spot makes dark spots with a yellow halo, sunburn leaves dry bleached-brown patches on the sunny side, and edema from overwatering in low light raises corky bumps underneath. Snap a photo below for an instant diagnosis and the exact fix.
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The 4 causes, compared
| Cause | How to spot it | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fungal / bacterial leaf spot | Spreading dark spots with a yellow halo or a wet look | Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and keep water off the foliage; use a fungicide only if it keeps spreading |
| Sunburn | Dry, bleached-brown patches sharply defined on the side facing the window | Move to bright indirect light and acclimate gradually to any direct sun |
| Edema (overwatering in low light) | Corky, blister-like raised bumps on leaf undersides in constantly wet soil | Cut back watering, especially in low light, and improve light and airflow |
| Cold water on the leaves | Pale-ringed water-spot marks | Water at the soil with room-temperature water and keep it off the leaves |
FAQ
- Are brown spots on a fiddle-leaf fig serious?
- It depends on the cause. Spreading spots with a yellow halo are a leaf-spot infection worth acting on; dry sunburn patches and edema bumps are cosmetic once you fix the light or watering.
- Should I cut off spotted leaves?
- Remove badly infected leaves to slow a spreading leaf spot. A few cosmetic sun or edema marks can stay.