Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Have Brown Spots?

Brown spots on a Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves are frustrating blemishes that signal an underlying issue with its care or environment. Identifying the specific cause is the first step toward restoring your plant’s health. This guide will help you diagnose the problem and outlines a clear path for treatment and prevention.

Diagnosing the Cause of Brown Spots

The location and appearance of brown spots on your Fiddle Leaf Fig are direct clues to the root cause. Different issues manifest in distinct ways, so a careful visual inspection is the starting point for a correct diagnosis and recovery plan.

Dark Brown to Black Spots Near the Base

Dark brown or black spots, particularly on the lower leaves, indicate root rot. This fungal infection occurs when roots sit in overly moist soil, which suffocates them and prevents nutrient absorption. The resulting decay travels up the plant, appearing as dark spots on the foliage. These spots often spread, and the affected leaves may drop.

Crispy, Light Brown Spots on Leaf Edges

Brown spots concentrated along the edges of the leaves that feel dry or crispy indicate underwatering or low humidity. A plant’s extremities are the first to show dehydration when it lacks water. Because Fiddle Leaf Figs are native to tropical climates, dry indoor air can also pull moisture from the leaves, causing the edges to turn brown. The soil in an underwatered plant’s pot may also appear shrunken away from the sides.

Brown Spots with a Yellow Halo

A brown spot surrounded by a yellow halo is a distinct sign of a bacterial infection. These spots can appear anywhere on the plant, affecting newer growth more severely, and may spread quickly in damp, warm conditions. As the spot expands, the entire leaf may yellow. Unlike root rot, bacterial spots are often scattered without a clear pattern.

Irregular Brown Spots Without a Clear Pattern

Fungal issues not tied to root rot can also cause brown spots. These spots are often irregular in shape, can appear anywhere on the leaf, and may lack the yellow ring seen in bacterial infections. Poor air circulation and damp leaves create an ideal environment for fungal spores to multiply, leading to these scattered blemishes.

Scorched Brown or Tan Patches

Light brown, tan, or bleached-looking patches on the uppermost leaves are a sign of sunburn. While Fiddle Leaf Figs need bright, indirect light, their leaves can be scorched by prolonged exposure to intense, direct sunlight. These patches are a physical burn to the leaf tissue and may show some red or yellow coloring.

Treatment and Recovery Plan

After diagnosing the cause of the brown spots, you can implement a targeted treatment plan. Each problem requires a different approach to halt the damage and help your Fiddle Leaf Fig recover.

For Root Rot

Treating root rot requires immediate action. Remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots; healthy ones are firm and whitish, while rotted roots are brown, black, and mushy. Use clean scissors to trim away all affected roots. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot with drainage holes. After repotting, water lightly and allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings.

For Underwatering/Low Humidity

For an underwatered plant, a thorough watering is the first step. Use the “soak and dry” method: water until it flows from the drainage holes, then wait until the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry before watering again. This hydrates the root ball without waterlogging it. To address low humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a nearby humidifier.

For Bacterial/Fungal Issues

To manage bacterial and fungal spots, prevent their spread by removing all affected leaves with a clean tool. Improve air circulation by ensuring the plant is not crowded and by using a fan to create gentle air movement. While copper-based fungicides are available, improving the plant’s environment is more effective for long-term health.

For Sunburn

The solution for sunburn is to relocate the plant. Move your Fiddle Leaf Fig to a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, away from harsh, direct rays. An ideal location is a few feet from a south- or west-facing window or behind a sheer curtain. The scorched parts of the leaves will not turn green again, so the focus is on preventing further damage.

Should You Remove Leaves with Brown Spots?

Whether to remove a leaf with brown spots depends on the cause and extent of the damage. Damaged brown tissue will not turn green again, so the decision is based on plant health and aesthetics.

For bacterial or fungal infections, removing affected leaves is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading. Pruning these leaves contains the problem and helps the plant recover. Use clean, sharp scissors and make a clean cut at the base of the leaf stem.

For minor cosmetic damage from underwatering or sunburn, removal is an aesthetic choice. A mostly green leaf can still perform photosynthesis and provide energy, so leaving it may be beneficial. If the spot’s appearance bothers you, either remove the leaf or carefully trim just the brown edge, following the leaf’s natural shape.

Preventing Future Brown Spots

Providing a stable and suitable environment is the best defense against the recurrence of brown spots. Proactive, consistent care is more effective than reacting to problems and prevents the stressors that cause blemishes.

Consistent Watering

A consistent watering routine is a primary component of Fiddle Leaf Fig care, as they dislike soil that is constantly soggy or bone-dry. Before watering, check that the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess water from the saucer.

Appropriate Light

Fiddle Leaf Figs flourish in bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day, which helps prevent sunburn and weakness. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun is ideal. For a south- or west-facing window with intense sun, place the plant a few feet back or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.

Proper Soil and Drainage

A healthy root system requires the right soil and a pot with good drainage. Fiddle Leaf Figs need a well-draining potting mix that allows air to circulate around their roots. Consider a mix for ficus trees or one with perlite or bark, as standard potting soil can be too dense. A pot with drainage holes is necessary to prevent the waterlogged conditions that cause root rot.

Good Air Circulation

Good airflow helps keep leaves dry and discourages fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive in stagnant, humid conditions. Avoid placing your Fiddle Leaf Fig in a tight corner or too close to other plants. If your home has still air, a small fan in the room for a few hours a day can improve circulation.