These 5 Big Mistakes Are Why Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Keeps Dying

If you’ve flipped through an interiors magazine, scrolled through Pinterest, or even wandered into a hip shopping space you have been met with the biggest greenery trend—the fiddle leaf fig. Lush and large-leafed, this tree has been designated by the higher powers of décor as the final touch to polish off any space and breathe some life to your home, and we’re here for it.

Whether you already have a fiddle leaf fig you’re nursing or you’ve been considering making space for one in your home, it’s important you know that this houseplant can be easy to care for but you must first understand the basic needs of the Ficus Lyrata. Read on to learn the five most common mistakes leading to your fiddle leaf fig perishing, and an experts guide to keep it thriving.

Mistake 1 - Your positioning is all wrong
If your fiddle leaf fig dropping its leaves at a rapid rate it could be due to improper positioning in your home. Finding the right climate is important when welcoming a particular plant such as this. Fiddle leaf figs do not like cool drafty spaces or direct sunlight

Mistake 2 – You plant is in shock
Plants are living creatures, and when you adopt one from the nursery it needs time to acclimate to your home. If you have recently re-potted your plant, it could also be suffering from the shock of having its roots jostled, or acclimating to new soil.

Mistake 3 – You’re overwatering
Watering is the number one reason that many have issues with the fiddle leaf fig. Early morning or evening is best to water. The good old finger check, 2” deep into the soil if soil is damp or dry.

Mistake 4 – You have root rot
Root rot is one of the leading causes of unhappy fiddle leaf figs. A fungal infection caused by allowing your pot to sit in water or over-watering, this can quickly spread to the leaves of your plant. Some identifiable symptoms for this infection can be light brown crusting on the outer edges of the leaves.

Mistake 5 – You aren’t giving it enough love
If you don’t check in on your plant enough, things like bug infestations, or the soil drying out can happen without being detected, and soon it could be too late to save.

Source – MyDomaine