Stop Leaf Drop on Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Leaf drop on a Fiddle Leaf Fig houseplant is a fairly common issue you may be facing. Luckily for us diagnosing why this is happening so we can correct it going forwards is fairly straight forward, as long as you know what signs to look out for and understand what the plant needs.
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#fiddleleaffig #ficuslyrata #houseplantcaretips

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Get exclusive bonus content at www.patreon.com/sheffieldmadeplants

[@lee420129]

Fiddle Leaf Fig tree tought me to be resilent even though it looked dead after purchasing it. Mine was diseased after bringing it home and my girlfriend at the time told me to keep it (not give up on it) even though I wanted to throw it away. Being a business owner made me want to quickly resolve things as my mind is so used to putting out fires. It's thriving now and looking more like a tree than a skinny tree. (wide branches have formed) It's a great air filter! 🤓

[@ImATurtle]

Actually, you can get new leaves/branches to grow by nicking the plant above the nodes and using roofing hormone. I inherited a FF 18 months ago and successfully created several new branches and many new leaves. A barren stalk will absolutely come back.

[@vickykent353]

😮

[@that.neurodivergent]

I just started my first job at a plant nursery/house plant store and your videos have been an amazing way to brush up on all my knowledge and ensure that I can pass along the best information to customers! Thank you so much!! 💚🌿🌱

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cool glad it’s useful thanks Ronan

[@KatyKidder]

This came at the PERFECT time! My Fiddle leaf came home happy and healthy even had 5 new leaves withing 2 months of having it. Then out of the blue it started dropping leaves :( I came to the conclusion that its pot was too big and not draining well enough (Got it from a big box store so not surprised with this) I've repotted into a smaller container and used better draining soil. Fingers crossed she's happy after the transition!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Katy and good luck 🤞

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Your videos are so informative and entertaining! Thank you for content. I’ve meant to mention that I have one of those moisture meters also, and I wondered where have you been all my life!!! What an amazing invention 😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Wendy! I couldn’t do without mine 😂

[@1957Bevy]

You are one of my favorite KZbinrs for plants. You say frequently that you want to catch up to planterina for subscriptions. I am saying this with my utmost respect for you. I believe your style is closer to Swedish Plant Guys. Amanda’s popularity is great because she is hilarious,and very spontaneous.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Bev. It’s all tongue in cheek, I know she’s very popular and is very funny. I’m a big fan of both channels

[@jamiepatterson558]

I got the moisture meter after watching another of your videos & love it, thank you.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad you like it 😁

[@cathyslaton9998]

If I have a problem with any of my plants I run here to find out what wrong . I think your little pop videos in between you talking are great . Thank you for sharing .I know I have your water meter device in my cart I will Oder soon great reminder 😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍 thank you

[@MyLocksMyPlants]

Love your channel I just purchased my first FLF this is right on time !

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great timing! Thanks for watching

[@RajaramSrinivasan59]

Terrific! Crystal clear and beautifully presented. Thanks

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you very much 😁

[@juneyah3784]

All this work and concerns, this plant should pay back with fruit. Therefore, I bought a Fig Tree. 😅. I leave the FIDDLE Fig alone for 2 weeks at a time.

[@judgrin3610]

Thank you very much for your videos. I learn so much from you. And the comments you put in are huge, they make me laugh so much.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂 thanks. Glad you like them!

[@alcylon]

A moister meter is a very good help😊

[@Eiri.Willow]

Thank you very much. I finally found the problem that I was having with my poor plant.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad I could help

[@kbm4409]

I love your videos... awesome content...I love the clips that come in as your talking.. hilarious

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Brilliant thanks Kim 😁

[@C2C.]

Key to managing soil moisture is the type of soil the fiddle leaf is planted in. A mistake people make is to pot them in regular potting soil. To give them better drainage, add 1/3 cactus soil mix or perlite/pumice to loosen the mixture. This will help prevent the pot from holding too much moisture for too long. I have three fiddle leaf figs (2 are nearly 6 ft. tall and one is grown as a "bush") and I rarely get leaf drop because of the practices mentioned in the video and the type of potting mixture.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nice one 👍

[@rsliu4646]

You are right. I think the person who uploaded the video should mention the type of soil he is using. My own experience with it being an indoor plant and using potting mix: perlite in 2:1 ratio is I'd water every 5-7 days in summer, 8 days in fall and around 10 days in winter. I will water it when it's still a bit damp on the top of the soil unlike my other plants for which I'd water only if it's 1-2 inch dry. I won't say my fiddle leaf has the best look but it's definitely is happy and growing tall. A friend watered her plant more often and her fiddle leaf is definitely gorgeous and bushy.

[@ktam957]

Thanks for the tips! I love the humor clips!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Lovely thank you 😊

[@nancykhumalo2904]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣OH my gosh I love the little snippets you attached in your video 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Thank you for the informative videos 🤗🤗🤗

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you very much 😁

[@Eliza-gc2zq]

You water from the bottom!!! I appreciate this video (and the video clips as commentaries!) even though my fiddle leaf is a “bare central stem.”

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tequillawashington5079]

I love your humor!! Cheers!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks 🙏

[@serenitygardenaviary]

Great information! Fiddle Leaf Fig blues here.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks!

[@missj9908]

Thanks for another informative video 😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cheers mate 😊

[@SharaVitone]

Very informative! (And I love the humor) 👍😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Shara😊

[@joannabrister3384]

You make me laugh. Your videos are funny and educational

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks Joanna!

[@erikarussell1142]

Mine came with powdery mildew when I bought it. Eventually I ended up with a pretty naked plant. The internet said to remove the sick leaves and I could remove 10% of the leaves without damaging the plant. That's pretty much all I had left... so I used a mixture of peroxide and water and scrubbed off what was on it with a baby toothbrush. I then added a couple tbs of sodium bicarbonate, and now it's bouncing back! I'm so happy I did a bunch if research. I also bought an organic fungicide that works great. Im so happy it's coming back, because I love my fiddle fig. I named it Mao.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Ooo name for plants. Like it!

[@erikarussell1142]

@@SheffieldMadePlants lol he's named after the famous violinist. Thanks!! I have over 50 plants in my house, and all have names. They're like my pets, just part of the family. Lol

[@Vivi_LaRue]

I was given a fiddle leaf fig tonight that looks like it’s on its last leg. Tomorrow morning I shall start rescue operations and hope I can save it. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You’ve got this ✊

[@etlavraiemoi]

Thank you! Great video!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks!

[@md.pritamhits6187]

Thank you 💕💚☺️ for nice 👍 video

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍

[@lorrainewatkins7207]

Stop with the "inserts" Lol lol I'm trying to take you seriously okay? . 😁😁😂 You are hilarious! Thanks for the info!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@loyael]

I've heard that the fiddle leaf fig doesn't like to be moved or manipulated either. It might drop leaves when it adjusts to its new environments. I've read it's recommended to only move them at the start of spring or end of summer.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Fussy little fellas

[@danielb3573]

I just treat them like my Ginseng Fig, I water them once a week. But then again, i live in a very dry climate

[@melodycheng2032]

Thank you so much for all your videos! I have learnt so much useful tips from you, especially bottom watering! I have a question, how do you water the big fiddle leaf fig? I recently moved my 8ft tall fiddle leaf indoor. What will be the best way to water it? Thank you very much!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds like a beast of a plant! How old is it? Is it in nursery pot inside a decorative pot or a saucer? I'd bottom water, but obviously it would need a good drink so needs a good size saucer!

[@melodycheng2032]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Thanks for the tip! I will get a bigger saucer. LOL!

[@joycenewkirk5910]

I had a lot of leaf drop on my fiddle but I think it had something to do with the place I had it. But now that I've move it to a sunny place I see leaves growing so far 6 leaves has grew and it's winter in New York

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

So it wasn’t happy in a darker spot. Nice to have such good growth

[@jayclarke9546]

Fiddle leaf is a horrible indoor plant, it requires to much attention then it still dies if conditions aren't perfect, not worth it

[@kbm4409]

I was wondering if you think a philodendron hederaceum..lemon lime...is a good houseplant to have? I know on your 10 houseplants to avoid for beginners mention to avoid the philodendron birkin...so what's your thoughts

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It's a nice plant and i've not had any issues with it

[@hannahhickenlooper7877]

Omg… I thought it was supposed to look like that. I still think it looks good with dropped leaves 😅

[@CBlargh]

My fiddle leaf has been in the same pot for 20 years. Bootstraps time! (I'm actually surprised it's still alive...)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😁

[@DontUNVME]

I like a leggy flf. I cut the bottom leaves off as soon as it got tall enough. I'm now raising the babies and gave 5 babies away

[@worldgonemad1977]

I love your channel. You give terrific plant advice and information, thank you and keep them coming🙂. (One negative thing I would say-which won’t stop me watching - is that I think there are a tad too many comedy clip interruptions. I prefer it when you make your own wry comments) Just my opinion.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching and feedback

[@ross1972]

Agreed his voice and sense of humour is more than enough.

[@Phantom_4Runner]

100% agree! Great information, although there are too many comedy clips (I personally don't think you need any). This video will definitely help keep my Fiddle Feaf Fig in much better shape. Thank you :)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@Phantom_4Runner thanks Irvine

[@DoodleBoon]

Thanks for this! For plants where the lower leaves have dropped, is there anything that can be done to get the plant bushy again or will that stem always be bare going forward? Thanks again!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

There’s not much we can do to get the leaves to grow back. You can try notching the stem to get it to grow new stems or cutting it back to get it to branch out. There’s a video on my channel where I cut back my rubber tree

[@C2C.]

Fiddle leaf trees are gorgeous, so lean into converting the plants into trees, if you can. (They can be any size you like, with pruning.) You can then focus on getting the fullness from new growth vs. trying to get leaves to grow back. If you notch successfully, you'll likely get a branch to grow at the site vs. a leaf. If you want a bush, let your existing plant grow tall enough to get cuttings off them, root the cuttings in water, and pot those as your new bushes. (Be sure to follow the practices in the video and use a mixture of 2:1 quality potting soil and cactus soil mix to help manage moisture.) They grow quickly during spring, then let the growth get woody, then prune for your cutting.

[@hattierobinson347]

😊You are so encouraging. I am a beginner . I have spent many dollars and killed many plants. I want to know what are the best plants for beginners?😂😂

[@hattierobinson347]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Santiago_MX]

Your channel is awesome! Thank u for all the content :) A lil feedback on this one. A few too many cuts with “memes” or Whatever. I don’t mind usually but in this case it was distracting. Thanks :)

[@wordeeone4996]

Okay so I’m suddenly overwatering my FLF plants after 2.5 years. 🥴 I’ve had them on a consistent water schedule but the past month I’m getting dropped leaves that are wilted as shown. Time to go find my water meter and begin using it again.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Absolutely 👍

[@justokuhle4913]

I’ve had mine for 3 years and now I’m having issues. I honestly can’t tell if it’s overwatering or underwatering. Leaves are turning brown from the outside going in then dropping

[@virginiagilmore6309]

Hey, I bought a fiddle fig from Lidl last week, would it be OK to repot it with ficus specific soil I got from ninja soil for better nutrients? Or should I wait till next spring?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You can repot now if you like. Might not be necessary though. It will have decent soil already

[@lauriehidey5619]

I notched my fiddle leaf fig below my leaves above a node and fit excited when I saw new growth... well that new froth ended up being all roots ugh lol they are continuing to grow and nothing but roots. What are my options? Do I cut it off right below the new roots or make sure they are wetsuits in spaghum to make sure they are most first? I don't want to lose either part of the plant. Please help!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

If it's growing roots sounds like it wants to become a new plants. You can wrap moss around it as a layering method

[@limadecaco-ck2om]

I got a new FLF Bambino a few months ago and I think it went through a period of shock because it dropped a couple of bottom leaves and then the new bud leaf that had started to grow at the top wilted and fell off. Now the plant seems stable and (dare I say) "happy", but there is no sign of new growth from the top. Is all hope lost? How do I get it to set a new bud?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

If it still looks ok then there is always hope! Might just need more light?

[@jodithecheeselady]

So it’s recommended to trim some of the lower leaves? Help the energy of the plant go upwards?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not especially. The plant will continue to grow up with leaves at the bottom. Can be nice to remove them for aesthetics though

[@kbm4409]

Question ❓..do you have an update on plants beginners should avoid now that it has been a while since your previous list, and since you have started doing some different things for your houseplants

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not done an update since that vid. I’m sure I will at some point though

[@bridgetkenny9048]

I haven’t changed anything with my fiddle leaf fig- had been thriving and was happy out! And even pruned it and had two new branches? And now the new buds on those branches have stopped? They just dried and sit there? They don’t seem to be opening up to produce new leaves? And I don’t know why! And now I don’t know what to do 😅

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Similar thing happened to one of mine. Not sure why. I thought maybe lack of light but it lived on a windowsill. The soil was wet though so it could be that

[@loutauro]

Hi Sheffield. What is the water ratio for this plant ? I’m always worry about over watering. Lol. Thank you

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Don’t let it get wet. Hard to say a water ratio. I bottom water and add about a quarter of the vol of the pot of water to the saucer

[@loutauro]

@@SheffieldMadePlants thank you 🙏🏼

[@silviadimitri6434]

Can the leaves grow back at the bottom if they felt in the first place? I have a beautiful ficus very tall but only the half top part is with leves. Unfortunately I made some mistakes in the past 😓

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You can try notching. There are videos about it. I’ve struggled with it but you may have better luck

[@suzannesutton5636]

would have liked to see more real examples of underwatering

[@mws6267]

Watched it, got it, still don't know why my plant dropping leaves...

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

Ive decided to not buy anymore ficuses, they are so needy and dramatic to own and upkeep. Producing new growth and looking happy just to drop leaves over night lol. Only own my ficus benjamina at the moment and it has been without any issues so far.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Must be something in your environment. They do quite well for me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bernadetteramos1940]

I have two huge Fiddle Leafs plants, I give it artificial light since the sun as moved to another window which is crowed with other large plants, no room for them. I’ll try once a month watering. May I ask you to show pictures of overwatering, under-watering, dry heat, lack of sun leaves, so I can figure it out, you said leaf’s want grow back? How do I get leaves to grow elsewhere? Please help me, I love them so much. Thanks. Bernadette

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You can try notching a stem. Either that or you have to cut a stem back for it to branch.

[@40bdg]

How far down should I insert my moisture meter into the soil?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Most of the moisture will be in the lower half so go beyond half way

[@hattierobinson347]

I decided to repot it. I lost the bottom leaves.😂😂

[@LawryBoyer]

Any tips on how to get more height? Everyone talks about encouraging branching but mine won’t stop growing sideways instead of up…

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

More and more light I guess

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

These 3 plant hacks change everything 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6m5YZWwnJhnsLM

[@shura8817]

It is also normal for bottom leafs to eventually fall... And let the plant grow. It's a tree.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I think I mentioned that 🤔

[@shura8817]

@@SheffieldMadePlants maybe I missed it lol

[@kbm4409]

Do you use commercial insecticide or do you make your own? If you make your own what do you use and if not what brand to you purchase

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Neem is good for pests. A regular wipe with just water will keep pests away. Prevention is key

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

You have one of the most informative and easy to follow monologues. I liked I did like your monologue because there were no distractions but now you've got all those crazy distractions trying to be funny and I just think that that's not the way for you to go.

[@Mel_T.s]

I personally respectfully disagree! Also, there are a lot more people that love the clips and humor 🥰

[@hattierobinson347]

My Fiddle Fig is not growing. It is dropping leaves after I moved it. It seems moist. =Should I repot it in drier soil?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Does the soil seem very dense? If so a change might be needed

[@hattierobinson347]

Should I propagate it?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It propagates easily

[@MayraFennell-ui5mx]

When I go get me a fig tree plant. I know my neighbors are gonna do evil to kill my plant because there jealous and are hateful because there doing a hate crime to me

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😬

[@jackrice2770]

Use a moisture meter. Use a moisture meter. (How many times do we need to say it?) With small or shallow pots, a finger is okay, but if the pot if deeper than your finger, USE A MOISTURE METER! I've used one for decades now, and mostly my plants thrive. Forget about schedules! The variations in humidity, light and temperature mean that there can't be a single rule for each situation. Use a moisture meter. (Anyone now wondering if they should use a moisture meter?)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

So you’re saying use a moisture meter? 🤔

[@jackrice2770]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Did I communicate that adequately? 😳

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I’ve never seen a leaf spring out of anywhere but the tops so this thumbnail is SUS.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Not sure what you mean

[@amberlouie7904]

M.

[@lindacross4568]

Get someone you can understand.

[@BrandonKoruna]

First

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Hehe

[@mollyyoungblood8883]

I liked your videos, but you lost me at Amazon. I care about plants and people. I will now be boycotting this channel. Pro union!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Bye

[@derekrevels6402]

These 10 minute videos can be made in 30 seconds; learn brevity. Otherwise your content isn't that useful, why should youtube pay you for this?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Someone needs a hug 🤗

[@shelley6712]

A loooong hug

[@anicacastillo5589]

learn how to pay attention

[@star_fossil]

Another tiktok victim whinging on YT, how tragic