If you don’t remove the dead leaves, they will continue to drain nutrients and water from the rest of the plant. [2] X Research source Browning and yellowing may indicate a bacterial infection. Removing the infected leaves may help to stop the infection from spreading. [3] X Research source
Avoid the temptation to wipe off the mildew since this can actually spread the spores to other areas of the plant.
You can also use neem oil on leaves that appear healthy otherwise. Instead of neem oil, you can mix 1 teaspoon (2. 5 grams) of baking soda with 1 US quart (950 mL) of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mildew liberally until with the solution until it clears up. Neem oil-based fungicide sprays are widely available online and at plant supply stores. Always disinfect your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the potential spread of disease.
The small black bugs or dots are most likely spider mites, while the white spots are usually mealy bugs. You may also want to spray your plant with a neem oil-based product to kill any bugs that you can’t see.
The gnats will crawl into the holes to get to the honey or apple cider vinegar, but they likely won’t be able to get back out. It can also be helpful to allow your plant’s soil to dry out while you’re treating the infestation. Gnats generally nest in the top layer of soil and thrive in moisture, so letting the soil dry out will keep them from laying and hatching eggs. Setting a gnat trap usually gets rid of a gnat infestation within a few weeks.
Your fiddle leaf fig may be dying from root rot, even if the soil on top is dry to the touch. The only way to be sure is to lift it out of the pot and examine the roots. Use a quick-draining, all-purpose soil in the new pot. [10] X Research source You can check the drainage by watering your fiddle leaf fig and making sure excess water drips out the drainage holes in the bottom.
Brown, shriveled, and straggly roots are probably too dehydrated to be revived. Removing them allows the healthy roots better access to the water and nutrients they need to thrive.
Water your plant as little as possible after repotting until it recovers to keep the bacteria from spreading. Keep your repotted fiddle leaf fig in an area with good air circulation to help prevent bacteria from festering and growing.
If your fiddle leaf fig gets too cold, you may start seeing red spots on the new leaves. If this occurs, move your plant to a warmer location. [16] X Research source
While it’s important not to overwater your struggling fiddle leaf fig, it’s equally important that the soil doesn’t completely dry out. Watering your plant about once per week should provide enough water to help revive it without over-moistening the soil.
Granular fertilizer can be hard to work with and you may risk over-fertilizing the plant. Using a liquid fertilizer is generally a safer bet because it’s easier to control. [20] X Research source For best results, use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fiddle leaf figs. If you can’t find that, use an all-purpose fertilizer that contains approximately 30% nitrogen, 10% phosphorous, and 20% potassium. [21] X Research source If your fiddle leaf fig has any mildew on its branches, avoid fertilizing until the mildew clears up. [22] X Research source
If you had to prune a lot of unhealthy branches and leaves, notching is a great way to help revive your fiddle leaf fig by encouraging it to grow new, healthy branches. A bit of white, sticky sap may drip out of the notched area.
Pinching not only helps revive your fiddle leaf fig, it also allows you a bit of control over the shape your plant will take as it grows.
Once you notice new growth on your plant, transfer it into a larger pot to allow the roots more room to grow and thrive. [26] X Research source You can repot your fiddle leaf fig during any season. [27] X Research source
In addition, if the bare branches have any hard, brown husks, leave these along as well. These husks may be protecting new growths as your plant recovers from its issues.
