As a fiddle-leaf fig (*Ficus lyrata*), dropping leaves is my way of communicating distress or adapting to changes. In my natural habitat—the tropical rainforests of West Africa—I thrive in stable, humid conditions with bright, indirect light. When my leaves drop, it’s often because my environment no longer mimics these ideal conditions. I shed leaves to conserve energy or redirect resources to healthier growth. This is a survival mechanism, not necessarily a sign of imminent death.
Here are the primary reasons I might drop leaves and what you can do to help:
I dislike extremes—both overwatering and underwatering stress me out. Soggy roots lead to rot, while dry soil causes dehydration. Water me when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure my pot has drainage holes, and use room-temperature water to avoid shocking my roots.
I crave bright, indirect light. Too little light weakens me, causing leaves to yellow and fall. Direct sunlight scorches my leaves, forcing me to shed them. Place me near an east- or north-facing window, or use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight.
My tropical origins mean I thrive in humidity levels above 50%. Dry air—common in heated or air-conditioned homes—makes my leaves crisp and drop. Mist my leaves regularly, place a humidifier nearby, or group me with other plants to create a microclimate.
I prefer temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Drafts from windows, doors, or vents shock my system, triggering leaf drop. Keep me away from sudden temperature changes, especially in winter.
Without balanced nutrients, my leaves may yellow and fall. Conversely, too much fertilizer burns my roots. Feed me with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and pause in winter.
Beyond the basics, these lesser-known issues can also cause leaf drop:
If my roots outgrow my pot, I can’t absorb water or nutrients efficiently. Repot me every 1-2 years in a container 2-3 inches larger, using well-draining soil.
Spider mites, mealybugs, or fungal infections weaken me. Inspect my leaves regularly. Wipe them with neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests appear, and isolate me from other plants to prevent spread.
Moving me to a new location—or even rotating my pot—can cause temporary leaf drop. Give me 2-4 weeks to adjust before making further changes.
To keep me healthy and leafy:
Stick to a regular watering and fertilizing schedule. Sudden changes disrupt my growth cycle.
Dust blocks sunlight absorption. Wipe my large leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to redirect energy to new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid infection.
Test my soil’s pH (I prefer 6.0–7.0) and refresh it annually to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.
