Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Droopy?

5 Most Common Causes Of Drooping Fiddle Leaf Fig

Underwatering

If you are underwatering your fiddle leaf fig plant, it could cause the leaves to droop. To check for hydration, you can push a finger into the soil. If it is dry more than an inch deep, the plant needs some water. A moisture meter in your plant can help you to tell if your plants are getting enough water.

Overwatering

Just like a plant with too little water will struggle and droop, the same is true for overwatering a plant. Your fiddle leaf fig tree will do best in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling. Plants that are overwatered often suffer from root rot.

Most fiddle leaf fig plants only need watering every 7-10 days. Consider using a watering schedule or a moisture meter to be certain your plant is not getting too little or too much water.

Lack of Light

Do you have fiddle leaf fig leaves drooping on your once beautiful houseplant? Depending on the time of year, it may need to be moved to a sunnier location. Native to African rain forests, the plant is happiest in a warm, sunny area. When the plant is not getting enough light, yellow leaves may accompany it’s droopy appearance. The fiddle leaf needs roughly 6 to 8 hours of bright light each day.

It is worth noting that although they enjoy some direct sunlight, the majority of the sun they get should be from bright, indirect light.

Low Humidity

As you would expect, a plant native to the rain forest thrives in higher humidity levels of at least 35-60%. If your home does not maintain that humidity, you can add a small humidifier to the room. Another option is misting the leaves with water periodically.

Distress

Distress can be a result of transplant shock, which can happen when repotting any indoor plant. Environmental changes, like sudden changes in temperature or humidity levels, can also result in drooping leaves.

In addition, there are certain pest infestations that can cause wilting leaves as the pests suck the sap from the plant. Treat the plant with a safe insecticide or neem oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a droopy fiddle leaf fig recover?

Once you are familiar with the common problems that plague a fiddle leaf fig plant, you are halfway to a healthier plant. The first two things to check usually involve light and water. Putting your plant in a new home where it gets a lot of sun and working out a regular watering schedule are two quick fixes that work for most people.

What is the best way to water a fiddle leaf fig?

The best way to water these popular houseplants is on a schedule. Proper care of a fiddle leaf fig involves watering every 7-10 days. As you figure out the best schedule for your plant, stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture. Do not water it again until the top 1-2 inches feel dry to the touch.

Should you prune a droopy fiddle leaf fig leaf?

Since a fiddle leaf fig is technically a tree, it does benefit from regular pruning. Pruning is an important part of plant care as you need to remove any dead, distressed, unhealthy, or older leaves. Removing these leaves allows for healthy, new growth.

The fiddle leaf fig can live many years, so leaf drop of the lower leaves is normal. Always remove dead leaves from the pot so they don’t attract pests.

However, if your plant is just suffering from droopy leaves—not yellow or brown leaves—they may perk back up when you adjust the water or light.