All houseplants are potential breeding grounds for insects, and fiddles are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Another insect you might notice bugging your fiddle leaf fig is the fungus gnat.
What is eating my fiddle leaf fig?
Pests – Fiddle leaf figs are susceptible to fairly common pests, such as mealy bugs, scale, mites, whiteflies, and aphids, but on a healthy, growing fiddle leaf fig they are rare. In the event a bug finds its way to your fig, simply wipe it down with a soapy wet rag.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig getting holes in the leaves?
There are many reasons that a Fiddle Leaf Fig could have leaves with holes. A pest infestation is most likely; many insects feed on leaf tissue, creating holes. Other common causes are humidity issues that affect new growth, nutrient deficiencies, rot caused by overwatering, or physical damage.
What do spider mites look like on a fiddle leaf fig?
One of the most tell-tale signs of spider mites are small, dark red or brown dots on the leaves. These are the insects themselves, so look closely with magnifying glass to see if the dots are moving. This might also indicate where the spider mites have started to snack on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves!
How do I stop my fiddle leaf fig from losing leaves?
Lack of watering and very dry air can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. Take care not to put your plant in direct sun or near a heating vent, where it is blasted with dry air regularly. Fiddle leaf figs do not like drafts, so picking a spot away from any vents or blasts of hot air is ideal.
How do you debug a fiddle leaf fig?
I have a stunning Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig) that has just exploded this summer.
How to Debug Large Plants to Bring Indoors
- Step 1: Spray neem oil.
- Step 2: Flush out soil.
- Step 3: Rinse and let drain.
How do you get rid of pests on fig trees?
To combat these beetle pests, set bait traps prior to figs ripening. When the traps have done most of the work of ridding the tree of beetles, spray the tree with an insecticide containing malathion in a sugar/water solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can you tell if a fiddle leaf fig has pests?
Look around the branches and undersides of the leaves for pear-shaped green, white, or brown bugs. One small bug is difficult to spot, but they are usually found in large colonies, making them incredibly easy to identify.
Should I cut off leaves with holes?
Fortunately, there’s good news! Greens with holes in them that were created by feeding insects or slugs should be fine to eat, if you cut away the damaged parts. However, there are times when you do want to avoid produce that has been damaged by the local wildlife.
What causes tiny holes in leaves?
Chewing insects eat leaves and make holes by biting or tearing leaves and grinding them with their tooth-like mandibles. Few plants — or plant parts — are safe from damage by chewing insects. Day-feeding Japanese beetles skeletonize the leaves of hundreds of plant species.
What are the first signs of spider mites?
Early signs of spider mites
- Small yellow or white spots on the needles or top of the tree leaves.
- A bronze or yellow appearance in single or multiple areas of a tree.
- Silky webs present around tree stems and leaves.
What does spider mite damage look like on leaves?
Initially, spider mite damage will appear as small yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. If the plant is badly infested, the plant’s health will suffer, it may develop completely yellow leaves and it may stop growing. Spider mite damage may also include a telltale spider web type webbing on the plant.
Can you wipe spider mites off leaves?
Physically remove the mites, hose off in a shower or wipe all of the leaves down thoroughly with a damp cloth. Clip away any heavily damaged leaves. Treat the plant. You can find lots of pesticide treatments for these guys but it’s always great if you can go natural.
How often should you water a fiddle leaf fig?
about once a week
The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days. As we mentioned earlier, FLFs are native to a rainforest-like environment, which means they’re used to receiving a huge deluge of water with dry spells in between.
Can fiddle leaf figs grow back leaves?
Fiddle Leaf Figs do not regrow lost leaves the way the Rubber Plants can. So keeping them healthy is super important because once the leaf is gone, it’s gone.
Should a fiddle leaf fig be misted?
Fiddle leafs are happiest at 65% humidity, which is much higher than most homes. The best way to mist is to fill a spray bottle and leave it beside the plant. This way, you can mist it with room-temperature water regularly. It is especially important to mist your plant after you’ve dusted its leaves.
Should I put rocks in the bottom of my fiddle leaf fig?
Use a pot with several drainage holes, like some plastic pots, and then simply place your plant in the decorative container. Add a layer of gravel or drainage rocks to the bottom of any pot, though we still recommend using a pot with drainage holes.
Do fiddle leaf figs like direct sunlight?
Fiddle Leaf Figs should be placed in front of a window that will receive direct morning or afternoon light. Ideally, what you’re aiming for is a window with a mostly unobstructed eastern, western, or southern exposure — you don’t want trees or close buildings shading the window.
What is eating my fig?
Answer: The most likely culprits are squirrels, mice or birds. It may even be that birds have caused some damage and then part of the fruit has rotted away. Slugs and snails are efficient climbers too. Unfortunately, unless you see the creatures in action, you will never know.
Can I spray vinegar on fig tree?
Acetic acid kills only plant tissues it touches. So spraying it directly on weeds surrounding established plants, including trees, is safe. Also, those plants, especially perennials, can regrow because their root systems are not harmed by the vinegar.
What do you spray on fig tree leaves?
The tree should be sprayed with copper fungicide at weekly intervals for three applications. Pick off infected leaves on the plant and on the ground to minimize infection. Fig trees should be in a sunny, dry location with good air circulation.