If you already have a fiddle leaf fig, you might often spot holes on its leaves. It is not a positive sign and it does not make the plant look appealing either. Leaving the leaf fig leaves with such holes and not treating them will lead to further health issues for the plant.
Thus, to treat this issue, it is necessary to know why this happens.
Why do fiddle leaf fig leaves get holes?
Lack of sufficient humidity is one of the main and common reasons fiddle leaf figs get holes in their leave. Insufficient watering of these plants causes them to get dry and thus the bugs can easily stick themselves to the leaves. They eat the leave and make holes.
Fiddle leaf figs show the symptoms through their leaves when the plant goes through any diseases or trouble. Drooping leaves, brown patches, discoloration of the plants, odd speckles, and a variety of other problems might indicate that your fiddle is healthy.
There are a variety of causes that might leave holes in fiddle leaf figs. If you’re noticing sudden changes in your plant leaves, here are some reasons why this is happening.
Insect or Pests invading:
This is the major problem and cause for your plant leaves getting holes. Insects invading are very common issues for both indoor and outdoor plants. Insects frequently nibble plants’ leaves, leaving small holes in them.
If you notice holes in fiddle leaf fig leaves that develop bigger or more frequently even after the plant has stopped growing, you can be sure of the pest invades. Tears in the leaves are also signs.
Lack of humidity:
This is damaging for young leaves when they unfold and stretch out. The fiddle leaf fig can’t grow and adapt to dry weather. If the plant doesn’t get enough humidity, it may get invaded by bugs and insects.
Little buds easily stick in the dry plant leaves and can stay for a longer time. They eat on the plant leaves and thus leave big holes in your fiddle leaf fig leaves.
Trauma:
Physical trauma, which occurs when the leaves are torn or punctured by some other objects, is one of the most prevalent and sometimes neglected causes of holes in these tree leaves.
If holes and tears are noticed on the leaves on healthy fiddle leaf fig plants, consider whether it has been moved lately as bumps and scrapes damage leaves.
It also happens when crushed by any objects, or your pets or children have interfered with the leaves.
Why are my fiddle leaf fig tree leaves turning yellowish and getting holes?
Excessive sunshine, inadequate drainage, overwatering, or intense lime in the water can all cause yellow foliage. These plants need good fertilizer to be healthy.
Again, when the plant is getting less exposed to sunlight and at the same time too much watering the plant is another reason.
Lack of proper and adequate amount of sunlight can also be another reason for your fiddle leaf fid tree leaves to get yellowish. A proper level of temperature is important for your tree to grow greener and healthy leaves.
When the leaves are excessively dry, the baby leaves might grow out dehydrated with holes. As they grow, they may clump together or to their shells, tearing holes in the process. This is an indication that the air is too dry for your plant, and it needs great exposure to moisture.
How to treat holes on fiddle leaf figs?
Holes in matured fiddle leaf fig leaves can’t be repaired. Thus, it’s essential to make sure that the young leaves get enough humidity and sunlight. Pest infestation is one of the main causes of holes in your plant.
Here are some remedies that can be used to save your fiddle leaf figs from getting holes.
Using Organic Method:
Non-chemical remedies are always good to start with. It may be as simple as drowning the insects and removing their webs.
First, hold a pipe with a proper flow of water and point it towards your plants. The water will keep your plant clean by washing them off on daily basis help to keep them insect-free.
Changing the Soil:
These bugs very often are found and lay eggs in the soil. These bugs come up from the soil and eat on plant leaves and make holes. Therefore, if you are having holes and tears in your fiddle leaf fig leaves, you should consider changing the soil.
Good Nutrition and Proper Humidity:
Your fiddle leaf fig can get holes when not getting proper care and nutrition. To prevent your plant from getting holes, good fertilizer containing high nutrition should be used. It is important to make sure the plant is getting enough humidity.
What to do with damaged fiddle leaf fig leaves?
It is a must to remove any damaged or diseased leaves as soon as possible, regardless of the season. When you remove the dried and damaged fiddle leaf fig leaves, take proper care and leave the tree to slowly recover on its own and natural way.
Remove the damaged fiddle leaf fig leaves by pruning. It prevents the other leaves and the tree to get infected. The infected leaves have a high chance of spreading the infection. Mark any leaves that have yellow patches or branches that have reduced leaf growth for pruning.
What is eating my fiddle leaf fig leaves?
Insects or pests that eat on plant leaves can’t be seen usually with bare eyes. The treatment and remedies can be taken by observing the damage they have caused to the tree.
During a fiddle leaf fig bug infestation, it’s critical to act fast to rescue your tree and prevent the insects from spreading to your other parts of the tree. Here are the common bugs that might be eating on your fiddle leaf fig.
Spider Mites:
These spider mites are among the most common pests in your fiddle leaf fig trees.
Inspect the fiddle leaves for insects if you find even a trace of webbing, such as thin, silky threads.
The presence of spider mites is most often detected by the existence of a web on the leaves. The formation of tiny, clustered dots on your fiddle leaf fig leaves is another symptom of being invaded by spider mites.
Mealybugs:
These soft-bodied beetles drain the sap from the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig, causing them to fall off. Honeydew is a sticky element secreted by mealybugs, and female mealybugs lay their eggs in cottony material.
Gnats:
Gnats are another typical pest seen in vertical and indoor gardening and can be eating on your fiddle leaf fig leaves.
Slugs and Snails:
Slugs and snails prefer wet, shaded locations and eat on plant leaves and make holes in leaves.
Caterpillars:
They are mostly responsible for holes in your fiddle leaf fig leaves.
Box Sucker:
Box suckers cause problems on fiddle leaf fid trees by poking small holes on the leaves.
Pillbugs:
These are bugs that eat on tree leaves.
What can I spray on my fig tree?
Fill a spray bottle halfway with warm water and add 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap. It should be free of bleach, degreaser, synthetic colors, and perfumes. Spray the mixture over your plants once a week.
Other than the homemade remedy, you can spray Neem oil on the leaves to protect from leafminers, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil for protecting against other pests.
If your fig tree is getting rust, you can spray copper fungicide. This spray should be used at weekly intervals.
Why does my fiddle leaf have bugs?
One of the most common causes of your fiddle leaf fig leaves getting bugs is a lack of humidity. When the plants don’t get an adequate amount of humidity and less water, the leaves get dry too much.
Then, the bugs coming from the soil easily stick themselves in the leaves and eat on the leaves.
How to keep bugs away from fiddle leaf fig?
Spray the fiddle leaf fig tree with chemical and non-chemical pesticides to keep them bug-free. In addition, using a net to cover the upper portion of the tree can help to prevent bugs from laying eggs on the leaves.
Changing soils frequently also helps to keep bugs away from fiddle lead fig trees.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig drying?
Your fiddle leaf fig is drying due to either lack of water or very dry air. Every plant needs proper watering for survival. If your fiddle leaf fig tree is drying, one reason could be not getting sufficient water.
Another possibility of your fiddle leaf fig drying can be due to the lack of sunlight exposure. When plants don’t get enough light they can’t produce food for themselves and eventually perishes.
How to remove leaves from fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf fig leaves can be removed by pruning. When pruning the leaves, make sure you have the right tools. It is recommended to use sharp pruning instruments instead of dull pair of scissors.
A growing bud emerges from the top of the main stem, from which new leaves will grow. Remove these delicate leaves gently with your fingers.
Final Thought:
Fiddle leaf fig leaves get holes due to insufficient care. Improper care invites severe pest inavsions and trauma to the plant. On the other hand, keeping the plant in an atmosphere with lower humidity leaves small holes on its leaves. Thus, it should be provided with proper nutrients and care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Turning Brown, Yellow, or Red?
Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Like to Be Root Bound?
When to Replant a Fiddle Leaf Fig?