Question
Hi!
My beautiful fiddle leaf tree (I bought it last summer)everyday is loosing a(bottom)leaf/leaves that are extensively covered with white(?) blemishes and brown spots, and tips are dry brown. Please help. I keep it away from the heater, spray it with the water everyday, watering every week. Wish I could add a picture. What is wrong with my precious plant? My heater is broken and I can't turn it off so currently I have 80F temperature in my apt (for three months waiting for my association to do something with that.

Thank you

Answer
Hi Monica,

The symptoms you described are generic and can be caused by improper light or watering or over potting.

You didn't mention where your Ficus lyrata is located relative to the nearest uncovered window, so I don't know if that is the cause. In any case, it should be close to and right in front of a north or east window that is completely uncovered throughout the day. Without proper light, nothing else you do will matter.

If you repotted your plant, the chances are good that you are inadvertently over watering and the roots are rotting. If you did not repot and the tree is still in its nursery pot, then you should water it as soon as the surface is dry. Once per week may not be enough, particularly in temps that are constantly around 80 degrees.

I have written articles on Ficus lyrata care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com