Question
Hello,

I just read your answers to a couple other Ficus-leaf related questions and am hoping you can help me.

A couple months ago, I was given a ficus lyrata, about 6ft. tall, with lots of big beautiful dark leaves. Since then, more and more of the leaves are developing dark brown blemishes that slowly engulf the leaves and cause them to drop. I thought this might be due to lack of sufficient light where I had placed it, so I moved it right in front of north facing window and adjacent to a west facing window. It does not get direct light, but lots of indirect light. I live in Seattle, WA, so clouds are the norm.
I have been trying not to over water, a common compulsion for me. I water every 10 days or so.. Still maybe to much?

The spots have persisted and leaf loss have persisted. Only the very top leaves are unaffected.
Yesterday I noticed little tiny winged bugs crawling around in the soil... Should I re-pot? I don't want to cause it more stress in its already new home. Are the bugs at all related to the leaf loss? I am afraid my plant is dying.
I would be very grateful for any advice.
Thank you so much!

-Francesca

Answer
Francesca
Fiddle leaf figs like bright rooms but not direct sunlite(with the exception of morning sun). Are the brown spots on both the top and bottom side of the leaves?..They may be caused by too much sun, brown scale insects, or the result of other physical/nutritional problems...

Please send some photos of the plant (leaf, spots, whole plant from a distance)...After I see them I can better diagnose the problem...

More than likely you are not watering it properly...You can not just water a plant once a week or 10 days and know how wet the plant is...Plants die from too frequent waterings not too much water per watering...Or they die from staying dry too long...This may also cause leaf spotting...

Water your Ficus in the following manner for greater success.
Check how much the plant weighs when thoroughly watered VS its' weight when it is ready to be watered again. Sometimes it helps to put a saucer under the pot and let the plant sit in water for 10-15 minutes. Pick the pot up (or lean it if it a large pot) and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color. Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates from once a day to once a month or more.
Hope this helps,
Rick in Southern NJ