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How to treat Fiddle leaf fig with droopy, spotted leaves?

Hello,

I wanted some advice on what to do with my fiddle leaf. I’ve had the plant for probably 5 years. It has beautiful new growth on top but all of the lower leaves are all a bit droopy and have some brown spots on them. I have trimmed in a few times in its life, most recently a couple of months ago.

It hasn’t been repotted in a while and I definitely could be better at fertilizing. It is currently positioned in a front west facing room with indirect sunlight.

I’d love to get some advice to see this beauty thrive

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Comments

EricL

Hello @beco

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your fiddle leaf fig.

It sounds like your fiddle-leaf fig is generally healthy but may be experiencing a combination of watering issues, nutrient deficiency, and environmental stress. Since you've had it for five years, the drooping lower leaves and brown tips suggest it may need repotting, better fertilising, or small adjustments in care.

Brown, dry patches on the leaf tips are usually caused by underwatering, low humidity, or inconsistent watering. Fiddle-leaf figs prefer deep but infrequent watering—water it thoroughly when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry, ensuring excess water drains out completely. If the room is dry (especially with air conditioning or heating), try misting the plant or placing a shallow tray of water and pebbles nearby to increase humidity.

Drooping lower leaves can be a natural part of aging, but excessive drooping could mean root-bound conditions, underwatering, or lack of nutrients. Since you haven't repotted in a while, the roots may be too crowded, preventing them from taking in enough water and nutrients. Repot into a larger pot (2-5cm wider) using fresh Osmocote Premium Indoor Potting Mix from Bunnings, which provides better drainage and space for root growth.

Fiddle-leaf figs are heavy feeders, so under-fertilising may be affecting growth. Use Osmocote Indoor Plant Controlled Release Fertiliser every few months and supplement with Osmocote Pour+Feed Indoor Plant Food during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote lush foliage.

Your plant is in a west-facing room with indirect sunlight, which is good, but ensure it gets bright, indirect light for at least 6-8 hours a day. If growth has slowed, consider moving it closer to a north-facing window for better light exposure.

Since you've trimmed it before, continue removing any damaged or unhealthy leaves to help direct energy into new growth. If you want a bushier shape, lightly prune the top growth to encourage branching.

With a repot, consistent watering, fertilising, and improved humidity, your fiddle-leaf fig should recover and thrive.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

beco

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48880#Comment_48880

Thanks so much for your advice 😊

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