Fiddle Leaf Fig Bleached Leaves: Is This A Disease?

If you notice the Fiddle Leaf Fig bleached leaves appear, the tree plant may be directly exposed to the sun. This is referred to as “mildew” or “sunburn.” Fiddle-Leaf Figs may be managed by moving the plant away from the harsh sunlight and trimming the leaves using sharp scissors.

What Causes Fiddle Leaf Fig Bleached Leaves?

Particular organisms create light brown or bleached spots on this plant if you have a pest problem. This comprises scale insects, fig mites, and the mosaic virus. If the infestation is severe enough, you may need to remove the plant from your house or treat it with natural or synthetic insecticides. 

The following is a summary of some of the most prominent Fiddle Leaf Fig problems due to these organisms that might result in this problem: 

A fig insect

Fig mites resemble tiny caterpillar insects that devour phloem, such as spider mites. Most often, they may be found in humid conditions. They might get white patches from some of these pests. If you suspect that the plants have fig parasites, it’s crucial to address them as quickly as possible.

How to fix it?

Using a pesticide made particularly for fig mites is the best approach to getting rid of them and preventing growth on the bark or other parts of the plant.

Aphid scales

White spots on this type of fig can also be caused by scale insects, a different kind of disease. Mealybugs, white flies, and aphids are among the organisms in this category. They are all microscopic critters that devour plant sap. The foliage may ultimately get spotty and turn yellow as a result of these.

How to fix it?

It’s critical to cure your plant as quickly as possible if you suspect that it has scale insects. Using neem oil is one of the best ways to get rid of them. In addition, horticultural oil is another all-natural remedy.

Virus mosaic

The mosaic virus is a type of disease that is spread by the fig mite. The plant’s leaves start to show white patches due to this disease. Leaf deformation is the virus’ most frequent sign. But it can also result in white patches on the foliage that gradually turn yellow.

How to fix it?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the mosaic virus once it has infected your Fiddle Fig. The best course of action is to keep your plant separate from other plants and keep an eye out for any new symptoms. If you wish to stop the virus from infecting other plants in your house, you might also want to destroy the plant. 

A powdery mold

Fiddle Leaf Figs are among the many plants that are impacted by the powdery mildew fungus. Humid locations tend to be where this illness is most prevalent. Your plant’s leaves start to have white patches and eventually lose their structure and color due to them.

How to fix it?

You can use a fungicide created particularly for powdery mildew to treat Fiddle Figs for the disease. To promote air circulation around your plant, you may also consider using a natural remedy like baking soda or a fan.

How can the Fiddle Leaf Fig evergreen be restored?

Take your Fiddle Fig plant out of the sun

As previously indicated, your plant’s leaves may get white patches if they are in too much direct sunlight. Remove your plant from the sun’s direct rays to avoid this happening. Instead, put your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant near a window that faces south or west, so it may get filtered light or indirect sunlight.

Remove water stains

Hard water spots might also appear as white patches on the leaves of your plant. This is due to the fact that hard water includes minerals that might accumulate on it. Because they deny the plant access to air and sometimes sunshine, these minerals may eventually cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown. Water-related problems will be one of the leading causes of infected Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, including root rot and leaf drop.

You can use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to gently wash away existing hard water stains. Using a vinegar solution is another option (one part vinegar to four parts water). Make sure to rinse the leaves with fresh water once you’ve removed the stains.

Wash the leaves

White patches on your Fiddle Leaf Fig plants’ leaves may be caused by bugs or illnesses that may be killed by soapy water. Castile soap or mild dish soap can be used to create soapy water. One quart of water should be mixed with one teaspoon of soap. The leaves of your plant should be carefully cleaned with a soft cloth.

Similar to how you would with vinegar and alcohol, be sure to rinse the leaves with clean water. You don’t want any soap residue to linger on your plant’s leaves. Construct a baking soda polisher. A biological antifungal that can improve the treatment of water to create a cleaning solution. All the foliage of the plants should be carefully cleaned with a soft cloth.

Within a few days, you’ll see a change in the look of your plant. The white spots should start to disappear, and the general appearance of the leaves should improve. This plant can also benefit from the application of baking soda to remove hard water stains. Just adhere to the directions given above.

Create a natural insecticide

You can create your own organic insecticide if you don’t want to use a commercial one. To achieve this, combine one gallon of water with two teaspoons of neem oil. The leaves of your plant should be carefully cleaned with a soft cloth. You may also mix one gallon of water with apple cider vinegar, and then clean with a soft cloth. Try using essential oils to treat bugs that cause white spots and stop them from returning, such as peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil.

Don’t water your plants excessively

One of the most prevalent issues with Fiddle Leaf Figs is overwatering them. Excess water can lead to a fungal infection in your plant. Although this plant enjoys a fair amount of wetness, it requires proper drainage in order to prevent issues like root rot and white patches.

Pruning any unsound leaves

Pruning sick leaves from your Fiddle Fig is a good idea if you see any. This may aid in limiting the spread of pathogens and pests. When doing this, it is advisable to use tidy, cutting-edge pruning shears. In order to stop the spread of illnesses, you should also disinfect the blades after each usage

Fertilize the Fiddle Leaf Fig regularly

Regular fertilization can help keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy and stave off issues like powdery mildew. Find a fertilizer that is made especially for Fiddle Figs. During the growth season, you should fertilize your plant every two to four weeks and less frequently during the winter. To avoid overfertilizing your plant, be sure to follow the recommendations on the fertilizer container.