Fiddle Leaf Fig Brown Patches: Light, Water, and Quality

A 5-foot fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), 2 months old, $140, had random brown patches on lower leaves. Good indirect light; soil kept dry for fear of overwatering.

Common Causes & Fixes (Will Creed)

• Light: Needs direct sun a few hours daily—right at uncovered window.
• Water: May be too dry. Water when top ½ inch feels dry (if properly potted in original size pot).
• Water quality: Hard tap water causes patches; use filtered/distilled.

Adjust these three factors; monitor new growth.