Red markings on fiddle leaf fig leaves mean that the plant is drinking up too much water at a fast pace. Thankfully, these marks will slowly fade as the plant continues to grow. If your leaves look yellow, it means that your plant is overwatered. Try cutting on back on the amount of water you give your plant each week and see if you notice a difference. If you see any brown spots, it usually means that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Adjust the position of your plant and see if you notice a positive difference!
You can also remove leaves to alter the overall shape of your fig tree. For instance, you could cut off a few leaves at the base of the plant so the foliage resembles a tree.
Wait until the fiddle leaf fig plant sprouts more leaves on top before you prune any more from the base of the plant.
You don’t want to prune the plant’s branches until the fig tree is well-established.
For instance, if you’re trimming the top of your tree, you could cut 6 in (15 cm) from the top of the tree. [6] X Expert Source Ryan Glynn, CPAPlant Specialist & Interiorscaper Expert Interview. 4 November 2021. You can cut off large branches to use for propagation purposes.
Cut the wood at a 45-degree angle if you want to propagate the branch into a new tree. In several weeks, you may notice new shoots beginning to grow from the cut. [8] X Expert Source Ryan Glynn, CPAPlant Specialist & Interiorscaper Expert Interview. 4 November 2021. This will eventually make your tree look fuller. [9] X Research source
South- and west-facing windows will provide your plant with too much direct light.
To check the soil, insert your fingers into the plant’s pot to see if any dirt sticks to your skin. If the soil looks dark and tends to stick, you likely don’t need to water your plant. [13] X Research source Leave any extra water in the drainage tray for about 15-30 minutes, then blot it away. [14] X Research source
