How to Revive a Fiddle Leaf Fig So It Thrives for Years to Come

Fiddle leaf figs are very popular, but they're also one of the more fickle houseplants. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and are easily stressed, so you may notice yours starting to turn brown or showing other signs of stress.

It's easy to panic when this happens, but fiddle leaf figs can be made healthy again with a few simple steps. Here, we spoke with gardening experts about how to revive them—and how to care for them so they thrive.

How to Tell If a Fiddle Leaf Is Unhealthy

Fiddle leaf figs aren't shy, so if yours is unhappy, it will let you know. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale warning signs, and you'll be able to catch potential issues early:

• Dropping leaves
• Brown spots
• Slowed growth
• Yellowing leaves
• Crispy edges

How to Revive From Overwatering

If your fiddle leaf fig's leaves are yellow and drooping, then there's a good chance that you're overwatering it.

Fortunately, it should be possible to reverse the damage—so long as it's not too severe. "If the roots have all rotted from staying wet too long and lack of oxygen, then it will be impossible to revive," says Samantha Hermann, founder of House + Plant.

If too much water is the issue, then let the soil dry out slightly—but not completely. "Then, resume watering with smaller amounts at a time until the plant gets stabilized," says landscape designer and author Lee Miller. "As a general guideline, water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch."

It's also worth checking your soil—Hermann says you may need to make amendments to improve drainage, such as adding extra perlite and orchid bark. Make sure your planter has drainage holes as well.

How to Revive From Underwatering

If leaves are browning, crispy, or dropping, then your fiddle leaf fig may be responding to underwatering.

"The best solution is to give yours a deep watering," says Miller. "Water until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot, or allow the plant to sit in a saucer until it stops taking up moisture."

Hermann notes that sometimes, when the soil is very dry, it will repel water. If that's the case, you can also try placing your plant in the shower or bathtub until it fully rehydrates.

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How to Revive From Pests and Disease

Prevention is key; if you check your fiddle leaf fig regularly for pests and diseases, you can catch the problem early.

"If you suspect pests, treat the entire plant with an insecticidal soap at least once a week for a month," says Hermann. "Consistent treatment is key to covering the entire lifecycle of the pest." Avoid treating it in sunlight, Miller notes—this can damage the plant. "If you suspect disease, spray the entire plant with a copper fungicide weekly for a month," Hermann continues. "If you aren’t sure which one is the problem, you can alternate insecticidal soap and copper fungicide weekly for two months."

How to Keep It Healthy

Keeping a fiddle leaf fig healthy can be harder than you might think. If you meet a few key criteria, your plant should thrive.

• Sunlight: Fiddle leaf figs need six or more hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. This is the most important element of care, and it's the one that people often get wrong.
• Soil: Moderately moist, well-drained soil is preferred. "Allow the top layer of soil to dry out, but never allow the soil to dry out completely," adds Miller.
• Humidity: During the growing season, maintain humidity for your fiddle leaf fig with a humidifier.

Above all, make sure to keep your fiddle leaf fig's environment stable, as the plants are very sensitive to change.