Red Spots On Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and Fixes

So, you have got red spots on your fiddle leaf fig. Also, there’s a good chance you haven’t run into this problem before, so that’s why you are here. Don’t worry, though! It is possible to fix red spots on fiddle leaf figs just like other figs’ common problems.

Red spots on fiddle leaf figs are caused by a variety of factors. Among them are underwatering, bacterial infections, root rot, edema, pests, etc. Furthermore, when it comes to red spots on your plants, edema is the main culprit. It is usually due to moisture stress that edema occurs.

However, the solution to this problem will soon become apparent as you work your way through the various potential problems – and hopefully, how to prevent future red spots from appearing.

So, continue reading to learn the most common causes of red spots on fiddle leaf fig leaves and what you can do to fix them. 

Main causes and how to fix red spots on fiddle leaf fig

The most common insects that cause red spots on plants are spider mites, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. However, the cause of red spots is not limited to these pests, as there are a variety of other factors involved.

I have listed all the causes of red spots on fiddle leaf figs, along with symptoms and treatments, in the table below.

Now let’s take a look at each one in detail

1. Edema

The most common cause of red spots on fiddle leaf fig plants is edema. Fiddle leaf fig plants get edema when they are overwatered. During the plant’s growth phase, they can actually be expected. This is because growing plants require more water than mature plants. 

Moisture stress is another name for edema. If a fiddle leaf fig plant is overwatered, its roots accumulate more water than its leaves can transpire. Eventually, the cells of the leaves burst due to pressure building up. As a result, the leaves are covered in red spots caused by these dead cells.

Symptoms of edema in fiddle leaf fig

• Only new sprouts are affected by edema.
• A blister formed near the red spots.
• Red spots range in size from 1-3mm.
• Red spots remain the same size.
• Leaves and stems are not damaged by edema.

How to treat red spots on fiddle leaf fig caused by edema

You should note the plant’s growth cycle if you notice red spots on the fiddle leaves. Water the plants less frequently in cool and humid weather. Most of the time, mild edema is acceptable unless it is causing root rot.

Watering balance is key, as underwatering can have its own issues. When watering a fiddle leaf plant, it is important to increase and decrease the amount mindfully. When you stop overwatering, the red spots will slowly fade away.

2. Bacterial or fungal infection

Fiddle Leaf Figs also suffer from bacterial and fungal infections, mostly caused by moisture.

From time to time, these infections can also cause brown or red spots on the figs’ leaves.

Also, the Fiddle Leaf Fig rarely suffers from bacterial infections, but they do occur occasionally. Usually, the plant is suffering even if you are following a watering schedule and don’t see any pests.

Symptoms of bacterial or fungal infection in fiddle leaf fig

• Leaves turn yellowish towards the edges.
• One leaf will have multiple spots around the edges and along the stem.
• Black spots appear on fiddle leaf fig leaves if infected with bacteria.

How to fix bacterial or fungal infection in fig plant

Follow the below steps to fix bacterial infection in your plant.

• To prevent further spread, remove the infected parts.
• Clean the pot and repot the plant in fresh soil.
• Place the plant in a location with plenty of sunlight.
• Identify any signs of bacterial infection before misting or showering the plant.
• For bacterial infection control, use bacteriocides containing copper compounds.
• It is also possible to mitigate bacterial infections by using a spray.

3. Spider mites

It is also very common for spider mites to cause red spots on fiddle leaf figs. Typically, spider mites live on the underside of the leaves of plants, where they construct protective silk webs and feed by rupturing the plant cells. This causes the cells to die, which results in red or brown spots.

In size, spider mites are less than a millimeter long. Often, they can adapt to their surroundings through their coloration, which makes them hard to spot. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect carefully. Despite the mites’ ability to hide, their characteristic webs are easy to spot. So,you can use a magnifying glass for this purpose.

Symptoms of spider mites

• Yellow or white spots on the fiddle leaf fig plant
• Leaves with marks on the upper surface
• Leaves with silvering
• The leaves and stems are bronzed
• Leaf curls or shrivels
• A change in leaf shape

How to fix tiny red spots on fiddle leaf fig caused by spider mites

The good news is that spider mites are both easy to detect and easy to remove. You can easily remove them using a jet of water if you usually find them on the underside of fig leaf figs. 

Additionally, this water removes any eggs they may have laid, thereby resolving the problem permanently. 

After this treatment, the affected leaves will gradually improve and lose the red spots. However, their growth can be permanently stunted.

4. False spider mites

It’s not just spider mites that attack fiddle leaf figs. Additionally, it isn’t just spider mites that are hard to detect; there are plenty more of them. For instance, false spider mites do not spin silky webs as real spider mites do.

An inspection using a magnifying glass can be helpful when dealing with false spider mites. Under the magnifying glass, try disturbing the red spots to see if movement is visible. Movements signify mites. And if there are no webs around, it’s probably a false spider mite.

Symptoms of false spider mites

False spider mites usually cause brown, scabby discolorations on the underside of leaves along both sides of the main vein.

How to treat false spider mites on fiddle leaf fig

You can treat false spider mites the same way you treat spider mites. Simply using a steady jet of water should do the trick.

Check Out: Our blog post on Spider Mites Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Treat!

5. Root rot

Earlier, we discussed edema and overwatering. However, overwatering can also result in another more serious problem that may result in irreversible red spots.

Overwatering your fiddle leaf fig plant can lead to fungal growth in its roots. Eventually, this leads to root rot, which causes red spots on leaves.

Therefore, it’s important to have a good drainage system. When the soil doesn’t drain well, the roots will always have more moisture than they need.

In this case, the first thing you should do if you suspect root rot is to inspect the root. Check the roots of the plant after removing it from its pot. Firm roots indicate no root rot. However, if they have turned brown and mushy, then you know what’s wrong.

Symptoms of root rot in fig plant

• Yellowing of leaves of fiddle leaf fig
• Dropping leaves
• Distorted and twisted leaves
• Red spots on leaves

How to treat root rot in fiddle leaf fig

You can fix the problem by repotting the fiddle leaf fig plant and letting it dry for a few weeks. Yet, this solution is best when there are only a few red spots on the leaves. 

It may be necessary to prune off the dead leaves if the infection has spread past a few spots.

Furthermore, you will have to cut off the mushy brown parts of the root system, which are affected by the fungus. Once the plant is repotted, let it dry for a few weeks. During this time, make sure the plant receives enough sunlight.

Learn More: About Fiddle Leaf Fig Root Rot – Causes, Signs, and How to Fix

6. Underwatering

When you overwater the plant, it gets fungus infections and root rot, which causes red and brown spots on the fiddle leaf fig leaves.

Nevertheless, underwatering can also cause severe problems, such as stunted growth or permanent growth failure.

During droughts or underwatering events, soil roots become damaged, and minerals cannot be absorbed from the soil.

Eventually, the leaves stem dies due to a lack of essential nutrients.  As a result, red-brown spots form on the leaves.

Symptoms of underwatering fiddle leaf fig

• Leaves of the Figs have red spots.
• From top to bottom, red and brown spots appear randomly.
• A plant that is underwatered looks droopy and yellow.

How to treat underwatered fiddle leaf fig plant

Fig fiddle leaf plants require different care depending on the season. Spring and summer are hotter times of year for fiddle leaf fig plants, so they need more water. Be sure to set your watering schedule accordingly.

A few tips for underwatered plants

• Soak the soil, and roots so that water drains from the drainage holes as soon as possible.
•  When the soil is arid, water cannot penetrate. To allow proper absorption, poke holes in the soil and then water.
• Water the plant once a week to prevent soil drying.
• If the plant is underwater, increasing humidity around it will also help.
• If new buds are not visible, do not transplant the plant.

Read More: About Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig – Symptoms and How to Save

7. Sunburnt fig leaves

It is very rare for Fiddle Leaf Figs to develop red spots caused by sunburn.

They prefer bright, sunny conditions, so they prefer sunlight. Nevertheless, do not place Fiddle Leaf Figs in direct sunlight; they may scorch or get sunburned.

Yet, it is possible for the leaves to turn bleached (red, brown, or white) when the plant is in direct sunlight.

Symptoms of sunburnt fig leaves

• Leaves with pale patches, especially in sun-exposed areas
• The burned section of leaf tissue may appear completely white (white) or may have varying shades of brown, red, or yellow.
• Drooping and wilting
• The worst affected leaf tips are curled

How to fix sunburnt fiddle leaf fig

Pruning off the affected leaves is the first step to fixing a sunburnt fiddle leaf fig. Unfortunately, those can’t be saved. Next, relocate the plant! 

Put your plant in a place that is adequately bright but does not have direct light. Soon, it will start thriving again.

Check Out: Our Detailed Blog on Fiddle Leaf Fig Sunburn – How to Identify, Treat & Prevent it

Tips to prevent red spots on fiddle leaf figs

You can keep fiddle leaf figs from getting red spots by giving them what they like. So, let’s take a quick look at what they need in order to survive.

• Edema is mostly caused due to overwatering. Hence, water your fiddle leaf fig plant only when the topsoil is dry 2-3 inches.
• Use well-draining soil for your plant. This is because soggy soil can cause problems such as root rot or edema. 
• The humidity level should be between 30%- 65%. Figs may suffer edema and red spots if humidity levels are too high. If there are drops of moisture on the tips of the leaves, it’s too humid.
• A good amount of air circulation is necessary. Too close planting can cause fiddle leaf fig edema.
• Keeping an eye out for insect pests. Frequently check your plants for signs of insect pests. 
• In order to thrive, fiddle leaf figs need six hours of direct sunlight per day. When your fiddle leaf fig receives too much or too little sunlight, it can develop red spots.

Few questions on red spots on fiddle leaf fig

Q.1 What causes tiny red spots on my fiddle leaf fig plant?

Ans. Edema is the most common cause of tiny red spots on fiddle leaf fig. This problem usually occurs due to moisture stress. Besides, spider mites, bacterial infection, fungal infection, and underwatering can also cause fiddle leaf fig red spots.

Q.2 How do I fix red spots on my fiddle leaf fig plant?

Ans. To fix the red spots on fig leaves,  modify your watering schedule. Moreover, consider repotting your plant in a fresh soil mix. Also, do not forget to have a pot with a good drainage system if you want to fix the problem.

Q.3 Will edema go away from my fig plant?

Ans. Yes, edema is a common problem in fig. However, they are not permanent. Eventually, they will go if proper action is taken. So, consider proper watering, lowering humidity, increase airflow to get rid of edema. Also, the existing spots caused by edema will not disappear, but they will fade as the leaves mature. Moreover, severely damaged leaves should be pruned.

Q.4 Why do leaves have red dots?

Ans. Fiddle leaf fig leaves show red dots or spots when plant cells have died. Most of the time, the cause is edema. Whenever a plant’s roots absorb more water than they can handle, edema occurs.

Conclusion

Although red spots on your fiddle leaf fig are not ideal, they aren’t the worst thing either. Your fiddle leaf fig’s red spots may be fixed by simply making some slight adjustments to your plant maintenance routine.

Despite its frightening sound, fiddle leaf fig edema is not as dangerous as it seems. Just change your watering habits and your fiddle leaf fig will have new leaves as good as new.

The same is true of getting rid of a pest or fungal infection. It’s really not that difficult to do, and once you know it, your fiddle leaf fig tree’s red spots will be history.

Additionally, if you give your fiddle leaf fig an ideal environment, such as six hours of sun, proper watering, and humidity, you won’t have a problem with red spots.

This was all about red spots on fiddle leaf fig. However, fiddle leaf fig also suffers from some other common problems. So, do check out the other helpful post below if you are a fig lover.

Related Articles

• 
  Scale on Fiddle Leaf Fig – Causes and How to Deal with Them
• 
  How to Prevent & Treat Fiddle Leaf Fig Bacterial Infection
• 
  Common Fiddle Leaf Fig Diseases & Pests (and How to Deal With Them)
• 
  How to Care and Grow for a Fiddle Leaf Fig – A Complete Guide
• 
  Fiddle Leaf Fig Fruit – Everything You Need to Know
• 
  Can I Put My Fiddle Leaf Fig Outdoors | Everything You Need to Know