---
title: "Does anybody have any idea what is happening to my fiddle leaf fig’s…"
description: "Does anybody have any idea what is happening to my fiddle leaf fig’s leaves? It looks to me like something has been munching on it, but I have no idea what it…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/c1vwsb5DAt1GXQJxFToH4y"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Lynda"
published: "2025-04-21T02:49:33.805551Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/VurGUxCwSwK0poclveJMXg.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md)

# Does anybody have any idea what is happening to my fiddle leaf fig’s…

_Posted by Lynda on 2025-04-21_

Does anybody have any idea what is happening to my fiddle leaf fig’s leaves? It looks to me like something has been munching on it, but I have no idea what it is. I can’t find any indication of pests on the backs of the leaves or the stems. This plant gets appropriate care with adequate water, good humidity, proper sunlight, and liquid fertilizer with every watering. (Ignore the edema on the backs of the leaves; I was late in watering, recently.) To me, it almost looks like a mechanical injury, but I’m the only one who handles this plant, and I’m usually pretty careful. So, any ideas? TIA!

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/VurGUxCwSwK0poclveJMXg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/bLWBQHZ4RP-kVaQaBVw4kA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/8fgF1g4ITlCOIyZt_-jPWw.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Taylor commented on 2025-04-21

it looks like the fiddle leaf fig is showing signs of leaf damage that could be due to a few possible causes:  
1\. Pest Damage: Even if no pests are visible, it’s still possible something like spider mites, thrips, or fungus gnats may be present. These are tiny and often hide on the underside of leaves or in the soil. Look for:  
• Tiny webbing (spider mites)  
• Silvery streaks or black specks (thrips)  
• Fungus gnats hovering around the soil  
2\. Physical Damage or Environmental Stress:  
• The brown edging and random patches could be from brushing against something (like furniture or walls) or rapid environmental changes (humidity drops, cold drafts, or underwatering).  
• Inconsistent watering or low humidity can also lead to dry patches that might look like “munching.”  
3\. Fungal or Bacterial Leaf Spot:  
• The more speckled/mottled leaf (bottom right) especially looks like it might be fungal. Overwatering or water sitting on the leaves can encourage this. If it’s this, prune affected leaves and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.

What to do:  
• Inspect closely (top and bottom of leaves, stem, and soil) with a magnifying glass if possible.  
• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust or pests.  
• Isolate the plant if pests are suspected.  
• Consider applying a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap weekly if pests are suspected.  
• Improve air circulation and ensure proper watering (not too dry, not soggy).

If you’d like help identifying pests or confirming the diagnosis, you can send a closer image of the leaf undersides or any other affected parts.

### KJM commented on 2025-04-21

Browning edges can be a sign of root rot. Although it sounds like you've been careful I would still check the roots to make sure. There's also a chance of a bacterial infection. You should remove infected leaves, isolate, and treat with a fungicide if you are concerned about that. Does your plant get any drafts? That can be an issue or as you considered simple environmental damage. Are they older leaves? If they are maybe they're just done and need to be trimmed away as they fade.

---

_Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_