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Dropping Leaves on fiddle leaf fig
What's Happening
Reduced daylight hours and dry indoor heat in winter trigger an ethylene burst, causing the plant to shed older leaves to conserve energy. This is often mistaken for overwatering.
How to Fix It
- 1
Move the plant closer to windows or supplement with grow lights (12-14 hours) during winter.
- 2
Reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
- 3
Keep away from heating vents and cold drafts.
How to Prevent It
Maintain stable temperatures between 65-75°F. Do not repot or fertilize during the dormant winter period.
Related Problems
Same Problem on Other Plants
Go Deeper
This is covered in-depth in the fiddle leaf fig Mastery Pack — structured modules with video walkthroughs, advanced protocols, and rescue timelines.
Get the Mastery Pack — $37 →Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dropping leaves on my plant?
Reduced daylight hours and dry indoor heat in winter trigger an ethylene burst, causing the plant to shed older leaves to conserve energy. This is often mistaken for overwatering.
How do I fix dropping leaves?
Move the plant closer to windows or supplement with grow lights (12-14 hours) during winter.. Reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down..
How do I prevent dropping leaves from happening again?
Maintain stable temperatures between 65-75°F. Do not repot or fertilize during the dormant winter period.