Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Inspect the leaves for mosaic patterns.
- Verify the pot has good drainage.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Let the top 3 to 5 centimeters of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Fig Mosaic Virus
PossibleHow to tell: You will see yellow mottling or mosaic patterns across the leaf surface. This is a common viral issue that does not have a cure.
What to do: Keep the tree healthy with proper light and water to help it manage the virus. Avoid pruning with dirty tools to prevent spreading it to other plants.
Find out what's wrong with your fig
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for older leaves at the bottom of the tree to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly to new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Water only when the top few centimeters of soil are dry and keep the tree in full sun.
Fig: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fig and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I cure fig mosaic virus?
- No, there is no cure for this virus. Most fig trees live a long life despite the mottling if they are well cared for.
- Does yellowing mean I need more fertilizer?
- Usually not. Overwatering is a much more common cause than nutrient deficiency.
More problems with Fig
- Why are there spots on my common fig leaves?
- Why is my common fig dropping its leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my Ficus carica?
- Why is my fig tree growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my fig tree's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my fig tree drooping?
- How do I fix root rot on my fig tree?
- Why are my fig tree leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.