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Fiddle Leaf Fig · Ficus lyrata

How do I get rid of pests on my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Spider mites are the most common pests for Fiddle Leaf Figs, often appearing as tiny webs on the undersides of leaves. Check the undersides of your leaves closely if you notice small yellow dots or stippling.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing.
  2. Look for tiny moving specks on the leaf surface.
  3. Check if the leaves look dusty or have small yellow stippling marks.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see fine, silk like webbing between leaves and tiny yellow spots on the foliage. The leaves may eventually look dusty or faded.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for three weeks to kill any remaining eggs.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The air is very dry, which makes the plant more attractive to mites.

    What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a humidifier nearby. Avoid placing the plant directly next to heating vents or radiators.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fiddle leaf 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.

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When to worry

If the webbing covers the entire plant and leaves are falling off, the infestation is severe. Treat it immediately to prevent it from spreading to other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe your leaves with a damp cloth every month to keep them clean and dust free. Keep the plant healthy with proper light and water to make it less prone to attacks.

Fiddle Leaf Fig: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fiddle leaf 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.

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Questions people ask

Are spider mites harmful?
Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes leaf damage. If left untreated, they can eventually kill the plant.
Should I quarantine my plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from others immediately. Pests spread quickly, so keep it isolated until you are sure the infestation is gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Fiddle Leaf Fig

Back to the Fiddle Leaf Fig guide

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.