Leaves on your formerly stunning fig have likely turned brown or yellow, wilted or dropped, or become speckled with red blotches. These are signs that you’re over watering fig trees, but what should you do about it? Not to worry! You’ll have everything you need to get your fig healthy again after reading this article.
Toxic brown spots appear on Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves due to overwatering. Your plant’s growth may also stop, and the leaves may yellow or fall off. This harm to your plant can be brought on by overwatering, which could also lead to additional issues including mineral buildup, nutritional insufficiency, and root rot.
Is Over Watering Fig Trees Possible?
Have the leaves of your fig trees turning brown or yellow? Have you made inquiries on the reason and you’re being told that it’s because you’re over watering fig trees?
Naturally, depending on the circumstances, a fig tree may be overwatered. To put it another way, the extra watering you’re doing is definitely making your fig tree overly thirsty. An further symptom of overwatering is if the soil around your fig tree is moist to a depth of over 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Overwatering may harm fig plants. It is not advised to water fig plants more often than once per week. Overwatering is indicated by soil that is moist to a depth of over 1 inch (2.5 cm). You’ve overwatered your fig trees if there are dark patches on the margins of the leaves. Fly swarms near the plant’s base are a sign that the soil is too wet. As long as the soil is allowed to fully dry out, overwatered fig trees may be salvaged from the brink.
Another clear indication of overwatering is if the margins of the fig leaves develop black stains. A curious sign of oversaturation is the appearance of flies buzzing around the tree’s base. Unfortunately, an overwatered fig tree can’t be saved. However, you must allow the soil to dry fully before watering it again. Then, be sure to water your fig trees just once every seven to ten days. To ensure you are not going overboard, feel the soil periodically.
What Are the Signs You’re Overwatering Fig Trees?
1. Root Rot
Brown dots form on the leaf margins and centers as a result of root rot. These multiply and cause the leaves to fall. Inspect the roots directly to see whether your plant is suffering from root rot. Rotted roots will appear mushy, wet, and brown.
2. Brown and Wilting Leaves
You may have overwatered your plant if you notice that the leaves are becoming brown and developing darkened areas either in the middle or around the margins of the leaves. Also seeming to shrink and wilt will be the leaves.
3. Leaves turning yellow
A clear sign of overwatering is the beginning of yellowing leaves. The bottom leaves of the plant may experience this discolouration initially.
4. Dropping leaves
When a plant is attempting to preserve energy, leaves will fall off it. This often points to an issue with the plant. If your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves start to fall off, you may have overwatered it, which may have led to root rot or nutritional deficiencies.
5. Curled leaves and stunted growth
Leaf Fiddle New leaves grow on figs often. They will generate new tissue every 4 to 6 weeks. Overwatering may be the cause of a decrease in new leaf development. Additionally, it may make leaves curl.
6. Edema
As the disease progresses, Fiddle Leaf Fig plants will develop little red or brown patches on their leaves. When a plant’s roots have absorbed more water than it can manage, these patches develop. The leaves’ cells rupture as a result of this. These dying cells are what cause the black patches on the leaves.
When Can I Water My Fig Trees?
If a fig tree is already established, you usually won’t need to water it unless there has been a substantial lack of rain.
For younger trees, however, care should be taken to ensure that they get enough watering and a thick layer of mulch to help them retain moisture. Figs like having organic mulch, such as grass clippings, applied to them. Mulching may also help nematodes appear less often.
The darkening of the tree’s foliage and the loss of leaves will indicate if the tree needs watering. Don’t wait until fig trees show symptoms before watering them. A smaller or less excellent yield may result from this, which will only stress the trees. When confused whether to water a fig tree, stick your fingers into the ground and feel for dryness near the surface. If you find this, the tree needs water.
Tips on Irrigating Fig Trees
The ideal method for watering a fig tree is to let the hose flow slowly or to place a dripline or soaker hose far from the trunk.
Place your irrigation system to irrigate an area of land that is beyond the fig tree’s crown since tree roots often spread out broader than the canopy. The quantity and frequency of irrigation are influenced by temperature, rainfall, and tree size.
A fig could need weekly or more irrigation during hot, dry spells. In the summer, water thoroughly at least once monthly to both reach water to the deepest roots and remove salt buildup. Fig trees growing in containers often need more frequent watering, particularly when outside temperatures exceed 85oF. (29oC).
This could entail daily irrigation, but as previously, feel the soil first to determine if watering is required. Avoid watering too often since figs dislike having damp feet. In between waterings, let the tree air out a little. Do not overwater, but do water gently and thoroughly. It’s enough to do this every 10 days to 2 weeks. Reduce the amount of watering in the autumn when the tree goes into dormancy.
Do Fig Trees Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Fig trees don’t enjoy damp soil; they need well-drained soil. It is preferable for the soil to be somewhat dry rather than too wet. This is so that they can survive short periods of damp soil, yet being semi-tolerant of drought.
Fig trees like damp soil that is not soggy. Fig trees can tolerate extremely damp soil, although they prefer dry soil.
In the end, fig trees appreciate somewhat damp soil, but it is advisable to ensure that the soil fully dries out between waterings. Both too dry and too damp soil may cause fig plants to grow stressed.
How Much Water Does a Fig Tree Need?
Although a mature fig tree can endure droughts and exist on only natural rainfall, it benefits from regular watering, particularly during prolonged drought seasons. If you wish to get a bounty of fig fruits as a reward, this is extremely useful.
A fig tree typically requires 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water each week. Take a close look at the tree’s leaves; if they turn yellow and fall off, this is an indication that the plant needs watering. Keep the ground damp but not drenched. Mulch added all around the tree might aid in moisture retention.
Water your plants at least once a month during the driest months of the year to ensure that they have enough water to reach their roots. Every week for 45 minutes, sprinkling water on the area around the tree. A fig may also be grown in a pot.
Fig trees often need more frequent watering, particularly during the drier months, like other trees maintained in containers. See whether the soil needs to be watered if it is dry. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering. Reaching deep roots requires steady, thorough irrigation. During the dry seasons, you may reduce your irrigation.
How Do You Know If a Fig Tree Needs Water?
Yellow leaves will appear on fig trees that don’t get sufficient water. Additionally, the leaves might fall before they should. Your fig tree wants additional water if it is producing fruit, but the figs are unusually tiny or lack color as they start to mature.
Your fig trees require water if their foliage is yellow. Your fig trees aren’t getting enough water if their leaves fall off early.
Your fig tree requires extra water if the fresh leaves are smaller than the older foliage. More water is often required when the margins of the leaves are brown or yellow. If you notice the issue before the fruit has been produced, fig trees that are severely dehydrated may generally be salvaged. You will therefore be destined to gather figs that are unnaturally tiny.
Best Watering System For Fig Tree
1. MIXC 226FT Greenhouse Micro Drip Irrigation
It is possible to use this micro drip irrigation system to water an area up to 160 square feet in size. All your plants may be watered at the same time with 200-inch of irrigation tubing and 26-inch of extension hose. Simple installation requires neither plumbing knowledge nor digging. includes instruction. The innovative 4×6-way connector can split water into up to 16 tributaries, improve water pressure, and properly address the issue of water shortage at the end of an irrigation system.
The micro drip irrigation kit includes three different types of sprayers, each of which can be individually adjusted for a particular setting and set of requirements. Drip irrigation systems for plants can reduce water consumption by up to 70%. Your plant receives exactly the proper quantity of water in the root zone with precision watering.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- It has adjustable emitters for the amount of water for each plant
Cons:
- Expensive
Conclusion
For arid or semi-arid climates, fig trees are a great option. They’re used to rather dry soil and intermittent water since they are a Mediterranean fruit. They are thus simple to cultivate and care for. This year, make an investment in some fig trees and you’ll have plenty of wonderful fruit for several years.