Are you worried about unsightly water spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig? Worry no more, because this blog post will give you all the necessary information. After reading this guide you will know what causes water spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig trees, how to prevent them, and how to remove them in three easy steps.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- White residue on Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves is caused by mineral deposits from hard water and salt deposits from fertilizer
- To remove white water spots, gently wipe off the leaves with a mixture of soap and water and rinse the leaves with distilled water or rainwater
- To prevent water spots from forming, use distilled water or rainwater to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant and avoid misting the leaves.
- If you water your plant with tap water, or if you fertilize your plant, once a month flush out excess salts from the soil by following these steps: thoroughly water, wait 15 minutes for the salts to dissolve in water, thoroughly water several times and let all the water drain out.
Fiddle Leaf Fig with white spots on the left and with no white spots on the right image
White residue on Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves is caused by: mineral deposits from hard water and salt deposits from fertilizer, as well as from misting the leaves with hard water. If you water your plant with hard water or if you fertilize it, minerals and salts will accumulate in the soil. Hard water contains high amounts of minerals such as magnesium, chlorine, and calcium. As the water transpires through the leaves, it will leave a white residue. This white coating consists of mineral deposits and salts.
Salts from fertilizer, watering with hard water, misting with hard water or usage of foliar fertilizer can cause white residue on Fiddle Leaf Fig Lleaves
Misting the leaves with hard water will also cause white residue buildup. As the water evaporates from the leaves, it will leave a coating in the form of white spots. Some garden centers will spray foliar fertilizer on the leaves which will also leave behind salt deposits.
Water droplets on the Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaf - if the water is hard these droplets will turn into white water spots
If you’re unsure whether the water in your home is hard water, you can test it using a DIY kit, or call/email your municipality to find out. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (an agency of the Department of the Interior), hard water is classified as water with with 121 to 180 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of calcium carbonate. 0 to 60 mg/L is classified as soft, 61 to 120 mg/L as moderately hard, and more than 180 mg/L is very hard.
Applying foliar fertilizer to your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant with a spray bottle can also lead to salt deposits and unsightly white spots
According to the University of Maryland, both salts and mineral deposits can negatively affect your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s health since they can disturb water absorption. They can also interfere with the pH of the potting soil and thus block the absorption of nutrients.
How to Remove Hard Water Spots On Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
To successfully remove hard water spots on Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves you will need the following supplies:
- distilled water
- 1 tsp natural detergent-free soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Spray bottle
You can remove hard water spots in three easy steps:
- Take a spray bottle, fill it with clean water and spray the Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves thoroughly. This is done to dissolve the minerals and make them easier to remove. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Take 1tsp natural detergent-free soap, mix it with distilled water and stir the mixture. Soak a microfiber cloth and wipe the leaves gently. Use one hand to support the underside of the leaves and be gentle to avoid damage to the leaves.
- Wash off the soap with distilled water. Shower your plant and tilt it gently so the soapy water doesn’t get into the soil.
Wipe the Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves with a mixture of detergent-free soap and distilled water to remove water spots
This approach gives the best results, however, it can be slightly time-consuming. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply wipe each leaf using a damp cloth.
How To Prevent Water Spots From Forming On Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves
To prevent water spots from forming on Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves, use distilled water or rainwater to water your plant. Distilled water and rainwater contain no minerals and can’t create mineral deposits on the leaves. Also, avoid misting Fiddle Leaf Figs and avoid foliar fertilizing of Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, as this will leave white spots on the leaves. To learn more about the best type of water for Fiddle Leaf Fig, check out the detailed article on the topic.
Water spots can be easily prevented: 1. water with distilled water or rainwater 2. don't mist or do foliar fertilizing 3. don't fertilize, if you fertilize flush the soil once a month
Conclusion
Water spots on the Fiddle Leaf Fig plant aren’t a beautiful sight, and the leaves with water spots may look dull and lose their shine. If you follow the advice in this blog post, your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree leaves will restore their shine in no time, and you will keep the annoying water spots at bay.
Yours Truly,
I’m new to the green world and this is Wonderful information to read to care for my fiddle.
I’ve just got myself a giant fiddle and it has water/salt spots all over the leaves, I have tried wiping with a damp cloth and they don’t budge so I’m going to need to use your method. The nursery either had hard water or it was the fertilizer they sprayed it with. I’m in aus and can’t find a natural detergent free soap, any suggestions?
Thank you
Hi Rhee, that’s an excellent question. I suggest buying an insecticidal soap such as this one. It’s a soap and it will also help with pest treatment and prevention: https://www.mrhouseplant.com/recommends/insecticidal-soap-2/