8 Signs Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Needs More Humidity

Fiddle leaf figs are beautiful, but they can be a little finicky, especially when it comes to humidity. These tropical plants love moisture in the air, and when they don’t get enough, they let you know in some pretty obvious ways. Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned green thumb, recognizing the signs of low humidity can help you keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and thriving. In this guide, we’ll go over some common symptoms that show your fiddle leaf fig needs more humidity and how you can address them.

1. Browning Leaf Edges

If the edges of your fiddle leaf fig's leaves are turning brown, it's often a sign that your plant needs more humidity. When the air is too dry, the leaves lose moisture faster than they can replace it, leading to those unsightly brown, crispy edges. This symptom is common in environments where humidity is consistently low, especially during winter when indoor heating further dries out the air. Increasing the humidity around your plant can help prevent browning and keep the leaves looking lush. You can do this by misting the plant, using a humidifier, or grouping it with other plants to create a micro-humid environment.

2. Curling Leaves

Curling leaves are another clear indicator that your fiddle leaf fig is struggling with dry air. When humidity is insufficient, the leaves will start to curl inward in an attempt to conserve moisture. This curling can occur at the edges or across the entire leaf, and it means your plant is stressed and not getting the moisture it needs from the air. To address this, try raising the humidity around your fiddle leaf fig. Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help create a more humid microclimate. Just be sure the pot itself isn’t sitting directly in the water.

3. Slow Growth

Fiddle leaf figs thrive in environments with moderate to high humidity, and when they don’t get enough, their growth can slow significantly. If you notice that your plant isn’t putting out new leaves as often as it used to, or the new leaves are smaller than usual, low humidity might be the culprit. Dry air stresses the plant, causing it to conserve energy rather than focus on growing. By increasing the humidity, you can help your fiddle leaf fig resume healthy growth. Consider using a humidifier nearby or moving your plant to a more humid area of your home, like a bathroom with good natural light.

4. Leaf Drop

Leaf drop is a common stress response in fiddle leaf figs, and low humidity can be a major contributing factor. When the plant senses that it's losing too much moisture, it may start to shed leaves to protect itself. This often starts with the lower leaves, which can turn yellow before falling off. To prevent leaf drop due to low humidity, aim to keep the environment consistently humid. Regular misting or placing your plant in a naturally more humid room can help keep it happy and full of foliage.

5. Crispy Leaf Texture

A crispy texture in the leaves, especially when they feel brittle to the touch, is a sure sign that your fiddle leaf fig needs more moisture. When humidity levels are too low, the leaves lose their soft, supple quality and become dry and crisp. This makes them more prone to damage and can affect the overall health of your plant. To combat crispy leaves, try to maintain a stable humidity level around your plant. Using a humidifier is one of the best ways to ensure the air stays moist enough for your fiddle leaf fig.

6. Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can be caused by several factors, but low humidity is often a contributing issue. When your fiddle leaf fig isn’t getting enough moisture from the air, it can lead to yellow patches forming on the leaves. This usually starts at the edges or tips and can spread inward if the humidity issue isn’t addressed. Increasing humidity can help your plant regain its vibrant green color. Make sure you’re also watering correctly, as improper watering combined with low humidity can compound the yellowing problem.

7. Stunted New Leaves

If your fiddle leaf fig is producing new leaves that seem small or stunted, it could be a sign of low humidity. New leaves are particularly sensitive to the surrounding environment and need adequate moisture in the air to grow to their full size. Without enough humidity, the developing leaves may not fully expand, resulting in smaller-than-normal growth.

Increase Humidity to Remedy Stunted Growth

To help new leaves grow properly, maintain a steady level of humidity using a humidifier or by misting the plant regularly. This will ensure that your fiddle leaf fig has the ideal conditions for healthy, full-sized new leaves.

8. Split or Cracked Leaves

Split or cracked leaves can also be an indication that your fiddle leaf fig is not getting enough humidity. When the air is too dry, the leaves may become brittle, and this can lead to cracks or splits forming along the veins or edges. This damage can be especially noticeable on the larger, older leaves, which tend to lose moisture more rapidly. To prevent this type of damage, try to maintain consistent humidity levels around your plant.

Group with Other Plants for Humidity

Grouping your fiddle leaf fig with other plants, using a humidifier, or placing it in a naturally more humid part of your home can all help reduce the likelihood of cracked or split leaves.

Keep Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Thriving

Your fiddle leaf fig can be a gorgeous focal point in your home, but it needs the right environment to thrive. Recognizing the signs of low humidity—like browning edges, curling leaves, or slow growth—can help you make changes before your plant’s health declines. By increasing the humidity around your fiddle leaf fig, you can keep its leaves lush and vibrant. Remember, small adjustments like misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant in a more humid spot can make a big difference. Keep an eye on your fiddle leaf fig, and it will reward you with beautiful, healthy growth for years to come.