The large-leaf ficus, also known as the fiddle-leaf fig, It is a popular indoor plant because it is very showy, resistant and can withstand low light, drought and a range of temperatures.
It is a plant native to Africa and is very popular for decorating interiors. It has this name because its large and beautiful evergreen leaves are shaped similar to stringed instruments such as the lyre or the violin. It is a plant that thrives in warm and humid places.
However, despite their resistance, ficus are prone to a number of diseases, which can pose a threat to the health and beauty of the plant.
This article will discuss some of the most common diseases that can affect large-leaf ficus, including a description of the signs and symptoms of each disease, as well as some control and prevention measures to keep your plant looking radiant all year round.
Brown spots on the leaves
This sickness It is called anthracnoseIt is a foliar fungal disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. It can affect a variety of plants and is especially common in large-leaved ficus.
The fungus appears as small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which may turn brown and eventually fall off. Brown spots on the leaves They can appear on new or old leaves and can even spread to nearby plants.
You can control this problem by removing and destroying the affected leaves and keeping the plant well watered and ventilated.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease which manifests itself as a white, powdery substance on the upper and lower surfaces of ficus leaves.
Infection can cause leaves to turn yellow, curl and fall off., and in severe cases can cause the plant to ricket. Controlling powdery mildew can be a challenge, but keeping the plant well ventilated and applying a fungicide can help.
Root rot on large-leaf ficus
Root rot is caused by several soil-borne fungi, such as Pythium and Phytophthora. The condition is characterized by a yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. In severe cases, root rot and plant death.
This problem in indoor plants can occur due to overwatering. It can produce almost black spots as a result of root rot.
Lack of drainage in the pot leaves the plant waterlogged which can have a negative impact on the plant. Soft stems cause brown and black spots on the leaves.
This can be solved by stopping watering the plant for a while, If the leaves do not return to normal you should transplant it. and cut off the damaged roots and place it in another pot.
Root rot can be controlled by treating the plant with a fungicide. Additionally, watering with a complete liquid fertilizer and proper drainage can help prevent the problem.
Leaves with little growth
The large-leaf ficus in good health typically develops new leaves every four to six weeks during spring and summer.
In winter it is normal for no new growth to occur, but If you don't see the normal type of growth on this plant it is possible that it is in need of nutrients. because it is not reaching the plant in the way it needs.
To solve this problem you must use a good plant fertilizer. The growth problem could also be due to lack of light as it delays photosynthesis and leaves the plant with little energy to grow.
Unbalanced growth
If the branches of your large-leaf fig start to become irregularly branched, crooked, some branches may grow longer with grouped leaves, on another side it may look weak, This problem can occur due to uneven light exposure.
One part of the plant receives more light than the other, which causes growth to be greater on the side that receives more light. In addition, the leaves that continue to grow provide shade to the other side of the plant, which makes the situation worse.
You can solve this problem by rotating the pots once a week. to ensure that all parts of the plant receive equal exposure to sunlight.
Presence of mites on large-leaf ficus
The web-like tissues that appear on the stems They are a sign that the plant is attacked by mites.
These pests make their nests in the cracks and crevices of leaves and feed on the sap. which can cause small spots to appear that turn into large patches of dead tissue over time.
To solve this problem, you have to spray the plant with water and apply a treatment with insecticidal soap for mites or neem oil until all signs of infestation disappear. It is important that you keep an eye on nearby plants since these insects can spread very quickly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs They are pests that feed on the juice of the plant, damaging and weakening the foliage. When this pest appears You may find a white, fluffy substance on the plant's stems and the base of the leaves.
They can lay up to 100 eggs, which they protect with this white layer that serves as protection. They also remove honeydew that attracts ants.
To solve this problem you have to use the same system as to remove mites. But it is advisable to isolate the plant until the mealybugs disappear. to prevent it from spreading to other houseplants.
Appearance of reddish spots on the large-leaf ficus
Reddish spots may appear on the leaves which are a problem of edema., which appear on leaves that are developing and growing.
Although you may be worried when you see them, it is not a serious matter since they will fade or disappear completely in time.
It is not necessary to remove affected leaves because it is probably damage caused by an imbalance between the plant's chemical reactions.
It could also occur due to high concentration of nutrients. or by overfeeding which can cause imbalances in the plant cells. But it fades over time so you don't have to worry.
The large-leaf ficus plant is very beautiful and hardy to place in any home or garden, but it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Providing all of the above-mentioned care can help prevent many of these problems. In addition, early detection and implementation of control measures can go a long way toward keeping the plant healthy and beautiful.