Fiddle Leaf Fig Prone to Edema: How to Protect
Ficus lyrata
Edema (also spelled oedema) is a non-infectious physiological disorder caused by an imbalance between water uptake and transpiration. When roots absorb water faster than leaves can release it through transpiration, cells in the leaf tissue swell and burst, forming characteristic wart-like blisters. This is purely a cosmetic issue and does not threaten plant health.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Small translucent fluid-filled blisters appear on leaf undersides
- âĒ Wart-like bumps primarily affect older leaves, starting at margins
- âĒ Blisters may increase in size, merge together, then burst
- âĒ Ruptured blisters leave tan or brown corky scars
- âĒ Leaves may curl or show minor distortion
- âĒ Occasionally affects stems with raised corky lesions
- âĒ No yellowing, wilting, or plant decline (distinguishes from disease)
â Possible Causes
- â Excessive water uptake by roots exceeding transpiration capacity
- â High relative humidity (above 70%) reducing moisture loss through stomata
- â Low light conditions (below 2,500 lux) limiting photosynthesis and transpiration
- â Cool air temperatures combined with warm root zones
- â Poor air circulation preventing water vapor dispersal
- â Overwatering or waterlogged soil conditions
- â Cool, cloudy weather during winter months
- â Sudden environmental changes (greenhouse to home transition)
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Step 1
Stop watering immediately and let soil dry out
Step 2
Move plant to area with better air circulation and lower humidity
Step 3
Remove all heavily blistered or damaged leaves
Step 4
Ensure drainage holes are clear and functioning
Step 5
Place container on pot feet to improve drainage
Step 6
Reduce ambient humidity if growing indoors
Organic Treatment
Step 1
Reduce watering frequency immediately - allow soil to dry between waterings
Step 2
Improve soil drainage by incorporating organic matter (leaf mould, well-rotted compost)
Step 3
Apply foliar spray of compost tea weekly to strengthen plant immune system
Step 4
Increase air circulation around affected plants
Step 5
Remove severely affected leaves to prevent further stress
Step 6
Apply organic silica supplements to strengthen cell walls
Step 7
Introduce mycorrhizal fungi to enhance nutrient uptake
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Water only when top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to touch
- â Ensure proper drainage with well-draining soil and pots with holes
- â Maintain humidity below 60% using dehumidifiers if needed
- â Provide adequate spacing between plants (6+ inches minimum)
- â Ensure good air circulation with fans running 4-6 hours daily
- â Provide sufficient light (6+ hours direct sun or grow lights)
- â Avoid temperature extremes between soil and air
- â Empty plant saucers 30 minutes after watering
ðą Care Guide: Fiddle Leaf Fig
ð§ How to Water
Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, typically every 10-14 days. Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then discard excess. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering causes leaf drop and root rot.
âïļ Lighting
Requires bright, indirect light with some morning sun. East-facing windows are ideal. Will not tolerate low light conditions - leaves will yellow and drop. Grows toward light source, so rotate regularly.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).