If you notice your fig tree’s leaves turning brown, it’s usually a sign that something is up—unless, of course, it’s autumn and your tree is just getting ready for its winter nap. The culprits can range from simple watering mistakes to more stubborn diseases.
Watering Woes
Fig trees generally love a drier environment, but they aren’t cacti—they still need a drink now and then! The biggest danger for a fig is “wet feet” (standing water). You’ll want to be conservative with your watering. If you’re growing your fig in a pot, make sure you have a solid drainage layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom. This keeps water from pooling around the roots and causing rot.
On the flip side, leaves can also turn brown if the tree is parched. While established trees in the ground can handle a few weeks of drought, you should grab the hose if you see the leaves starting to droop. For potted figs, the key is consistency—give them small amounts of water regularly rather than one giant soak.
Sunburn and Shock
Seeing brown leaves in the spring? It might be a case of sunburn. This often happens after a change in location or if you waited a bit too long to remove winter protection. Those fresh leaves aren’t used to intense, direct UV rays yet, and they can actually scorch, turn brown, and drop off.
The fix is easy: give your tree a “tanning schedule.” Gradually acclimate it to the sun. If your fig was overwintering indoors or in a garage, don’t move it straight into the blazing sun. Put it in a spot with partial shade for a few days first. If it’s in the ground, remove the winter burlap early enough so the tree can adjust as the sun gets stronger.
Fungal Infections
Luckily, figs are pretty hardy, but they do occasionally deal with diseases like fig rust. This usually starts as tiny reddish-brown spots that eventually take over the whole leaf.
If you see this, act fast: pluck off the infected leaves and toss them in the trash (not the compost!). Check the ground for fallen leaves and clear those out too. For a natural remedy to a larger outbreak, try spraying the tree with a 50/50 mix of milk and water—it’s a classic gardener’s trick to fight off fungi.
