Why Are There Holes In My Fiddle Leaf Fig

There are holes in your fiddle leaf fig because of a few possible culprits, most commonly pests, physical damage, or a fungal issue.
 
If you’ve been noticing those tiny holes in your fiddle leaf fig leaves, you’re probably wondering what’s causing them and, more importantly, how to fix it.
 
The holes in your fiddle leaf fig can range from small pinpricks to larger, ragged gaps, and each type tells a different story about what’s going on with your plant.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the main reasons why holes appear in your fiddle leaf fig, how to identify the exact cause, and what you can do to stop the damage from spreading.
 
Let’s get your fiddle leaf fig back to looking its best.
 

Why Are There Holes in My Fiddle Leaf Fig? The Main Causes

The holes in your fiddle leaf fig usually come from one of three main sources, and figuring out which one is key to solving the problem.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why holes appear in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

1. Pests Are the Most Likely Culprit

The number one reason you’re seeing holes in your fiddle leaf fig is pest activity, especially from tiny insects that chew or suck on the leaves.
 
Spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs are notorious for creating small holes in your fiddle leaf fig as they feed on the plant’s sap.
 
Thrips, in particular, are tiny, slender insects that scrape the leaf surface and leave behind silvery streaks and small, irregular holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Spider mites are so small you might not see them directly, but their feeding creates tiny, pale dots that can eventually turn into larger holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
If you see holes in your fiddle leaf fig along with webbing on the undersides of leaves, spider mites are almost certainly your problem.
 
Mealybugs look like little cottony clusters and they pierce the leaves to drink sap, leaving behind yellowish spots or small holes in your fiddle leaf fig over time.
 

2. Physical Damage Can Create Holes

Sometimes, holes in your fiddle leaf fig are simply from physical damage that happens during everyday life.
 
If your plant is near a busy hallway or a spot where pets or kids brush against it, the leaves can get nicked, torn, or punctured.
 
That kind of damage leaves behind holes in your fiddle leaf fig that are usually irregular in shape and often accompanied by torn edges.
 
Another sneaky form of physical damage is from dropping the plant or bumping a leaf against a sharp corner, which can easily puncture a hole in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Also, if you’ve recently repotted your fiddle leaf fig or moved it, any careless handling can lead to small holes in your fiddle leaf fig that you might not notice until later.
 

3. Fungal or Bacterial Infections

A less common but still possible reason for holes in your fiddle leaf fig is a fungal or bacterial infection that causes the leaf tissue to die and fall out.
 
Leaf spot diseases, for example, start as small brown or black spots on the leaves, and as the infection spreads, the center of those spots can fall out, leaving holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
This happens when water sits on the leaves for too long, especially in humid conditions or if you’re misting your plant frequently.
 
If you see holes in your fiddle leaf fig that are surrounded by brown, black, or yellow halos, it’s more likely a disease than a pest.
 
Overwatering your fiddle leaf fig can also stress the plant and make it more susceptible to these fungal invaders that cause holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

How to Diagnose the Holes in Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Now that you know the main culprits, let’s walk through how to figure out exactly why holes are in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

Check the Undersides of the Leaves

Start by flipping the leaves over and inspecting the undersides carefully, as that’s where pests love to hide and where you’ll often spot the first holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Use a magnifying glass if you have one, and look for tiny moving specks, webbing, or cottony residue that signal pests are creating holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

Look at the Shape and Pattern of the Holes

The pattern of the holes in your fiddle leaf fig gives you a big clue about the cause.
 
Holes in your fiddle leaf fig that are tiny, numerous, and scattered across multiple leaves point strongly to pests like thrips or spider mites.
 
Holes in your fiddle leaf fig that are larger and have jagged or torn edges usually mean physical damage.
 
And holes in your fiddle leaf fig that have a dark ring or brown halo around them are classic signs of a fungal disease.
 

Examine the Environment Around Your Plant

Think about where your fiddle leaf fig is placed and what’s been happening around it recently.
 
If you have pets that like to nibble on plants, that can absolutely cause holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
If your plant is near an air vent or a drafty window, the stress from temperature fluctuations can weaken leaves, making them more prone to holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Also, consider if you’ve introduced any new plants to your home recently, as they can bring pests that will soon start making holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

How to Fix and Prevent Holes in Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Once you’ve identified why there are holes in your fiddle leaf fig, it’s time to take action and prevent future damage.
 

Treat Pests Immediately

If pests are the cause of the holes in your fiddle leaf fig, you’ll want to treat them right away.
 
Start by wiping down every leaf, top and bottom, with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of mild dish soap and water, which will help remove pests that cause holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
For more stubborn infestations, use neem oil spray, which is effective against thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs that create holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Be sure to spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly, because that’s where the pests are actively making holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Repeat the treatment every 5 to 7 days for a few weeks until you no longer see any signs of pests or new holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

Trim Damaged Leaves

While you can’t repair the holes in your fiddle leaf fig that have already formed, you can remove the worst-affected leaves to help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
 
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off leaves with severe holes in your fiddle leaf fig, making the cut at the base of the leaf stem.
 
Removing heavily damaged leaves also reduces the chance of disease spreading, especially if the holes in your fiddle leaf fig were caused by a fungal infection.
 
For leaves with only a few holes in your fiddle leaf fig, you can leave them on since they’re still photosynthesizing and helping the plant stay strong.
 

Adjust Your Care Routine to Prevent Future Holes

Preventing future holes in your fiddle leaf fig is all about giving your plant the right conditions and keeping it stress-free.
 
Water your fiddle leaf fig only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry, and avoid getting water on the leaves, since moisture on the foliage can lead to fungal spots and holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Keep your plant in bright, indirect light, because a healthy fiddle leaf fig is more resilient against pests and diseases that cause holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Regularly dust the leaves with a damp cloth, as clean leaves are less attractive to pests that make holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 
Don’t forget to inspect your fiddle leaf fig weekly for any early signs of trouble, because catching pests before they multiply is the best way to avoid holes in your fiddle leaf fig.
 

So, Why Are There Holes in My Fiddle Leaf Fig?

There are holes in your fiddle leaf fig because of pests, physical damage, or a fungal infection, with pests being the most common culprit.
 
The holes in your fiddle leaf fig aren’t something you have to live with, as long as you take the right steps to treat the cause and protect your plant going forward.
 
Whether you’re dealing with tiny thrips or a tear from a clumsy bump, you now know exactly how to spot the issue and stop more holes in your fiddle leaf fig from appearing.
 
With a little attention and care, your fiddle leaf fig can push out new, healthy leaves with no holes in sight.