Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Have Holes

Your fiddle leaf fig has holes in its leaves for a few specific reasons, and understanding them is the first step to fixing the problem.

Holes in your fiddle leaf fig are almost always caused by physical damage, pests, or environmental stress, rather than a mysterious disease.

In this post, we’ll explore why your fiddle leaf fig has holes, how to identify the exact cause, and what you can do to keep your plant healthy and hole-free.

Let’s dive right in and get your fiddle leaf fig back to its beautiful, glossy self.

Why Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Has Holes: The Main Causes

If you’ve noticed that your fiddle leaf fig has holes, don’t panic.

Holes are a common issue, and they’re rarely a sign of a fatal problem.

Here are the most likely culprits behind those unsightly holes in your fiddle leaf fig.

1. Physical Damage or Accidental Injury

One of the most common reasons your fiddle leaf fig has holes is simple physical damage.

This can happen when you move the plant, brush against it, or when pets or kids bump into the large, delicate leaves.

The leaves of a fiddle leaf fig are quite thin and can tear or puncture easily.

You might also see holes if the plant is near a high-traffic area where it gets knocked around.

Inspect your plant’s surroundings and consider moving it to a safer, more protected spot to prevent future damage.

2. Pest Infestations Like Caterpillars or Beetles

Another big reason your fiddle leaf fig has holes is due to chewing pests.

Caterpillars, certain beetles, and even earwigs are known to munch on fiddle leaf fig leaves.

These pests will chew irregular holes right through the leaf tissue, often starting at the edges or in the middle of the leaf.

If you suspect pests, check the undersides of the leaves and the soil for any signs of insects.

You can treat a pest problem with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to get rid of the culprits.

3. Thrips: The Tiny Hole-Making Pests

Thrips are incredibly small insects that can cause your fiddle leaf fig to have holes.

These tiny pests scrape the surface of the leaves and suck out the plant’s juices, which can lead to small, irregular holes and a silvery, stippled appearance.

Over time, the damage from thrips can make the leaves look ragged and full of small holes.

To check for thrips, hold a white piece of paper under a leaf and give it a gentle shake.

If you see tiny, dark specks moving around, you’ve likely got thrips.

Treat them with a consistent spray of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days until they’re gone.

4. Fungal Leaf Spot Leading to Dead Tissue

While less common, a fungal infection can be a reason why your fiddle leaf fig has holes.

Fungal leaf spot starts as small, brown or black spots on the leaves.

As the infection progresses, the center of these spots can dry out and fall away, leaving behind a hole.

This is a classic sign of a fungal issue.

To prevent fungal problems, ensure your fiddle leaf fig has good air circulation and avoid getting water on the leaves when you water the plant.

If you see fungal spots, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.

5. Environmental Stress and Sunburn

Sometimes, the reason your fiddle leaf fig has holes is due to environmental stress, particularly sunburn.

If you move your plant from a low-light area to full, direct sunlight too quickly, the leaves can get scorched.

Sunburned areas on the leaves can turn brown, become crispy, and eventually flake off, leaving holes behind.

Similarly, low humidity can cause leaf edges to dry out and crack, which might create tears that look like holes.

Keep your fiddle leaf fig in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent humidity to prevent this type of damage.

How to Identify the Exact Cause of the Holes in Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Now that you know the common reasons, how do you figure out which one is causing your fiddle leaf fig to have holes?

A little detective work can help you pinpoint the problem quickly.

Check the Pattern of the Holes

Look closely at where the holes are located on the leaves.

If the holes are large and ragged, they’re likely from a chewing pest or physical damage.

If the holes are small and numerous, you’re probably dealing with thrips or another sap-sucking insect.

If the holes have a brown or dry edge, it might be from sunburn or a fungal issue that killed the tissue.

Inspect for Live Pests

Take a very close look at the top and bottom of the leaves.

Are there any insects crawling around?

Do you see any tiny webs, which might suggest spider mites?

Finding the pest is the clearest sign that they are the cause of the holes in your fiddle leaf fig.

Review Your Care Routine

Think about your last few weeks of caring for the plant.

Did you recently move it to a sunnier window?

Have you been overwatering or underwatering?

Any recent changes to your fiddle leaf fig’s environment could be the root cause of the stress that’s causing holes to appear.

How to Prevent Future Holes in Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Once you’ve fixed the current issue, you’ll want to take steps so your fiddle leaf fig doesn’t develop more holes in the future.

Prevention is much easier than treatment.

1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Place your fiddle leaf fig in a spot where it gets plenty of bright, filtered sunlight.

Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves and lead to holes.

A few feet away from an east-facing or north-facing window is often ideal.

2. Keep a Consistent Watering Schedule

Water your fiddle leaf fig only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other stress that weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to damage.

Underwatering can cause leaves to become brittle and crack, which can look like holes.

3. Inspect New Plants and Quarantine Them

If you bring a new plant home, keep it away from your fiddle leaf fig for a few weeks.

This will help you spot any pests before they have a chance to jump over and create holes in your fiddle leaf fig.

4. Clean the Leaves Regularly

Wipe down the large leaves of your fiddle leaf fig with a damp cloth every few weeks.

This removes dust, which can block sunlight and make the plant weaker.

It also gives you a great opportunity to inspect the leaves for any early signs of pests or damage.

With a little extra attention, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig happy, healthy, and completely hole-free.

So, Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Have Holes?

So, why does your fiddle leaf fig have holes?

Your fiddle leaf fig has holes because of physical damage, pest infestations, or environmental stress.

As we covered, chewing insects like caterpillars and tiny pests like thrips are common causes, as are accidental tears and sunburn.

The good news is that all of these issues can be fixed with a bit of care and attention.

Now that you know the cause, you can treat your plant properly and take steps to prevent future holes.

Your fiddle leaf fig will thank you by putting out beautiful, healthy, and untouched new leaves.