- These could be reasons for leaf loss:
- Lack of water leads to leaf shedding
- It can be triggered by a viral disease
- Fungi as a cause of leaf loss
- Possible cause: lack of nutrients
- tips and tricks
Figs are among the deciduous trees. If the fig loses all its leaves in autumn, this is therefore completely normal. However, if the plant throws off the leaves that have just sprouted in the spring during the growth phase, this is in most cases due to care errors or plant diseases.
These could be reasons for leaf loss:
- Inadequate supply of potassium
- lack of water
- rust fungi
- Fig Mosaic Virus
Lack of water leads to leaf shedding
Great heat and lack of water also cause problems for heat-loving figs. The plant is no longer able to supply the leaves with sufficient water, the leaves dry up from the edge to the middle and finally fall off.
Therefore, water fig trees regularly during the summer months. In the case of field figs, it has proven useful to flood the trees generously. Tub figs need water whenever the soil feels dry. However, do not let the root ball dry out completely.
It can be triggered by a viral disease
Many figs are carriers of the mosaic virus. Above all, young leaves turn yellow, show deformities on the leaf lobes and subsequently fall off. Stress, triggered by wet weather conditions or excessive watering, is responsible for the outbreak of the plant disease.
Always put a drainage layer in the bucket or planting hole of the fig tree and avoid waterlogging. Once the fig finds good growing conditions again, it will form healthy new foliage.
Fungi as a cause of leaf loss
Rust fungi show up as small, reddish-brown and slightly raised spots on the fig leaf. The mushroom mycelium runs through the entire leaf and deprives the fig of many nutrients. The foliage dies and is shed.
Treat rust at the first sign and remove any affected leaves. Carefully collect fallen leaves. Dispose of the plant parts in the household waste, as rust fungi survive in composting. Then spray the figs with a suitable fungicide.
Possible cause: lack of nutrients
Rolling up of the leaves from the edge of the leaf and subsequent shedding of the leaves indicates a potassium deficiency. A balanced complete fertilizer for figs must contain the nutrients sodium, phosphorus and potash in a ratio of 1 - 2 - 3.
tips and tricks
If the plant suffers from a lack of nutrients, you should never increase the amount of fertilizer, as the fig first needs its strength to regenerate. Continue to fertilize once a week during the growth phase, only changing the product.
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