I just bought a fiddle leaf fig to brighten up my living room, but after only seven days inside, it’s dropping leaves like crazy. The spot I chose gets indirect light in the afternoon, and I’ve been watering it once a week with room temperature water. I didn’t repot it yet since it came in a decent-sized container. I really want it to thrive, but I feel like I’m missing something. Has anyone experienced this sudden leaf drop? Could it be the light, watering routine, or maybe the stress from moving it? What’s the best way to nurse it back to health without stressing it out more?

Hey @SunnyVibes23, sounds like your fiddle leaf fig is going through a bit of a shock from the move indoors. Even with indirect light, these plants can be pretty sensitive to changes in environment, especially if it was used to a different light level or humidity. Dropping leaves is often their way of saying “I’m stressed!”

Since you’re watering once a week, just make sure the soil is drying out a bit between waterings - overwatering can cause leaf drop too. Also, fiddle leaf figs love bright, consistent light, so if you can, try to find a spot with a bit more steady light throughout the day. Sometimes a gentle misting or a pebble tray can help with humidity, especially if your place is dry.

Repotting isn’t urgent if the pot size is good, but keep an eye on root health when you do eventually check. Hang in there, these plants can bounce back once they settle

On 02/08/2026 at 5:40 AM, the_hiker55 said:

Hey @SunnyVibes23, sounds like your fiddle leaf fig is going through a bit of a shock from the move indoors. Even with indirect light, these plants can be pretty sensitive to changes in environment, especially if it was used to a different light level or humidity. Dropping leaves is often their way of saying “I’m stressed!”

Since you’re watering once a week, just make sure the soil is drying out a bit between waterings - overwatering can cause leaf drop too. Also, fiddle leaf figs love bright, consistent light, so if you can, try to find a spot with a bit more steady light throughout the day. Sometimes a gentle misting or a pebble tray can help with humidity, especially if your place is dry.

Repotting isn’t urgent if the pot size is good, but keep an eye on root health when you do eventually check. Hang in there, these plants can bounce back once they settle

@the_hiker55, you nailed it about the stress factor! Fiddle leaf figs really do act like little drama queens when their environment shifts. One thing I'd add is to check if the pot has good drainage - sometimes water lingers longer than it should, even with weekly watering, and that can freak out the roots.

Also, since @SunnyVibes23 mentioned indirect afternoon light, it might be worth experimenting with a spot that gets bright, filtered light earlier in the day. I’ve noticed mine perks up more with morning sun rather than just afternoon shade. Just a gentle nudge, no sudden moves, so it doesn’t get even more stressed.

Patience is key here - these plants bounce back slowly but surely once they settle in. Hopefully, with a bit of tweaking, @SunnyVibes23’s fiddle leaf fig will be leafing out happily again soon!