Knowledgebase
Brown Spots and White Substance on Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant #881034
Asked August 11, 2024, 2:44 PM EDT
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
The white residue is a common insect pest called mealybug. They can be hard to eradicate if numerous, but mild infestations (as this appears to be) can be dealt with by wiping them off the leaf with a damp paper towel. If their numbers keep rebounding after removal, check the root ball by lifting the plant out of the pot; mealybugs sometimes infest roots as well, and when they do, can be difficult to control successfully. A systemic insecticide would be an option of last resort for both a heavy above-ground or root infestation, though such treatments can take a while to start working since the granules need to dissolve and have the chemical absorbed by the roots and moved up into the foliage. If used, be sure to follow all label directions carefully, and make sure the product is labeled for both mealybug control and for use in indoor settings.
Miri