Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow on Fig Trees?
Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow on Fig Trees?. The name "fig" is used to describe trees, shrubs and vines in the fig family. The fruit-producing fig tree is native to tropical and warm temperate regions. The fig tree is a small, hearty tree with heights ranging from 10 to 30 feet. However, maintenance issues, pests and soil deficiencies can cause...
The name "fig" is used to describe trees, shrubs and vines in the fig family. The fruit-producing fig tree is native to tropical and warm temperate regions. The fig tree is a small, hearty tree with heights ranging from 10 to 30 feet. However, maintenance issues, pests and soil deficiencies can cause yellowing of fig tree leaves, given the right conditions.
Fig Tree
The fig tree, Ficus carica, ranges in height from 10 to 30 feet with a trunk diameter of around 7 inches, according to Purdue University. The tree produces a small pear-shaped fruit that ranges from 1 to 4 inches long, and comes in a variety of colors from yellowish-green to dark-purple. According to the University of Minnesota (UMN), fig trees grow best with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees F. Adaption to a new environment and cool temperatures are a common cause of yellowing fig tree leaves.
New Environment
Ficus trees can lose up to 20 percent of their foliage when adapting to a new environment. Varying temperatures, even minute changes, can cause yellowing and eventual death of fig tree foliage. Cool nighttime temperatures below 50 degrees F can cause loss of foliage and yellowing of leaves. However, because the fig tree is deciduous, it is normal for yellowing of leaves and loss of foliage during the cool months of the fall season.
Watering
Underwatering and overwatering of the fig tree can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. According to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, the roots on fig trees are close to the soil surface and can easily dry out. Regular watering in well-drained soil promotes healthy green foliage, whereas a water deficiency will turn leaves pale yellow.
Nitrogen Deficiency
Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients found in all soil and soil fertilizer. It helps promote cell division and leafy green growth during the spring when foliage first appears. According to the Soil Science Education website operated by NASA, soil with a nitrogen deficiency causes plant leaves to turn yellowish-green. University-based or private labs can test nitrogen levels in soil to determine the proper application of fertilizer during the growing season.
Insects
Insect infestations are a common cause of yellowing leaves on most fig tree varieties. According to the UMN, insects such as scale, mealy bug and spider mites are the most common to infest the fig tree. Although insect infestation is rare in healthy fig trees, insecticides and insecticidal soap sprays are the most common solutions.
