Fig plant

(Question)

This is one of my 3 fig plants. They are still indoors until weather warms up. Two of them on a different floor of the house get spider mites most winters. I spray them with insecticidal soap.
The one in picture, looks like something is both eating it, and causing some leaves to curl inwards. (Will have to send other photo of that problem.)

(Answer)

Thanks for your inquiry about the fig plant. The most common fig leaf problems are leaf spot, rust, and leaf blight, none of which seem to be the case here.

For comparison, you can see some examples of symptomatic leaves here: Fig leaf spot   Fig leaf rust   Fig leaf blight

I am guessing that these are very new leaves, since all last year’s leaves would have fallen in autumn and your trees would have been dormant until very recently. As such, the new growth can be quite weak and susceptible to shock from excess sunlight and heat, which can result in leaves curling upward.  Did you move the plants to a hot, bright area as soon as the leaves began to appear?

Upward curling leaves can be a symptoms of underwatering, also. Please check the soil moisture in your containers. Figs do need moisture when actively growing but it’s important to maintain a balance: not too dry and not too west.

The University of New Hampshire notes that “the leaf curl caused by anthracnose is usually downward cupping, whereas the herbicide damage can result in upward cupping.” Is it possible that you were a bit over zealous with insecticidal soap? Clemson University also advises that excess insecticidal soap can cause leaf damage.

Check out the University of New Hampshire’s good advice on overwintering and gradually introducing the plants to the outdoors. Figs in Containers

Finally, if there any possibility that a pet could be chewing on those leaves? The first photo looks like quite a large bite has been taken and cats especially are keen on munching fresh new leaves!