Need help in identifying fiddle leaf tree problem

(Question)

Got my ficus lyrata 4 days ago from lowes and leaves on top start to brown from the edges and from bottom side of the leaves, for today gray small dry spots all over top leaves.And I see it spreads all the way to bottom.Soil still wet as was at store.Pot do have holes but rather on sides that on bottom ( i think it can have water in it, but not sure).Plant has enough indirect light

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners:

First thing you should do is take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots to make sure they are not smelly and rotting, if not you can eliminate root rot. If there are roots that are mushy you will need to cut them out. Once you have removed all the root rot, wash the roots and repot in new potting soil.

The problem can be due to the soil drying out and or irregular watering. Especially if there is browning around the tips of the leaves. The plant may have dried out while at the store, before you bought the plant home.  If that is the cause you will need to completely immerse the pot in water for a few hours. Than remove the pot from the water  and make sure the water is completely drained. Do not let the plant sit in the water: Follow up with a regular watering regime by watering every 7 to 10 days, or when the top three inches of soil are dry.

Another  reason for brown spots can be insects, this is usually less common  scale insects can be the cause of damage. Scale insect appears as brown or black 1/16- to 1/4-inch long roundish raised bumps on the stalk and leaves. You can confirm the presence of scale by picking off the lumps with your fingernail. It should be easy to pop off the leaf.

The Toronto Master Gardeners Website has a published answer that you can view in reference to your questions.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Brown Spots

The brown spots and leaf curl can also be a fungal disease. Keep an eye on the plant to make sure it is not a fungal disease. If the browning and curling do not stop, you will need to remove all the affected leaves to stop the fungal spread. Fungal disease spreads by spores, so make sure the leaves that are not browned are wiped with a cloth. You can also use commercial sulfur sprays or copper-based fungicides that can be applied weekly to prevent spread.

This website further explains ornamental Ficus disease;

Ornamental Ficus Disease and Control

February 2, 2022