Sunburn from direct sun
Faded, dry, bleached-tan patches on the leaves facing the window are sunburn.
Diagnosis
Sunburn from direct sun
What's happening
Although a fiddle leaf fig wants lots of bright light, harsh, direct midday sun through glass scorches its large leaves. The strong rays bleach and kill patches of tissue, leaving pale tan-to-brown blotches that don't recover, usually worst on the leaves nearest the window.
How to fix it
Move the plant back from the glass or filter the harshest sun with a sheer curtain, aiming for very bright but indirect light. Rotate the plant a quarter turn every week or two so all sides get even light without one face baking. The scorched patches are permanent, so trim badly damaged leaves at the stem if you want a tidier look once the plant has settled into its new spot.
What fixes it
- A soil moisture meter — After moving the plant, a moisture meter helps you keep watering steady so it isn't stressed on two fronts at once.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Fiddle Leaf Fig care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this