I have had to repot 3 ficus trees because the wind blew the pots over and broke them. Prior to this, they had lovely round green lush heads and they were my babies. Now, not only are they losing a lot of leaves, but the branches are dying, showing grey barren gaps in the heads. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards Tom Gilmartin P.S. I live in southern Spain.
It is possible that they are suffering from shock. This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
I have had my ficus tree for 25 years never had a problem. It's been dropping leaves for several months. I put it on my balcony, east exposure, and seems to like it. I just noticed tiny white bugs on the underside of the leaf where the branch meets the leaf. How do I get rid of them? Thank you.
Sounds like mealy bugs. There are a few different things you can try. Neem oil works well. You can also mix a few tablespoons of dish soap in water and spray your ficus then wipe it down and rinse with water. I've attached a link that will tell you a bit more. Good luck!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
We have a ficus tree that we've kept in the same pot for a few years. I believe it has not been watered enough, but the leaves are showing more significant problems. Some of the leaves have necrotic, rusty-looking patches near the edges and some leaves have brown patches spreading out over the top side. What is wrong with the leaves and how can we help our tree? I'm attaching a picture. Thank you in advance for your help!
This actually appears to be more of a nutrient issue.
Since the plant has not had new soil for at least 3 years, I would start with that.
New good quality potting mix in a well draining pot, go up only 1 or 2 sizes in pots.
Old soil lack nutrients and salts from watering with conditioned water can build up.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/leaf-chlorosis-and-iron.htm
My ficus tree is growing so tall. Should I cut the top off and maybe it will get more round?
Yes, you should prune your ficus according to these instructions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/trimming-ficus-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/prune-rubber-tree.htm
We have a large 7' weeping fig. Every summer it is outside in a protected area that receives adequate sun. It is a beautiful tree, loses leaves when brought inside but recovers nicely when put outside. Inside it is located in an east window. Unfortunately, this year it was hit with a heavy frost before it was brought in the house. Needless to say most of the leaves are dry now and falling off because of the frost. My question, is there anything that can be done to help the tree recover or is it a hopeless situation and have I killed the tree? Thank you for your help. I have no pictures. Marcile Griffin
Frost damage is a common problem in figs. But even in a heavily frost-damaged fig tree, there is often a healthy part remaining that will grow back with time. Be sure not to overwater while the tree is recovering. Wait until spring to prune, because it is hard to tell which branches will produce new growth.
Here's how to check whether a tree is dead:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
Even then, the roots may be alive, and may produce new shoots if you cut the tree back to the ground in spring.
I have a great ficus tree I got from family, got it home and it was doing so well! Pushing so much growth. I have since notice it took a big hit. I moved it but only away from the big vent in the room. So it's still same area, then it started pushing leaves again. Now all the new leaves have dried up and all remaining leaves will be falling off. I don't know if this is normal or if I have watered it too much. Would it be safe to pull it from the pot and hose off the roots let them dry up, then replant it with fresh dry potting soil?
Stressful conditions including excessive heat, cold, overwatering, underwatering, or the wrong light conditions can all cause a plant to drop leaves. Please see these articles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-losing-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plant-dropping-leaves.htm
If you have overwatered, and the soil is still very wet, you can remove the plant from the pot to let it dry out for a little while. However, to avoid damaging the roots, remove it with all the soil in the pot without disturbing the root ball. Don't remove all the soil from around the roots, and repot it as soon as the soil is no longer soggy.
Also see this article to make sure you are providing your ficus with the best care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm
Can I take cuttings from ficus plant and how?
Yes, you can start a Ficus from root cuttings.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/rubber-tree/propagation-rubber-tree-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm