It's currently dropping some leaves. Gave it a cup of water plus a gentle spray with water ( water mix of one gallon to 1/4 tsp plant food). More leaves fell off. Is sprouting new branches on four new areas of trunk though. Have had it for six years. Has been very humid lately. VIP (very important plant!) Thank you!
Leaves dropping is a common complaint of ficus leaves, which is due to stress (some leaf drop is normal). Check for these issues: Under watering or over watering, low humidity, too little light, relocation or repotting, drafts, change in temperature (too hot or cold), or pests.
The articles below can help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-losing-leaves.htm
19 year old ficus. This is beyond words, please see photos. The root is thick, immovable, and hard. We are entertaining cutting away the pot and leaving the bottom of pot intact. The bottom of the pot is hard grated plastic. We cannot even get to it to cut it away. I want this thing to survive, but I know it has to go into a larger pot.
Try soaking the roots for a few hours to soften them. Then try to tease apart the roots. If it's too difficult, cut off about 1/3 of roots from the bottom and try again to tease them apart. You can prune out the thin roots, leaving the large taproots.
Here is more info on root pruning.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/prune-roots.htm
Among all the plant in the row only one plant is not flourishing, what can be done for the problem?
I would recommend pruning out the dead branches, treat with a fungicide, and make sure that the tree's environment does not fluctuate. If the weather changes drastically and suddenly in your area, you may see this each time the weather changes.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-losing-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/weeping-fig-trees-outside.htm
May I ask when would be the best time of the year to do so?. Also is it possible to split my three into two separate ones? Please see attached photo. May I ask when would be the best time of the year to do so?. Also is it possible to split my three into two separate ones as it seems that a branch had sprouted from under the soil? Please see attached photo.
Winter would be best for dividing your ficus, when the plant is dormant. Here's an article for you about ficus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/trimming-ficus-trees.htm
There are 12 trees altogether and they are approximately 15' tall. They are potted in planters that are 7' in diameter and 4' deep. They are a focal point in our building. We are treating them for fungus and low iron. 11 have responded well and are putting out new leaves. A few of them are developing fungus spots on the new leaves. One tree in particular has maybe 30-40 leaves and isn't putting out new ones. I plan to continue treating for fungus but is there anything I can do to cause this one to begin producing leaves. We have been treating for about 6 months and this one tree isn't doing anything.
You may want to repot this tree with fresh soil and fertilize it. You also may want to place it in another location - apparently it's not happy with where it currently sits.
Another possibility is that it's suffering from a fungus that's different from the ones you're treating for. You may want to take a sample from the tree to your local garden center or extension service for advice: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search?ip=79102&radius=20&services_search_action=search&submit=Search
My ficus has a flaky scale like substance on the leaves. I can rub it off and it is not sticky nor does it have any bugs on it as far as I can tell. It’s just light and flaky. It looks like scale without the bug.
It sounds like your ficus has mealy bugs. Here's an article that will help you learn about how to get rid of them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
Is this normal? What should I do about this growth?
This is normal, especially, in humid areas. There is no action to be taken.They will root and turn into multiple trunks.
If you do not want them to be there, and only want the single trunk, then you may prune them. Just be sure to spray with a fungicide after to avoid infection.
Here is an example of the most common Ficus to behave in this manner:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm