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Top Questions About Ficus Trees

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Questions About Ficus Trees

  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    September 5, 2014
    A.

    Is this a new tree, or have you recently moved it? It looks very full of leaves, and it has to get rid of some of them because it doesn't have enough light for all of them. You can trim out the leafy areas in the center of the tree, that should stop the dropping leaves problem. The white bugs would be mealy bugs; you can spray them with a home made mixture to get rid of them. Just be sure to spray at weekly intervals for 4 weeks, and spray up onto the bottoms of the leaves, and along the branches. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    September 14, 2014
    A.

    If your plant is not doing well, fertilizer is probably not the the answer. Fertilizer should never be given to a plant that is ailing. Fertilizer provides the minerals that are part of many of the processes of life for plants, but plants make the majority of their food from air, light, and water. When the minerals in the soil are used up, or not present in high enough concentration because of the composition of the soil itself, fertilizer can be added. Ficus trees in very high light (beside a bright south-facing window) can be fertilized once a month through spring, summer, and fall. Give it a rest in winter. If the plant is in lower light ( shaded window, several feet from the window, north or east window) fertilize only 3 or 4 times a year. Use balanced (all three number equal) fertilizer. This article tells you more about fertilizing houseplants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/signs-of-over-fertilization-in-houseplants.htm
    There are several common causes for ficus not doing well, chief among them is insufficient light, or being recently moved; overwatering or underwatering; and an infection of scale insects. Theses articles will help you diagnose and remedy the problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-losing-leaves.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    November 3, 2014
    A.

    Before any plant is brought in for the winter, there are several steps to take. The first and most important is to acclimate the plant gradually to lowered light. This is an ongoing process, so a few days before you start bringing it in, you'll want to flood the soil with water a couple of times, to make sure any ants, worms, etc exit outdoors. You will also want to inspect the plant for bugs, especially the undersides of leaves and branches, and the leaf axils ( where leaf stem emerges for main stem.) Spray all these surfaces with a mild soap solution, add a little neem oil if you want, to make sure the invisible bugs are given their walking papers also. This article has more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/acclimate-plants-indoors-winter.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    November 26, 2014
    A.

    Adding some electric light would be an excellent idea. However, forget the expensive "grow lights" - the only benefit they provide is to the bank accounts of the manufacturers. Ordinary cool white fluorescent is actually better. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/fluorescent-lighting-for-indoor-gardening.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    December 8, 2014
    A.

    Ficus trees are considered tropical plants; the usual suggestion is that they shouldn't be subjected to temps lower than 45F. However, in Florida where I live, I've found that they can take a few hours in the upper 30's, although they might sustain some damage. But more than an hour or two at freezing or below will usually kill them.

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  • Answered by
    Davejoyal on
    February 21, 2015
    A.

    Thank you very much for your time!

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    February 21, 2015
    A.

    The gravel won't kill your ficus. It's just that the gravel in the bottom of the pot is unnecessary. Gravel or pot shards or whatever improving the drainage is simply a myth that has been disproved. Your tree looks very nice. Next repotting, don't bother with the "drainage layer."

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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    March 6, 2015
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would recommend rotating your Ficus Benjamina for even growth. A 1/4 turn weekly as you proposed will suffice and will not be detrimental to the plant - in fact, it will promote growth in the areas that are lacking. For more information on the care of Ficus Benjamina, please visit the following link:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ficus/ficus-tree-care.htm

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