I have not checked for pests, I don't own a magnifying glass and I'm not sure what to look for. I water when the soil is dry as far down as I can feel, and I water until water runs out the drainage holes, I do not let it sit in water. I have it in a space where it gets western and northern indirect light most of the day.

Also, these spots were there when I received the plant (purchased online, shipped to me) so I'm assuming either pests or growing conditions at the store are to blame. I'd like to think it's not me! ;) I've had it for about a week. The other two I had lived but never thrived and were very ugly because of these spots, so I tossed them.

A southern facing window, right up close in front of it would be best.

Look very closely for any small brown bugs the size of s grain of salt, any webbing, any white bugs, etc.

look up spider mites, mealy bugs, aphids and thrips to see what they look like.

I still kind of feel they could be being overwatered. 9 times out of 10 that's the issue.

Read this link. Your ficus has the same cultural needs as ficus benjamina.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1493078/ficus-trees-in-containers

Also, what part of the world are you located in? That'll help answer questions.

Lastly, what was the temp outside when you brought the plant home?

Yes, I think it could have been over watered before it got to me, as the soil was soaking wet. I repotted it in some generic potting soil with fertilizers but I am regretting that now after reading more posts about my issue. Do you have a soil type you recommend for these? I'll look for pests and also wait for other suggestions.

I live in Omaha, Nebraska. It was about 40 degrees out while it was being shipped.

Did you repot or pot up?

repot - removing all soil from the root mass and placing in fresh soil.

Potting up - removing plant from container with soil intact, placing in a larger container and only filling the sides and bottom with fresh soil.

What size pot was it in and what size did you put it in? I'm guessing you got a bag of peat based soil from the store?

you say it was soaking wet when you got it. Did you water shortly after?

Theyd do best in the 5:1:1 mix or Al's gritty mix. However, those are homemade mixes where you have to go find all of the ingredients and make your own. It involves screening the pine bark too.

Also read this link if you're curious about soils.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2842847/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xxii?n=419

I know it's a lot to read, but if you read through both of those threads I linked, you will have a much better understanding of what these trees need and how to care for them.

I repotted it, but only to a pot slightly larger, removing all the old soil and exposing all the roots.

I used a bag of plain old miracle grow 'potting soil'.

I did water shortly after.

I would love to create the gritty mix Al recommends but I have no idea where to begin getting the ingredients. Surely in a city as big as Omaha there are stores that sell them all. That will be my homework for the week.

I think my problem is the soil (I know it is), but I also want to rule out pests before I get new soil.

Gritty and 5:1:1 are great. You just need to really get used to watering when using them. Completely different.

I like to water, so hopefully I can handle it! :)

Here are the pine bark and grit I've found so far. Can't seem to find a place that has turface. What is it exactly? Do these look like the right ingredients so far?

I don't see a photo. By the way, June would be the best time for a full repot.

And would this work in place of turface? http://m.lowes.com/pd/Soil-Moist-1-lb-Soil-Conditioner/3047249

Do you have a photo of the pine bark?

That picture above is of the chick grit and pine bark, is that not the right stuff?

I didn't even see it in the pic till I looked. No that's not the right stuff. That looks like shaved sapwood.

Pine bark mulch looks like this:

It may be easier for you to find and start with the 5:1:1 mix. 5 parts pine bark mulch, 1 part peat (or miracle gro potting mix), 1 part perlite and a little dolomite lime.

the pine bark should be sifted so all pieces are 1/8"-1/4" and any sapwood (the light stuff) should be removed.

Ok sounds good, i'll return this stuff. Still not sure where to find the pine bark mulch. The stuff I got was southern yellow pine shavings

Do you have Agway in your area?

We don't, unfortunately. What type of stores sell it? I can start calling around.

If Al (Tapla) sees this, he's great at helping others find stuff locally.

Ok. Thanks! I'd love to get a batch made up because I have so many other houseplants and succulents I know would benefit from it.

How about this? http://m.lowes.com/pd/-2-cu-ft-Dark-Brown-Pine-Bark-Mulch/1112345?http://m.lowes.com/pd/-2-cu-ft-Dark-Brown-Pine-Bark-Mulch/1112345=

I'm pretty sure the above link is the pine bark I'm looking for. Now, would I be able to do 5 parts bark, 1 part miracle grow potting soil, and 1 part chicken grit (instead of perlite because I already opened a bag of the grit)? Or does the perlite add something special besides aiding in drainage?

I haven't seen that stuff in person. The issue is usually the pieces of bark are just too large. If you can get mostly 1/8"-1/4" sizes pieces from that bag, it'll work for you.

Now...where can I find lime?