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justin_creasman

Ficus tree?

9 years ago

I have acquired this tree from our family store. No one wanted to take it home after we closed down. Anyway the tree was doing fine at work it would drop leaves regularly but still looked good! I brought this tree home Jan 1 2017 and it hasn't stoped dropping leaves I know it needs time to heal itself from the disturbance of the move but for how long? I'm starting to worry it won't just "bounce back" a couple of the limbs are almost completely bare. Granted these limbs are at the top. I water it when the soil is dry and mist it every other day or every 3 days. Help! What am I doing wrong? I really love this tree!

Comments (8)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It's most likely getting less light than it previously was and you may be over watering.

    there may also be a build up of salts in the soil from tap water.

    How are you ensuring the soil is dry and needs water? If you're just sticking your finger in s couple inches, the bottom of the pot could still have a lot of moisture present.

    Sharpen a wooden dowel. Stick it in all the way to the bottom and pull it out. If it's damp, dark stained and has soil sticking to it, do not water.

    Keep inserting every day or so until you pull it out and it comes out dry and clean. Then you'll want to water at that point.

    How long has it been in that pot and soil?

    do you flush so water exits the drain hole or do you water in sips?

  • 9 years ago

    Actually I don't know how long it's been in the pot. I inherited it. So I know it's been 5 years in the same pot at the shop we closed. However I don't know where it was before that. I usually stick my finger in the soil and if it's dry I'll give it a little water. Not much because I'm afraid of over watering it ...I used a dowel rod like you suggested and it's moist but mostly dry. The dowel came out dirtier than wet..so maybe it's thirsty? I've added a picture of the leaves this afternoon ( I cleaned up this much this morning this is drop #2) and I honestly don't think this pot has drain holes.... it's never wet the carpet at home or at the shop.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Is that a heating vent under it? That'll definitely cause issues.

    If the dowel has soil stuck to it, there's moisture present.

    Does it have a drain hole?

    you need to water so 10-15% of the total volume comes out the drain hole. But you need to immediately discard that water.

    The way youre watering is going to create wet and dry pockets in the soil.

  • 9 years ago

    The vent has been closed. And our heat is now turned off. I'll put some holes in the bottom so the water will drain. Should I water it heavily till the water comes out of the holes? And after that how often do you suggest watering it?

  • 9 years ago

    Yes put it in the tub if you can and really soak and flush the soil for a while.

    After, tilt the pot 45° to help drain excess water.

    Use the dowel to check the soil and water when it comes out clean and dry.

    Whats the temp in the room and what part of the world are you located in?

  • 9 years ago

    I'm in Tn averages 68-72 in house at all times

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for all your help. Hopefully I'm on the right track to help this tree get back to feeling better.

  • 9 years ago

    I'd highly recommend a full repot in June.

    Youd remove it from the pot, remove ALL soil from in and around the roots, untangle roots and root prune problematic roots. You need to constantly keep the roots misted and wet during the process.

    Youd then repot in to a fresh faster draining mix, such as the 5:1:1.

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