Hi,

I purchased a Ficus Lyrata tree in May and it seemed to have some issues from the beginning.

I re-potted it first week of June into gritty mix (which I forgot to pre-soak) and during re-pot noticed the roots had been burned by the fertilizer... a lot of foliage turned yellow and fell off and only once I flushed it with 10 gallons of water did the remaining 12 leaves prop back up.

It's been a month and there has been no growth.

Every time I water I notice black flies/gnats coming out - how do I get rid of them? Should I change the mix or wash it somehow? Or fully re-pot again?

Also, how do I get the tree to start re-growth below the leaves? Do I have to cut the branches all off at the trunk? It looks really awful with just leaves on the ends of the branches. I really liked the size and height of the tree as it was and now any new growth on the ends will look ridiculous. I liked how it originally looked.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

Here are pictures of before and after...