Bump

First, wait until it's warm enough to do this outside and to then leave the tree outside for the summer. Then re-pot it in a pot at least 6" larger on all sides. Use a good potting soil. Then give it a good haircut. Yes, ficus trees can be very heavily pruned. Then leave it outside where it gets some south light for the summer. Be sure to remember to water it at least weekly, more often if it's above 95°. You will be amazed. Yes, I HAVE done this!

I agree with advice to repot and take outside as soon as there is no threat of frost. Around this time of year my ficus starts to drop leaves and look a little sickly. I just hope it hangs on till I can get it outside. When you take it outside do not start it out in direct sun. I always start mine out in a shady spot and gradually increase sunlight or the leaves might burn. Keep an eye out for insects and be sure to spray before bringing it back inside.

Hi

I have a ficus like yours and it is 42 years old. Similarly, I received this ficus on the birth date of my younger daughter. It has been with me, in my den in six different houses. Yes, I have moved it 6 times and it has stayed well. I have re potted it maybe 4 times but never increased pot size. Only water and no fertilisers. This Fall I noticed leaves dropping in greater numbers than usual and now it has a fair number of bare branches. Leaves have turned yellow and feel dry so I've stepped up watering. My daughter and I have a strong bond and I feel like the tree reflects it so I don't want to lose this tree as my friend.

Did you save your tree and is there anything I can learn to help me with mine?

A Sentimental Dad

All potted plants, whether grown indoors or out, will need routine repotting with fresh potting soil and, if not upsizing the container, periodic root pruning. And by routine, I mean at least every 3-5 years. Not doing so does not necessarily mean plant death but ignoring this will definitely put the plant on the road to decline. And you also need to fertilize routinely. Most commercial potting soil is nutritionally void and the plant must be able to access necessary nutrients in order to produce healthy growth. If not available from the soil like they would be if growing in the ground, then they need to be provided by the grower via fertilization.

Interesting and useful advice indeed for the little "story" about my 20-ish year old hibiscus.

I don't repot, per se, as I like the pot mine is in, but I lift, root trim, and replace some soil when I can and if needed (I confess to sometimes dumping the old stuff back with the trimmed roots to rot back in, but that's not recommended, but you do what you have to do when you start this and find out you don't have enough soil to replace what you just knocked off; it works if it has to).

It works well enough. And I feed regularly-- sometimes organically (rarely solid and often liquid), plus sometimes synthetics in that one, plus flush the pot occasionally in the sink or outdoors in summer to remove built-up salt (not particularly critical for hibiscus, but helpful a few times a year for many plants, and it gives me a chance to clean the drip tray and pot base).

Before the counter-factual argument starts: Yes, I acknowledge that reusing soil is not recommended. I said that. Yes, I'm aware of how decay works. And yes, it does work in pots, as bacteria and fungi are active in them. No, I don't do solids every time. I said that.

Top trimming, as well (and not mentioned in most of the above posts) can help keep your plant in tip-top shape. I cut back the hibiscus regularly to keep it shaped properly, and keep the growth fresh and at the height where I like it, as well as keep the blooms near eye level as opposed to near the ceiling. Otherwise, it would regrettably lose all its lower leaves.

Check any good ficus guide for cutting back; as it's probably currently fully root bound and not very happy, it won't need that until well after other issues are taken care of first, but it's something to consider.

@HU-706152593 and @Farby G : Which zone/area are you in? That will determine to some extent when you can undertake a major prune and repot. From the picture the soil looks quite compacted and lot of salt accumulation. I would suggest both of you to flush the soil first. Flushing involves repeated application of copious amounts of water to dissolve the excess salts. Use warm water and a tbsp of vinegar per gallon to make it easier. After you are done flushing tilt the pot at 45 degree angle to let out any excess water left behind in the pot.

You can prune the branches back somewhat. But I would not suggest any drastic pruning yet. You can remove branches that criss-crossing to open up the canopy so more light and air and penetrate.

Severe pruning is best done in Summer. Benjaminas do not bud-back well. Means if you want a branch to stay alive then you have to leave a few leaves behind the cut.

I would first suggest to read this post by Al carefully: Ficus Trees in Containers IV

Your plants need a multi-step plan to bring them back to full vigor. It needs a full repot with appropriate soil, root pruning, top pruning. Let us know and I will try to walk you through the best of my ability.

You have gotten good advice. I found my ficus did not like being moved so when I found its favorite spot I left it there. Moving it made it drop its leaves. Is that a heat register by your plant? Not good IMO. I would say bigger pot and new dirt and watch for insects is best.