Ficus Tree Care – Winter Leaf Loss
Question: Every year when winter rolls around my Ficus benjamina loses a bunch of leaves. First they turn yellow and then drop. Why is my Ficus doing this? Kaye, Minnesota.
Answer: Most people know Ficus benjamina as the weeping fig and for years it continues to be one of the most popular trees grown for indoor use – even though it does drop leaves when you first bring it home and during the winter. By the way check out the Ficus Tree Care Guide…
Leaf loss on Ficus usually comes down to 3 possibilities.
- Change in environment
- Over or under watering
- Insect or pests
Losing leaves is a normal process for Ficus trees while caring for them. It is not uncommon for a Ficus tree to lose 20% of its foliage (leaves) as it acclimates to its new environment.
If your plant has enjoyed the summer outdoors, dropping leaves as it goes into its new surrounding can be expected. If the plant has been inside all along then the change can also come from reduced light and drier conditions indoors from heat.
Place your Ficus in your brightest window, they love light and helps with a multitude of Ficus problems.
Ficus benjamina comes from a region with distinct seasons. The Ficus sheds its leaves during the dry season and when the rainy season returns, new growth fills out and the canopy.
As a general rule of thumb – water more when the plant gets lots of light and less s when less light is available. Why? Less light means less growth and water need. Ficus have aggressive root systems and can quickly fill a pot with roots making watering difficult. Check to make sure they are not rootbound, if so your Ficus may need repotting into slightly larger pot. In general keep the soil your Ficus moist, but never soggy wet.
A happy, well grown Ficus tree rarely has many insect problems, but yellowing leaves can be caused by the common insects of scale, mealybug and spider mites.
Once a Ficus tree is stable and actively growing care is minimal, usually all that is needed will be a weekly check of the soil moisture and watering if needed. Over time as the Ficus tree grows, pruning and shaping may be required, typically every spring, depending on its speed of growth.
A well maintained ficus tree can be a stunning addition to any home for years. For more information on Ficus tree care visit FicusCare.com
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The information found here is very useful, but I have a somewhat unusual question… I rooted and grew my ficus tree from an accidental clipping in 1985 when I was trimming my daughter’s father’s tree which he had for several years. Through the years it has grown to quite a beautiful tree which I had hoped to pass on to my now 21 year old daughter. However, with the heavy freeze this last winter, it took a beating. All the leaves became speckled, then yellow, brown and feel off. I cut it way back following the unfortunate event as most of the branches were brittle with no green inside. It has not recovered and I’m afraid it’s dead. Although it breaks my heart, I’m afraid my daughter will never receive her family tree. Any suggestions?
Thank you for taking the time to assist!
Sheila,
I know the feeling… try this link. Hopefully it will help. Cold or Frozen House Plants – Now What?
Dont give up just yet. A ficus can recover. I was given a tree in memory of my mother’s passing. The first year it grew and grew, then the next year, I left it outside and forgot about it during a cold spell. all the leaves fell off and i was told by a gentlemen at my local nursery that a ficus if outside goes through the changes a normal outdoor tree my endure. Bring it in and give it TCL. Sure hope it bounces back for you.