Question
I have a ficus tree sent to a month ago when my mother died. my tree is losing leaves. I am not sure if I am over watering it. I tried watering it from the top but it seem I never could get the soil moist, so I started watering it from the bottom. my leaves now feel as though they have to much water but the top of the soil is dry. My pot is probably 12 inch round, the plant about two and a half to three feet tall. It is a Ficus  Benjamina I do believe. It was sent from a florist.  I have several questions, 1. was watering it from the bottom a bad idea and 2. Is it possible that it has root rot 3. Should I repot it and if so how do I go about doing it.
The plant sits in a very sunny window but not in direct sunlight. It is still producing new leaves

Answer
Hi Regina,

Ficus trees are notorious for shedding lots of leaves each time they are relocated. That is because their leaves are very sensitive to even small changes in light intensity. As long as you locate your plant very close to and in front of any uncovered window, then it will gradually adapt, although it may take several months or more. Look for healthy new leaves as a sign that it is adjusting.

Allowing the soil to dry out deep into the pot will also cause leaves to yellow and fall off. However, I suspect in your case that is not the problem. It is okay for the surface of the soil to dry out, but it should still be moist starting about a half-inch to an inch below the surface. Top watering is best when the top inch of soil is dry. Water slowly all over the surface until a small amount trickles through the drain holes into the sauce. After a thorough watering, it usually takes about a week for the top portion of the soil to dry out enough to warrant watering again.

Watering from the bottom is not a bad idea, but top watering is easier to manage. Your tree would have to sit in water and have the soil completely saturated for more than a month for the roots to rot. Do not repot - it doesn't need a larger pot and it is already dealing with the stress of adjusting to its new environment.

I have written an article on Ficus tree care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com