Question
Hello.  I am very new to the world of plants!  We recently bought a ficus tree (I don't know what type).  It's about 4 ft. tall, and sits in the corner of our apt.  It gets fairly strong east/north light.  The leaves have been falling off, which I know is common.  

I have also noticed that the leaves have been yellowing and developing brown spots that grow until the entire leaf is brown and dead.  This happens very quickly--like overnight.  

There are also small flying insects that hover around the surface of the soil and near the leaves.  These have been flying around other parts of the house, too.

Lastly, one or two leaves look like they have been eaten.  It almost looks like they've been cut with a jagged edged scissor--one line cut up the leaf with a zigzagged edge.

Any ideas what is causing all this?  And what I can do?  Thanks.

Answer
Heather,

Don't worry about the eaten leaves, that probably happened in the nursery long before you owned it. It should not be sitting in a corner, it should be sitting in front of a south, east or west window with the drapes open all day. It needs as much sun as possible. The flying insects are fungus gnats, cousins to fruit flys, they are there because you are watering it too much and the roots are beginning to rot. They will lay eggs in the soil and their larva will feed on the rotting roots. You have to let the soil get dry between waterings. This is not a swamp plant and does not like to be constantly wet. It should never have water sitting in it's drain tray. It should be emptied with a turkey baster an hour after watering. Then do not water again until the plant is dry and feels light when you tip it. More sun and less water will solve your problem. Dry it out as quickly as possible. If you wonder if you should water it yet wait a couple more days. It will be okay. It is much better to underwater than overwater. Good luck.

Darlene