Question
I have a ficus benjamina growing in a 6" pot.  I've had the plant for a little over a year and up until about two weeks ago everything was fine.  At that time  it started dropping leaves although new growth has occurred at the top.
My question: Would trimming the protruding twigs from the lower portion of the trunk cause any harm to the plant?

Answer
Dear Barbara,

Ficus Benjamina is such a lovely graceful plant isn't it?

Trimnming off any bare side stems at the base of the plant where it has lost leaves will not cause it any harm but will give the plant a much neater appearance.

This plant likes humidity and will appreciate regular misting of its leaves.  It will need liberal watering during Spring and summer and should be fertilised fortnightly during the same period.

Sometimes not enough light or the movement of the plant from one environment to another will cause leaf drop but if this is just at the base of the plant I would not worry too much.

Years ago when I had a florist and plant shop a consignment of ficus benjamina arrived badly damaged.  We managed to salvage and sell all of them bar one which I took home.  I managed to ressurect it and it grew into a fantastic plant for about ten years and then I moved home, it started dropping leaves and was attacked by insects and try, as I might, I could not save it.  It died eventually and it was like losing a family member!  Sounds dramatic but as a plant lover you will understand.  But, it is just one of those things, sometimes whatever you try doesn't work but since yours is producing new growth it sounds very hopeful.

Diana