QuestionDear Tracy. I have half a ficus tree for about 12 years.(its been squashed in a corner for years as theres no other space for it). It started life as two bare sticks that I found in a rubbish skip but flourished and is now 13 ft tall. Six months ago I had to move it from a sunny position by the french window (picture added) to the opposit side of the room. It seemed to be okay but in the last two weeks the leaves have been turning yellow and falling at an alarming rate. Should I move it back to the original spot or will this be too traumatic for it?. Is there any product that might revive it.Hope you can help best wishes Daphne
PS. It does not have spider mites
AnswerHello Daphne,
Your picture did not post with your question.
Ficus are notorious for dropping a great deal of leaves in response to being moved (even if moved just across the room) or the slightest change in environment. Since you moved it 6 months ago it should have already recovered from the stress of being moved. A couple of other common causes of excessive leaf drop on a Ficus are insufficient light and cold drafts.
The trick to growing Ficus is to find a place that it grows well in and then leave it there.
Here is a guide on Ficus Care;
One of the most popular tree grown as a houseplant is a Ficus Benjamina, also commonly known as a Weeping Fig. This plant is very well known for shedding it's leaves. In late summer and fall, the loss of up to 20% of the leaves is quite natural. To keep leaf loss to a minimum in any season, mist plant daily to help increase humidity and withhold fertilizer until the leaf drop stops. Also resist the temptation to overwater a shedding plant, which will make the problem worse. With good care, new leaves will appear in spring and summer to replace those that were lost.
Ficus can experience an unnatural, excessive leaf drop for many reasons, such as a sudden change in temperature and/or light levels. Over-watering and over fertilizing can also cause excessive leaf drop.
Ficus require bright, indirect light. An east facing window or a curtain filtered south facing window is ideal. Ficus will adapt to direct sunlight but a combination of dry air and direct sunlight can lead to problems with spider mites. Misting the plant is beneficial for both the health of the plant and prevention of spider mite infestations.
Ficus should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Water plant until a small amount of water drains from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Plant should be watered less in the winter when the plant is dormant and light levels are lower. Ficus grow best in a well draining potting soil. Adding extra perlite to a good commercial potting mix will help improve soil drainage.
Keep plant in a warm place that is free from cold or warm drafts as temperature changes cause excessive leaf drop.
Ficus can be sensitive to fluoride, chlorine and other mineral deposits commonly found in tap water. I recommend using distilled water. Ficus is also sensitive to high salt levels in the soil. Using distilled water and avoiding over fertilizing will keep salt levels in the soil to a minimum.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy