Question
How often do you recommend watering and how often should the plant be fertilized. Can you recommend a brand of fertilizer. What would cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off? We keep our house temp between 60-70F. Have added a tray with water at the recommendation of our local nursery. TNX  

Answer
Hi Charles,

You are operating under some assumptions that are commonly believed, but are misleading or inaccurate.

Most plants cannot be put on a schedule, as each plant and each environment is unique, varying with the available light, pot size, plant species, temperature, humidity and season. If you Ficus tree is properly potted and in good light, then  water it thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels very dry.

Fertilizer is vastly overrated and relatively unimportant compared to light and water. Fertilizer is not intended for ailing plants. It should be limited to healthy plants that are growing vigorously and have not been repotted in at least a year.

Fertilizer brand names are irrelevant to their effectiveness. Any complete fertilizer that includes the minor and trace elements on the label is a good one. That excludes most Miracle-Gro products.

Leaf drop on a Ficus tree has many possible causes. The most common is a change in light. That means whenever a Ficus is relocated, you should expect lots of leaf drop until it adapts to its new environment. Other causes of leaf drop include inadequate light and improper watering, usually letting the soil get too dry. Ficus trees must be immediately in front of an unobstructed window to receive enough light.

Ficus trees can tolerate temps from 40-90 degrees without a problem.

Pebble trays to increase humidity certainly do no harm, but they are entirely unnecessary for Ficus trees, which can adapt very well to extremely dry air as long as their roots are properly watered.

I have written an article on the care of Ficus trees that I will email to anyone who sends a request to my email address below.

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

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.