Question
Hi Will,
I sent this question to another associate but saw you were an expert in ficus trees. I've had a Midnight variety of the Ficus Benjamina tree (single trunk) for about 4+ years and it had been doing great until a couple months ago. Lately, it has been dropping green, healthy looking leaves like crazy. The leaves usually do NOT turn yellow when dropping. I have not moved the tree at all and have not changed anything with it's care. ONE time it sat in water over night. Could this have caused root rot? The bottom of the trunk from the soil to about 4" up gets moist when watered but dries in between waterings. It has done this for about 3 months now and actually has a water stain look on the trunk now. What used to be a full beautiful green ficus tree is now an almost bare tree. I get fewer than normal new growth but have noticed even these new leaves are starting to drop too. Can you help me figure this problem out? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! Regards, Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

I have some questions for you before I can make an accurate diagnosis as this is not a common Ficus problem.

Have you noticed any large cracks in the bark on the main trunk or on large stems?

Are the leaves turning dry and crispy brown or gray?

Have you observed any large, hard, ball-like growths on the branches?

Does the pot have drainage holes?

How do you decide when to water?

How is your local water quality - hard? softened? alkaline?

Has your tree ever been pruned?

Can you email some photos of your tree to me at [email protected]?

Sorry about all the questions, but I don't want to answer prematurely and incorrectly.

Regards,
Will Creed