Question
I was given a Ficus Benjamina as a housewarming gift in October. It shed its dry, brittle leaves throughout the winter which I understand to be normal.  It is now almost may and it is still shedding dry brittle leaves.  It had to be re-potted a few weeks ago because it wasn't in a proper sized pot to begin with.  I realize that any changes aren't really great for it but it had to be done.  

My concern lies with a) the brittle leaves (3/4 of the plant leaves seem dry). and b) I have a water-meter (or whatever it's called) and a self-watering pot (where the water sits in a reservoire and gets used as needed).  The water meter continues to read dry. It doesn't change it's reading even after it's been watered.  I'm afraid of over-watering the plant.  It wasn't  dry like this during the winter but it is now.  Should I prune the dead leaves? Fertilize? I have no clue. By the way, I neglected to mention that I am an inexperienced plant-owner.  This is my first plant. What do I do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Selena

Answer
Hi Selena,

Ficus trees do shed leaves whenever they are relocated and there is a change in light. However, dry brittle leaves are typically caused by poor light or improper watering or soil conditions.

Your Ficus tree must be located right in from of an unobstructed window if it is to survive.

Ficus tree roots do not tolerate dryness and should be watered as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Unfortunately, water meters are notoriously inaccurate and yours has certainly led you astray. Get rid of it and use your fingers to tell you when the soil feels dry.

I seriously doubt that your tree needed a larger pot. Unnecessary repotting is the single most common cause of plant failure. As long as there was enough soil in the pot to keep the roots moist for 3 or more days, then a larger pot was not necessary.

How much larger was the new pot? Do you have a photo you can email to me?

Dead leaves should be removed. Dry brittle stems should also be cut off.

Don't bother with the fertilizer. It won't help.

If you contact me directly, I will email you a copy of my article on the care of Ficus trees.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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