Question
I bought a badly battered 6 feets tall ficus lyrata from a nursery. I hope to rescue it. Most of the leaves were turning brown. I removed all the brown leaves and it is almost leafless. See the picture:  http://www.geocities.com/hoy/DSC01429.JPG

My questions are as follows:
1. How do I prune so it will grow new leaves faster?
2. What type of soil is best?
3. What do I do to ease the transition?
4. What type of ferterlize to use?
5. Are there any pests I need to worry?

Answer
Hoy,

1. I would not prune it at this time. Wait till new leaves start to appear.

2. Regular potting soil mixed with extra perlite at a ratio of 2 parts potting soil to 1 part extra perlite will be a good fast draining soil.

3. Put it in the sunniest location possible. All ficus trees love the sun and the more sun it gets the faster it will grow new leaves.

4. Any water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Grow or Peter's fertilizer used according to package instructions is fine.

5. Watch for scale and mealy bugs and treat them with Neem Oil if you find them. Neem oil is available at most garden centers and you should use it according to the package instructions also.

6. Be very careful not to overwater it. They like to dry out well between waterings. Keeping them too wet all the time will cause the roots to rot and could be what already turned the leave brown.

Good luck.

Darlene