Question
Hey there Will,
My mother is having some relationship issues with her ficus tree.  She received a snappy little braided number for a gift last summer, and the tree did quite well until she decided to abandon it for a few months while she wintered in Cali.  The poor thing was left all alone in a north facing window(which in the PacNW means no light), with average daily temps. in the low 40's.  She did have someone water it occasionally, so it somehow survived, but of course it dropped all it's foliage and looks somewhat similar to the Yankees numbers at the moment: pathetic.  Naturally, she wants to repot it and fertilize the sad boy(girl?), but I keep trying to tell her otherwise(she thinks I am being an argumentative brat).  So here's my query, Mr. Best.  What can we do for this dwindling ficus?  We've got the bright indirect going on, the temperature is now up to mid-60's, and I am protecting it from her insatiable desire to uproot the bugger.  Would trimming it back help?  Meditation perhaps?  I have to bring this baby back to health, so I can show my mom that I have been deemed an Indoor Plant Expert compliments of horticulturalhelp.com.  Thanks in advance, Will(sorry so long).  GO METS!   

Amy

Answer
Dear Amy,

I think that your mother should have a trial separation until the Ficus tree has recovered. I also think that you have the right ideas and you should step in as a surrogate for your mother.

As always, light is the key. By this time of year I hope the PacNW now has at least a few hours of sunshine each day. Be sure that the Ficus is placed close to the sunniest available window.

Do not even think about repotting an ailing plant. That is like performing heart surgery on someone with pneumonia. Leave the roots undisturbed.

Give the tree a vigorous shake so that all loose leaves drop off. Then consider pruning the branches back by about one-third or more. The pruning will stimulate new growth toward the center of the plant. Fertilize very sparingly, if at all. Allow the top half-inch of soil to dry out in between waterings.

Perhaps your mother would like to contact me directly. I am sure that I could get through to her in a way that you cannot. My address is below.

Also, a photo e-mailed to me would help me guide either you or your mother (I will not play favorites here!) in proper pruning. The photo should include one of you standing next to the tree so I can see how large it is. Size does matter.

BTW, It is my understanding that the sorry Yankees defeated one of your local PacNW teams last night.

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]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.