Question
Hi Will. I have a ficus that I rescued about 10 years ago. It has lots of branches small in diameter, but tall (up to 3 ft) with lots of leaves. It's not dropping its leaves but all the branches are leaning over, almost falling over. What's wrong and I can I help it? Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Holly,

I assume that the leaning branches are the stems that grow out of the soil. Correct me if I am wrong.

Ficus trees that are grown in less than ideal light develop thin stems. As they get older and longer, gravity starts to take over and the stems lean and bend. There are two things that will help: pruning and more light.

Ficus tees respond very well to pruning. Simple cut off a stem at any point. New growth will start to emerge just below where you make the cut. The shortened stems will not lean as much; the more you cut off, the less they will lean.

If you can move your tree to a sunnier location after you prune it back, then the new growth will be thicker and will stand more upright.

A final note: Ficus trees tend to lean toward the light. Thus, it is important to rotate the tree on its axis a quarter turn in the same direction each time you water it. This will make for more even growth.

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]

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