Question
Hi, I live in Quebec, Canada. I have two beautiful potted braided Ficus trees and have left them outside for the summer. When I got them, I brought them in the house and they shed almost all their leaves so I don't know what to do this winter. Our winters are quite cold (can reach -20deg.F). Can they withstand that? If not, can you think of a solution?
Thank you for taking the time.
Daf

Answer
Daphne,

Keep your plants inside as they will not survive your winter.

these plants dropped their leaves in response to moving them inside, but it is not your fault.  Most likely the leaf drop is in response to light levels, light a lot less intense inside vs. out.  The arrangement of the chloroplasts, the light gather apparatus, is different in high and low light.  

Very soon the plant will start making new leaves bettr suited to the interior light levels.

Good luck

Gary