I have just bought my first large indoor plant which happens to be a ficus tree. I had heard that they are easily irritated when moved places and sure enough my plant immediately began to shed its leaves.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to settle it or stop the rest falling off?

This post was last modified: 09-08-2007 08:22 AM by sunshine.

Sunshine, do you know which Ficus species it is? All the fig species tolerate relatively low light levels, but they dislike overwatering. I would try not watering your plant for about a week or so.

By the way, Ficus can make excellent bonsai subjects .

Kingfisher

Is it a ficus benjaminii ? If it is can anybody speak the language by any chance? Been there , shed the leaves & buried it sorry!!!

This post was last modified: 08-08-2007 08:09 PM by tibbar.

Actually Im pretty sure it is a benjaminii one. I'll try not to water it when I usually do and see what happens. Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think I'll be getting another one in a hurry though, if this one decides its better off dead than in my room

This post was last modified: 09-08-2007 08:28 AM by sunshine.

I found this , being lazy really but possibly couldn't remember all the points:-
Step One
Avoid overwatering your ficus! The most common mistake people make is to add more water once the leaves begin to turn yellow. This is the opposite of what you should do. Always feel the surface of the soil with your finger tip. If it feels dry to the touch one inch below the surface, it is time to water. If the soil still feels moist, withhold water for a day or two.
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Step Two
Provide ample humidity, especially for new plants. Mist ficus plants at least twice daily.
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Step Three
Make a humidity tray by filling the plant saucer with gravel. Runoff water will collect in the saucer, which has two benefits: the roots will not sit in standing water - the most common cause of root rot; and the surplus water will evaporate through the plant, providing additional humidity.
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Step Four
Select a site with bright, filtered light. To determine if the light is bright enough for a ficus, you should be able to see your shadow on the wall behind the area you select. Early-morning or late-afternoon sun is fine, but avoid an area that gets direct sun all day.
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Step Five
Find a location free from drafts. Place your ficus benjamina away from opening doors or heater vents. Also avoid large windows that change temperature throughout the day.
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Step Six
Fertilize your ficus monthly throughout the growing season with half-strength liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer according to label directions. Withhold fertilizer in the winter months.
Tips & Warnings
Ficus will use less water during the winter months, so be sure to check the soil prior to watering.
If leaves start to yellow and drop, decrease water and increase humidity. Use no fertilizer until the leaf drop stops.
Use a water meter if you are unable to determine the moisture content in the soil with your finger. This ingenious device measures the amount of moisture present in the soil and provides a reading of dry, wet, and time to water!
Growing ficus benjamina is not for the faint of heart. These plants require constant surveillance.
Good Luck :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

This post was last modified: 09-08-2007 08:37 AM by tibbar.

Thanks tibbar14! They do sound like alot of work though. I just got the plant because I liked its braided trunk! But I shall perservere with those steps you found

After following suggestions and doing the best I could to look after it, my ficus tree now looks like this.

A friend of mine who has previously owned a ficus tree told me that hers was irritated but after it had wilted its leaves, it sprung back to life around 8 weeks later. It has now looked like this for over a month.
What does everyone think - dead or alive? Should I keep persevering?

Sunshine, I hate to tell you this--but it looks quite dead.

On the other hand, if there's a spot where you could discretely store it out of view, you could see if it will return in another fortnight.

But I'm thinking it's dead .

Kingfisher

Oh dear, I hope it is ok, it was a birthday present. I would find a discreeter place if I could for it because it does look a bit odd having a dead looking tree on display in my bedroom but at the same time I feel if I moved it again it would just become more irritated

I think it is definately terminal or rather terminated......
I would try cutting a branch back to where you can see it is green & see how far you have to go . That might be a good indicator as to whether there is a chance of it rejuvenating. As for it being a present ,If you didn't want to upset anyone, I would cheat & buy another, naughty I know but it depends on how the person would take to you telling them that you have killed their prezzie.

This post was last modified: 17-09-2007 07:18 AM by tibbar.

I did what you suggested Tibbar, but sadly it looks as though its definitely had it.
I tried taking some more photos to show everyone what it looked like when I chopped some of the branches right back, and as you may be able to make out, they're not very green at all [attachment=206] [attachment=207]

Plus its just freaking me out now keeping something dead in my room, even if it is a plant!
I think it's time to say goodbye
My mum bought it for me but she isn't one to get offended fortunately. I doubt I'll be purchasing another ficus in the future

It looks as if it has given up the ghost...at least your mum won't get offended. Not everyone has a green thumb, and even those who do, can't always get every plant to grow!

Kingfisher

If I remember rightly, they are notoriously fickle.......at least we did try.......

This post was last modified: 17-09-2007 05:16 PM by tibbar.