how to save a dying ficus tree

How to Save a Dying Ficus Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ficus trees are popular houseplants and landscape plants due to their attractive foliage and hardy nature. However even hardy ficus trees can begin to decline and die if they are not cared for properly. If your ficus tree is looking sickly with yellowing or falling leaves don’t give up hope! With some detective work and tender loving care, you can nurse a dying ficus tree back to health.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to save a dying ficus tree:

Diagnose the Cause

The first step is to figure out why your ficus tree is declining There are several common reasons a ficus may start to die

• Underwatering – Ficus trees need regular watering. If the soil dries out completely for too long, the leaves will yellow and drop.

• Overwatering – Too much moisture leads to root rot. This causes leaves to yellow and drop.

• Poor lighting – Ficus trees need bright, indirect light. Low light leads to sparse foliage.

• Pest infestation – Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can all infest ficus trees. This stresses the plant.

• Root bound – If the ficus becomes extremely root bound in its pot, growth will slow.

• Disease – Fungal diseases like root rot can infect ficus trees.

Examine your plant and growing conditions to try to pinpoint what is ailing your ficus tree. This will direct your revival efforts.

Improve Growing Conditions

Once you know what is troubling your ficus, take steps to improve its growing conditions:

• Adjust watering to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently if overwatering. Increase water if under-watering.

• Prune off any dead or dying branches and leaves. This prevents disease spread.

• Move the ficus to a spot with bright, indirect light if it is in too much shade.

• Repot into fresh, sterile potting mix if root bound. Choose a pot one size larger.

• Treat any pest infestations with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Remove badly infested leaves.

• Let the soil dry out completely if fungal disease is present. Apply a fungicide drench if necessary.

Taking these basic steps corrects many common ficus tree problems and gets the plant back on track.

Fertilize the Tree

Sickly ficus trees can benefit from a dilute fertilizer application every 2-3 months during the growing season. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilizing provides nutrients to stimulate new growth.

Prune Branches

Prune off any dead or dying branches. Make cuts just above healthy buds or leaves. Pruning removes ineffective foliage so the tree can focus energy on new growth.

Maintain Even Soil Moisture

Check the soil moisture regularly, and water whenever the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Soil should not be soggy or bone dry. Even moisture prevents leaf drop.

Increase Humidity

Ficus trees prefer 40-60% relative humidity. Increase humidity around the ficus by misting the leaves daily or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Humidity reduces leaf drop.

Examine the Roots

If decline continues, carefully remove the tree from its pot to examine the roots. Healthy roots will be firm and white. Trim off any mushy black roots which indicate root rot. Repot in sterile potting soil after root trimming.

Consult an Arborist

For severe cases of ficus decline, consult an arborist. They can diagnose cryptic diseases and provide professional treatments. Though it takes diligence, many distressed ficus trees can make a full recovery.

With a dedication to diagnosing and correcting underlying problems, most sick ficus trees can rebound with some time and care. Adjust the watering, light, humidity, and soil as needed to nurse your ficus back to health. Maintain optimal growing conditions, and your ficus will thank you with lush, beautiful foliage.