Ficus trees are beloved for their lush, tropical foliage that instantly livens up any indoor space. But it can be alarming and frustrating when your ficus suddenly starts dropping leaves.
While some leaf loss is normal, excessive dropping of leaves or foliage yellowing alongside leaf drop can signal problems with your plant’s care Fortunately, there are several common issues that cause ficus leaves to fall, and making a few simple adjustments can get your plant thriving again
Overwatering
The most typical cause of sudden, heavy leaf drop in ficus trees is overwatering Ficus have delicate roots that are sensitive to too much moisture Constant soggy soil leads to root rot, where the roots are damaged by fungal infections.
Rotting roots are unable to take up water and nutrients properly. This starves the plant, eventually causing the foliage to yellow and drop. The lower, older leaves tend to show symptoms first when overwatered.
Underwatering
On the other end of the watering spectrum, allowing your ficus to completely dry out too often can also lead to leaf loss. Underwatering stresses the plant, prompting it to drop lower leaves in order to conserve resources.
Low Light Levels
Ficus trees prefer bright, filtered light similar to that found in the tropical understory of their native habitat. Too little light will cause them to drop leaves and take on a sparse, spindly appearance. New growth may be pale or yellowish.
Cold Temperatures
As tropical plants, ficus are sensitive to chilly conditions. Exposure to cold drafts from windows, AC vents, or low winter temperatures can shock ficus into dropping leaves. Keep your plant in the warmest location possible and away from drafts.
Overfertilizing
While regular feeding is beneficial, overdoing fertilizer can damage ficus roots and cause leaf loss. Fertilizer salts build up in the soil and eventually burn the tender feeder roots. Discontinue fertilizing if leaf drop occurs.
Pests
Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common ficus pests. They damage foliage, causing leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. Check for small insects on the undersides of leaves and stems if leaf drop is accompanied by any stickiness.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like leaf spot can also lead to leaf loss in ficus trees. Infected leaves develop spots or blotches and soon yellow and fall off. Isolate affected plants and use a fungicide to treat disease.
Environmental Changes
Any sudden changes in environment can cause ficus stress. For example, moving a ficus outside for summer after it has been indoors may shock the plant. Introduce environmental shifts slowly over a week or two.
Normal Leaf Loss
Keep in mind that ficus trees do naturally drop some older leaves throughout the year. This is especially noticeable when seasons change. As long as the leaf loss isn’t excessive, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Solutions for Excessive Leaf Drop
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Check soil moisture before watering and only water when the top few inches are dry.
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Ensure pot has drainage holes and well-aeration soil mix.
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Move plant to a bright location, but avoid direct hot sunlight.
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Mist ficus leaves to boost humidity. Group plants to create a humid microclimate.
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Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites and treat any found immediately.
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If fertilizing, only use half-strength balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months during active growth.
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Keep ficus tree away from cold windows, AC vents, and other sources of drafts.
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Slowly acclimate ficus to any location or temperature shifts over 7-10 days.
With some attentive care and troubleshooting, you can get your ficus tree thriving once again. The key is addressing any underlying issues promptly when you notice extensive leaf drop.
Reasons for Ficus Tree Dropping Leaves
First of all, realize that it is normal for a ficus tree to lose some leaves. Some ficus trees lose leaves, but they will grow back. If your ficus is losing more than a few leaves, it could be because of the following:
The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Often, you will see ficus leaves drop when the seasons change. This is also the time when the temperature and humidity in your home change, which can make ficus trees lose their leaves.
If this is happening to your tree, the ficus tree’s leaves may turn yellow and fall off. To help with this, try to keep your ficus trees environment as stable as possible. Keep it away from drafty windows and doors, air conditioners, and heaters. Use a humidifier in the winter, when the air gets dry. Also, once you have placed your ficus tree in your home, do not move it.
Underwatering or overwatering both can cause a ficus tree to lose leaves. An improperly watered ficus tree may have yellowing leaves and the ficus tree leaves may curl. When the soil is dry all the way to the top, water it. Also, make sure the pot your ficus tree is in drains well. If you dry out the soil around your ficus tree by accident, you might need to soak the pot in the tub for an hour to get the soil back to the right level of moisture. The ficus tree may have root rot if you gave it too much water. You will need to treat the tree for this.
Another reason for ficus tree leaves falling off is that the tree is getting too little light. Often, a ficus tree that is getting too little light will look sparse and spindly. New leaves may also appear pale or even white. In this case, you should move the ficus tree to a location where it will get more light.
Ficus trees are susceptible to a few pests that can cause a ficus tree to drop leaves. If there are pests around, the ficus tree’s leaves will often be sticky or have liquid dripping off of them and falling off. If this is the problem, you will need to treat the plant with an insecticide like neem oil.
My Ficus Bonsai is dropping leaves
FAQ
How do I stop my Ficus from dropping leaves?
What does an overwatered Ficus look like?
How often should you water a Ficus?
How do I encourage new leaves on my Ficus?
Why is my ficus tree losing leaves?
First of all, realize that it is normal for a ficus tree to lose some leaves. A few leaves dropping off a ficus tree will not hurt it and it will regrow, but if your ficus is losing more than a few leaves, the following reasons could be why: The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed.
Do ficus trees drop leaves?
Here’s how it works. Ficus trees are a popular houseplant that can be found in many homes, but the attractive and easy-to-care-for ficus trees still have a frustrating habit of dropping leaves, seemingly without reason.
What causes Ficus leaf drop?
Keep conditions as consistent as possible to limit stress. Inconsistent watering, whether too much or too little, triggers ficus leaf drop. The next reason for leaf drop is much easier to control – inconsistent watering. I have found that my ficus trees (Ficus elastica in particular) handle dry soil quite well.
Why do Ficus leaves drop off in winter?
Ficus leaves often drop off in Winter due to lower light intensity, fewer hours of light, and cooler temperatures. Overwatering in Winter whilst the ficus is not in active growth can cause root rot with yellowing/falling leaves.