Problems With Ficus Trees

Ficus trees are common houseplants that do well indoors and outdoors. While they are easy to care for, they are often the source of a number of different problems. They attract a variety of pests and can harbor a number of different diseases that can spread and infect the whole plant unless cared for properly. The following discusses some of the problems you may encounter.

Sap

Sometimes, because of pests like mealy bugs (small bugs that feed on plant juices), the sap of a ficus tree will begin to ooze. If left untreated, the plant will likely die.

Leaf Drop

Drooping leaves are the most common ficus tree problem. They often occur when a ficus goes through a temperature change, so moving them from outside to inside could cause it. Any extreme in temperature can cause this problem, so keep ficus trees in an environment that is the 70's.

Anthracnose

This is a problem that creates spots on the stems and leaves of a ficus. Cut off the diseased parts, and spray with Benlate to get rid of it.

Leaf Spot Fungus

You can identify this by yellow, dying leaves and leaves with tiny black dots on their underside. These leaves should be removed to prevent the disease from spreading.

Pests

Ficus trees are known to get lots of different kinds of pests. Some of the more common ones that can cause problems are mealy bugs, scale and centipedes.

Benlate

Banlate is used to solve a number of ficus tree problems, including many of the ones above. It is a powerful fungicide that kills bacteria and fungus so that it stops spreading through the plant.