How to Rescue a Ficus Houseplant

Do you have a ficus that is in trouble? Did this once beautiful plant, with lots of green leaves and healthy branches, turn to a lifeless looking, unhappy plant? Does the ficus now have hardly any leaves left on it, and it looks like it's whimpering? If so, then you need some help rescuing your ficus. Here is how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Determine Your Ficus is in Trouble

1. The first step is to determine what, if anything, is wrong with your ficus. Is it losing all of its leaves? Are branches starting to die? Are the leaves drooping?
2. If you just got the ficus, it will have an adjustment period where it loses leaves. During this period, the ficus plant is adjusting to the new environment.
3. If the ficus hasn't been moved for awhile and still has branches dying and leaves falling off left and right, the ficus is probably in trouble. You need ficus care.

Help Rescue the Ficus

4. Once you have determined that your ficus is in need of help, you are ready to start the rescue process. Remember these keywords: sunlight, consistent environment, don't move the plant from place to place and the right amount of watering.
5. Find a spot in your home that gets the most sun during the day. If you don't have a sunny spot, you need to create one somehow. Put the ficus in this spot, in a position where the bulk of the leaves are exposed to the sun for the most time possible.
6. Has a section of the ficus died? In other words, is there a whole branch that is dry and brittle? If so, cut this branch off, or you might even be able to break it off. This will allow the ficus to focus its energy on the still-living branches of the tree.
7. Get rid of all of the dead leaves from the pot you have the ficus growing in. Also, pick up and throw away the dead leaves that are probably all over your floor.
8. Watering is a key ingredient besides sunlight for ficus care. You need to determine how much water your ficus needs. In general, I have found that the ficus needs about 20 ounces of water per week, in one single watering. Others have used about 12 ounces two times per week. The amount lessens slightly in the winter. Start with this, and then adjust until your ficus seems happy.
9. My ficus after a few months of using the above steps You will notice your ficus plant improving if you have taken the right steps. If the ficus has enough sunlight, and does not have too little or too much water, it should become healthy. You will notice this by seeing the leaves return, and not as many falling off. The leaves also won't droop, but will look fresh and crisp.

Tips & Warnings

• A ficus goes into somewhat of a hibernation in winter, so it can lose some leaves and still be considered healthy.
• The ficus loses leaves on a normal basis, so this doesn't necessarily mean the ficus is in trouble.
• If green leaves are falling off the ficus, it is over watered. Cut back on watering only.
• If yellow leaves are falling off, it might need more watering.
• If whole sections of your ficus are losing leaves, and the branch then dies, your ficus is definitely in trouble.
• Don't keep moving your ficus around to different places. It really likes to stay in one place.
• A ficus likes consistency in the environment: predictable watering and sunlight, and even a consistent temperature.
• You may need to repot your ficus as it grows. If you put your finger into the soil and you feel resistance right away, the roots are taking over. Time to repot.
• An additional way to keep a ficus healthy is to use plant food in addition to the water and sunlight. This isn't always necessary if you have good soil.
• If you have to move, be cautious not to have your ficus outdoors in the cold for long while taking it from one place to the next. Cover it with something to avoid exposing it to the elements.
• Remember, it's about the health of the ficus, not your own personal needs. Put the ficus in the best place to save it, even if it isn't the ideal location for how you want your house to look.
• If you try all these steps, and your ficus doesn't improve in about six weeks, you may need to talk to a professional who knows how to help the troubled ficus.

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