How to Determine Your Ficus is in Trouble
Step1
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?
Step2
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.
Step3
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
Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.