About Will Creed Expertise I have professional knowledge of all indoor plants and can answer questions
regarding light, water, fertilizer, repotting, and humidity and temperature
requirements. I can identify plant pests and provide information on safe,
effective treatment. Answers are based on 26 years of professional, hands-on
experience and scientific research and are clear and easy to understand.
Experience I have over 25 years of professional indoor landscaping experience caring for plants in homes, offices, building lobbies, stores, restaurants, and other adverse environments. I have written extensively on the care of indoor plants. My specialties include Ficus trees, low light plants, repotting, pest control, and re-blooming holiday plants. I am writing a book on indoor plant care.
Be sure to check my ratings and nominations to learn why I am the top-rated indoor plant expert.
Question We inherited a beautiful 7 foot ficus tree (sorry, don't know what type) when we moved into our home last year. After reading several tips on ficus trees, I realized that we probably didn't need to replant our tree into a larger pot. It has sadly lost MANY of it's leaves. Any advice on re-repotting it back into a smaller pot and getting it healthy again would be much appreciated.
Answer Hi Rob,
The primary reason your Ficus (probably Ficus benjamina) is losing leaves is due to the change in light, not the repotting. Ficus tree leaves are very sensitive to subtle changes in light so whenever they are moved to a new location they almost always drop leaves. It can take up to six months for the tree to completely adapt to the new environment.
To ease the adjustment, provide as much light as possible. If it is not pretty close to an unobstructed window, then it may never adapt.
Repotting is not a good idea because it adds another element of stress. A larger pot also increases the risk of root rot because the added soil keeps the rots moist for too long. If your tree was repotted more than a few months ago, then I do not recommend downsizing it. However, be sure the top of the original rootball dries out before watering it.
I see that you didn't specify just when you repotted but that you did inherit it "last year." If that means in 2005, then it should have adapted to the new environment by now, unless you have moved it around or if it is not close to an unobstructed window. If you could give me me some additional information related to this, I may be able to pin the problem down more specifically.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com
Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.
