Hi, I bought a 2 foot tall ficus tree at a local flower shop. When I got it it was very lush and green. I've had the plant for 2 weeks now, keeping it in the same pot and soil that was provided by the shop. The plant has gone almost completely dry, though most of the leaves are still green and still on the branches. I keep the plant by a window with a northern view, I guess it doesn't get any direct sunlight, but the room is well-lit throughout the day. I've watered it 4 times in the past 2 weeks, about once every 3-4 days. Is there anything I need to change? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Best, Stanley
Stanley I always re-pot any plants I buy from shops as the soil they are in is generally not of a good quality. Your ficus could be root bound too and need a bigger pot to thrive. I only water mine sparingly and it does well. It's potted up in a good multi-purpose compost. Don't overwater your plant as this can make the leaves turn yellow and drop off.
I know ficus Benjamina can be very finicky to light situations. Even in a greenhouse we are wary about moving them from one side of the house to another if the light is slightly different! They are very hardy tho, and come back just fine. Your plant needs to adjust to the move perhaps? It should start making new leaves even as the old fall off if it a 'moving' problem. I know a grower in Florida who tells me they ship oversees, and the ficus plants are NAKED when they arrive to their destinations. They have had no water for the trip, no light, and no care. The new ficus owners (big greenhouse growers usually) take them in and baby the plants and they are ready for sale in 3 months.
