Posted by Kelly on July 29, 19100 at 12:06:56:
In Reply to: Re: This is for all the Ficus Tree owners!! posted by MEADOW VIEW on July 14, 19100 at 07:56:15:
: : If there is one plant complained and questioned about most on this site, it's got to be the Ficus. From bugs to whitening undersides, whilting to falling leaves, Ficus Trees are the subject of inquiry at least once a week. Can any one tell us (all of us) once in for all, what to do with this plant? What pesticides are best to use? How much watering do they need? How much light do they need? Are they tempermental if transplanted? Can they be saved if they are starting to look sick? Please, for all of us...Bob, Debi, Sharon, me, ect. If you have any advice let us know. Thanks.
KRISTINA: (Bob, Debi, Sharon et al) We are not tropical plant growers but have had some experience with this very tempermental plant over the years. They are very sensitive to changes in environment and have to be gradually acclimated to extreme changes in light, humidiy and watering regimes. There are companies that specialize in doing this for the malls, etc where large specimens are used for interior landscaping.
Insects that affect them are aphids, mealy bug and spider mites. A monthly spray program with something like Isotox would be a good idea, you could also try insecticidal soap for use when inside during the winter.
Watering should only be done as the plant requires, avoid overwatering or extreme drying out. Fertilize during the growing season when light levels are high and reduce the feed when in the winter months. Hope this helps. MVG Plant Dr.
I rescued a Ficus Tree from a doctors office about 10 years ago...It had hardly any leaves and the ones left were yellow..The Tree was terribly root bound but I felt it could be saved...At this time I lived in El Paso Texas and this tree has followed me through 4 moves since then...I've repotted about 3 times since acquiring this plant and I should say that everytime it is moved it will go through some type of shock...The Ficus is very picky about being moved around so find a spot and leave it alone...Last Fall I noticed it was time to repot (the roots were breaking through the pot)...I purchased what I thought was a deep enough pot. When I removed the tree from the old pot the new pot was too shallow...I liked the pot so I decided to make the tree fit...I went into the garage and retrieved my husband's saw, layed the tree on it's side and sawed off half the root ball..Within three weeks there was an abundance of new growth so I knew the tree was happy..I must say that this is a houseplant (although when in San Antonio, Texas I did have it outside) I mist every other to every third or fourth day...In the spring it will start to drop leaves but upon careful observation you will see new growth appear..water only when after you stick a pencil in the soil if it comes out clean you need water...I hope this helps and goodluck....Kelly