Helping A Ficus Tree That Is Dropping Leaves
Ficus trees are a popular houseplant that can be found in many homes, but the attractive and easy-to-care-for ficus trees still have a frustrating habit of dropping leaves, seemingly without reason. This leaves many ficus owners asking, “Why is my ficus losing leaves?”. The causes for dropping ficus leaves are many, but when you know what they are, this can help you pin down the reason your ficus tree leaves are falling off.
Browse the most popular houseplants in the Gardening Know How Shop.
Reasons for Ficus Tree Dropping Leaves
First of all, realize that it is normal for a ficus tree to lose some leaves. A few leaves dropping off a ficus tree will not hurt it and it will regrow, but if your ficus is losing more than a few leaves, the following reasons could be why:
Change in environment
The most common cause for dropping ficus leaves is that its environment has changed. Often, you will see ficus leaves drop when the seasons change. The humidity and temperature in your house also changes at this time and this can cause ficus trees to lose leaves.
If this is affecting your tree, the leaves on the ficus tree may be yellow in addition to falling off. To help with this, try to keep your ficus tree's environment as stable as possible. Keep it away from drafty windows and doors, air conditioners, and heaters. Use a humidifier in the winter, when the air gets dry. Also, once you have placed your ficus tree in your home, do not move it.
Incorrect watering
Underwatering or overwatering both can cause a ficus tree to lose leaves. An improperly watered ficus tree may have yellowing leaves and the ficus tree leaves may curl. Water the soil only when the very top of the soil is dry, but also make sure that your ficus tree's pot has good drainage. If you accidentally let your ficus tree's soil dry out completely, you may need to soak the tree's container in the tub for an hour to properly rehydrate the soil. If you have overwatered the tree, root rot may have set in, and you will need to treat the ficus tree for that.
Too little light
Another reason for ficus tree leaves falling off is that the tree is getting too little light. Often, a ficus tree that is getting too little light will look sparse and spindly. New leaves may also appear pale or even white. In this case, you should move the ficus tree to a location where it will get more light.
Pests
Ficus trees are susceptible to a few pests that can cause a ficus tree to drop leaves. Often, a sure sign of a pest problem will be that the leaves on the ficus tree will be sticky or have liquid dripping off them as well as falling off. If this is the problem, you will need to treat the plant with an insecticide like neem oil.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Fungus
Ficus trees are also occasionally affected by fungus, which can make the tree drop its leaves. Often, a ficus tree with a fungus will have yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To correctly treat this reason for ficus tree leaves falling off, use fungicide (like neem oil) on the tree.
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
5 Best Plant Identification Apps – Most Accurate Tools To Help You ID Plants
An ID app is only as good as its database. Some are a bit costly, some have ads or free trial offers, some are citizen-driven. Maybe offer some valuable input of your own.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
4 Trailblazing Garden Brands To Support On Small Business Saturday And Beyond
Discover some of the most exciting independent garden brands that deserve to be championed not just on Small Business Saturday – but every day of the year.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Tips For Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants
Fiddle leaf fig roots don’t mind tight quarters, but when it’s time to repot, learn here how to do it.
By Teo Spengler
-
Propagating A Ficus Tree: How To Propagate Weeping Fig
If you grow a weeping fig, you may want to share with friends or just keep its growth under control with propagation. Read on for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Growing A Long-Lasting Ficus: Caring for A Large Ficus Tree Indoors
Have you ever wondered how big a potted ficus tree can grow? If so, click here to find out more!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Splitting A Ficus Tree: How To Divide A Large Ficus
Splitting a ficus tree isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Click the following to learn how and when to split a big ficus.
By Teo Spengler
-
Ginseng Ficus Pruning: How To Grow A Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Tree
If growing and caring for a bonsai tree seems too difficult, consider diving into the miniature tree world with a ginseng ficus. Growing ginseng ficus as a bonsai tree is a great idea for a hobby for yourself or as a gift for a fellow gardener. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Ficus Ginseng Tree Info – Information On Ficus Ginseng Care Indoors
What is a ficus ginseng tree? It is native to south and eastern Asian countries. It is in the Ficus genus but has a chubby trunk, which is similar to ginseng roots – hence this common name. Click this article for more ficus ginseng tree info.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Longleaf Fig – Learn About Longleaf Fig Care
While there are many smaller species of houseplants available, some growers choose larger plants, like ficus. When planted into containers, many tall plants create lush, dense foliage displays. The longleaf fig is just one example. Learn about growing it here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning: When To Trim A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Wondering how to keep your fiddle leaf fig “fit as a fiddle?” Fiddle leaf fig pruning is one good way to keep the plant in top form by giving it good form. So, let’s get a sharp pair of pruning shears in hand and learn how to prune fiddle leaf fig in this article.
By Shelley Pierce