My Ficus Tree's Wild Ride: From Bare Branches to Blooming Beauty

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've had my Ficus tree for a few months now, and let me tell you - it's been a wild ride. I started with a bare branch, but with some TLC and patience, it's transformed into a blooming beauty. It's now a stunning addition to my living room, and I couldn't be happier with how it's turned out. The tree's growth has been steady, and I've been impressed with how well it's adapted to its new environment. I've had to deal with a few minor setbacks along the way, but overall, it's been a really rewarding experience. If you're thinking of getting a Ficus tree, I'd definitely recommend it - just be prepared for the journey!

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Kalite8/10

Dönüşüm7/10

HizmetKalitesi9/10

My Ficus Tree's Wild Ride: From Bare Branches to Blooming Beauty

I'll admit it – I was about to give up on my ficus tree. I'd bought it from Aashan, and it was a stunner, with neat, shiny leaves and three trunks woven together in a unique way.

It's called the Daniel Benjamin, and I was smitten. But things took a turn for the worse when I brought it home.

Where to put the ficus?

I initially placed the pot on the floor near the wall, thinking it would be fine there until March, when it would be too cold on the windowsill. Big mistake. The ficus started shedding leaves, about 5 a day. It was clear it was unhappy with something – maybe the cold floor and drafts, or maybe the lack of light.

sad fallen leavesThe next stop for the ficus was the windowsill. But it continued to shed leaves, a few more each day. I did some research online and decided to leave it by the window because it needs light and doesn't like frequent changes of location.

A crucial point for new plant owners

I didn't know that after buying a plant, you need to repot it, as they originally plant it in light soil to make it lighter during transportation. That's important! I've lost a few plants in the past because I didn't change their soil, and I think I was also caring for them incorrectly. So, the ficus was repotted into new soil, and a bigger pot was chosen so Daniel wouldn't feel cramped.

What dangers might this plant face?

Later, I noticed that many of the ficus leaves had brown spots. Some of them were still clinging on, but most of them fell off. Based on photos I found online, I concluded that some pest had attacked the ficus, so I bought and used pest control products.

I looked at the ailing ficus and thought: 'If this plant is considered low-maintenance, and we can't even get it back to health, what do we do with finicky plants?'

even the fallen leaf has no damageLater, I bought a fertilizer for ficus and palms and added a couple of teaspoons of the product to a cup of water every two weeks and watered the tree. Maybe it was the fertilizer that helped, maybe the ficus had just settled in, or maybe the pests had stopped bothering it – I don't know what exactly made the difference, but the tree started feeling okay. New leaves appeared, old ones fell off less often.

So, what's the secret to keeping a ficus tree thriving?

Water it with settled water (not straight from the tap) a couple of times a week in the summer, once a week or less in the winter. I water it in the evening and again in the morning.Give it a daily spritz with a spray bottle. It loves to get wet, and right away the leaves look fresher and perkier.If the ficus is 'down,' the leaves all point downwards, I add ficus and palm fertilizer when I water it once and again a couple of weeks later.Don't move the pot. It really doesn't like change.And then, there was the great outdoors

I'd wrap up the story here, but life had other plans – we had another move three years later. The ficus pot got left outside, and after a minute in -12 degree cold, it ended up in the car. I thought, 'should've covered the tree and not stood outside.'

The next day, the ficus dropped a third of its leaves, and then another third. It was almost bare.

Will it survive? How will it handle the cold?

I kept caring for it, and a few weeks later, I noticed tiny new leaves on the almost-bare branches. I was thrilled, like I'd won a prize.

The new leaves kept coming, and soon they were brightening up the whole space.

After a month and a half since the bare spell, the tree looks like this:

it's not entirely bald anymore :)

I'm hoping it'll fully recover and regrow its leaves.

I'd recommend this type of ficus – it's a stunner and can bounce back

Thanks for reading! If you found it interesting, let me know)

live_helpFeatured FAQ

How often should I water my Ficus tree?

Water your Ficus tree when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Why is my Ficus tree dropping leaves?

Ficus trees shed their leaves as a natural process, especially during the spring and summer months. This is a normal part of their growth cycle.

Can I grow a Ficus tree indoors?

Yes, Ficus trees can thrive indoors with the right conditions. Make sure to provide bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F.

How often should I fertilize my Ficus tree?

Fertilize your Ficus tree during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Why is my Ficus tree developing brown edges?

Brown edges on a Ficus tree can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure your tree is in a stable environment.

Can I propagate my Ficus tree?

Yes, you can propagate your Ficus tree by taking cuttings from the stem or leaves. Make sure to root the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and provide bright, indirect light.

How long does it take for a Ficus tree to grow?

The growth rate of a Ficus tree depends on the variety, environment, and care. On average, a Ficus tree can grow 1-2 feet per year.

Why is my Ficus tree not blooming?

Ficus trees typically bloom in the spring and summer months. If your tree is not blooming, it may be due to a lack of light, inadequate fertilization, or insufficient watering.