Q&A for How to Grow a Ficus Benjamina

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The undergrowth had new leaves beginning but since bringing it home they have all fallen off. I'm following all the directions. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

New plants will adjust to a new environment. Ficus Benjamina is famous for dropping all its leaves - do not panic, it will recover. Best to leave it alone, water it when it's dry and give it access to shaded daylight. It should send out new leaves when it has adapted to your house conditions.

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Question

Will the leaves that fall off be replaced with new ones, or will the branch stay bare?

Community Answer

The leaves will be replaced with new. I have this same plant on my patio.

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Question

Should I prune a ficus benjamina?

Community Answer

Yes. When you see lots of dry, spindly vines (with no leaves), you can cut them off with a small pruner or a scissors. They will ooze if the tree is healthy, just put newspaper under the plant before pruning. It can be done anytime.

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Question

Can I put a ficus in a room with an air conditioner?

Jay Griffin

Community Answer

Yes, unless you keep the room refrigerator cold. A ficus prefers temps from 65 to 75F. Don't put the ficus directly in front of a window air conditioner or other air conditioning vent.

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Question

Some of the leaves are curling up and falling off. I'm sure it is some kind of pest. What should I do?

Jay Griffin

Community Answer

Just remove the dead leaves with your fingers. If you see bugs, identify them and treat it according to the type.

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Question

Will my ficus survive if it lost leaves when it was cold?

Jay Griffin

Community Answer

Yes, it should survive. Mine lost its leaves when it was exposed to freezing temps when we moved. It looked dead. Most of the branches did die, and I pruned them out. It sent up branches that replaced the dead ones. It was originally 3 feet tall and most of the branches had to be cut back to only 4 or 5 inches. It is now a healthy 4 foot ficus benjamina 6 years after the move.

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Question

Do I need to put gravel into the bottom of the pot when it is transplanted?

Community Answer

That's always helpful. It increases drainage and prevents waterlogging, which is a plant killer.

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