Dear Jonny,

Thank you for using Michigan State University Ask Extension with your Ficus tree question.

Yellowing of leaves and leaf drop is a common problem with Ficus. It seems to be the ‘go-to’ response when a Ficus tree is stressed. There can be several triggers for this problem, including over-watering, underwatering, fertilizing needs, drafts, insufficient lighting are the most common issues.

Watering/Humidity –

Over-watering is the most common reason for yellowing of leaves and leaf-drop. When you water, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, do not water yet as the plant already has sufficient moisture. During the winter when there is little growth, you can let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. In summer when there is active growth, the plant soil can be kept evenly moist.It is important to know, though, that Ficus don’t like overly wet roots so make sure that your plant pot has good drainage.

Ficus trees are native to tropical and subtropical regions and enjoy a relatively high humidity. In the winter, our Michigan homes become much drier and don’t provide the humidity these plants enjoy. One way to create more humid growing conditions is to mist it regularly or use a humidifier.

Ficus plants do not like water with a high salt concentration. If you have a water softener on your tap water, consider using water that does not run through the softening system (such as your outdoor spigot, melted snow and rain water collected for the purpose, and saved in clean jugs or other container safe from pets and small children. Or fill water jugs from a friend who doesn’t have a softener.)

Municipal tap water treated with chlorine and other chemicals should be allowed to stand in an open container for 24-48 hours so some chemicals off-gas (again, safely away from pets and children. Here is more information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/watering-houseplants/

Fertilizing –

Ficus plants grow vigorously during spring and summer months and need plenty of nutrients. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer and once every two months in the fall and winter using a water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants.

Drafts/Light Requirements -

Ficus like bright indirect or filtered light. They cannot tolerate low temperatures or drafts. They also cannot tolerate home heating sources (vent) or sudden changes in temperature. They can be kept in temperatures above 60 degrees but prefer to be even warmer - above 70 degrees. And, Ficus plants are often stressed when moved, so once it is in the optimum location try not to move it.

Insects and Mites –

Though insects and mites generally do not cause yellowing of leave or leaf drop, they can cause stress to your tree. Monitor your plants by turning several leaves over as you look for sticky residue or insect presence

There are a lot of possibilities to consider. Remember that Ficus trees don’t like changes in the environment so take your time to address them gradually and monitor closely. As over-watering is the most frequently seen problem, it might make sense to start there. Wishing you and your plant the very best!

Here are a couple of great links with more information about growing Ficus plants in your home:

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/weeping-ficus/

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/