I have a large-potted [SEARCH]ficus[/SEARCH] (benjamina probably) that has a small branch growing out of the root that has been cut short at some time in the past. It now has a problem with a few of its [SEARCH]leaves[/SEARCH] (drying and losing colour). I pulled up the section of root associated with it, and it is slimy and seems to have some sort of [SEARCH]rot[/SEARCH] attacking the outer layer of the root. I'd call this the cambium if it were above ground, but don't know what it is called on a root - sorry. Any suggestions? We had another ficus that had the same condition on the whole plant, and all of the roots seemed to be rotted, as well as the lower 1/3 of the cambium. It was quite a large plant and went downhill quite fast.
You need better draining soil. Repot into new soil with some added perlite and make sure the pot has good drainage holes. Be sure the pot never sits in water.
well, the soil seems fairly dry. about all we did to these guys ws add some soil as a top dressing. there has never been a situation where the pot has been sitting in water. room is cool, and fairly light in the PM. It almost looks like a a phytophthera/crown rot type of infection that some apple rootstocks are susceptible to, but "wetter". thanks for the tip — will make sure these items are covered.
