I have a standard office plant, which I think is some kind of ficus. My problem is the plant's sparse foliage and lack of growth. I've had the plant for about ten years and it used to have much denser and greener foliage with bigger, pointier and shinier leaves. I have kept it indoors in moderate light and have watered it once a week throughout this period. The plant has endured several bouts of spider mite infestations, which interrupted growth, but I was able to restore control with store-bought plant bug spray. After each infestation, the plant continued to grow. About two years ago, the plant suddenly began to shed leaves -- not all at once but steadily and many branches became bare. Suspecting spider mites again, I tried two different kinds of bug sprays but to no effect. The plant continued to grow new leaves but would shed them. This trend persisted for several months. Gradually, the leaf shedding has stopped, but the plant has remained in this weakened state for about eight months. Many leaves would turn yellow at the tips and gradually die. The tree is in a huge pot with plenty of soil and nutrients. The fact that there are new signs of growth emerging suggests the roots are healthy. But few of the new sprouts actually grow into leaves. The few leaves that do emerge remain small, sparse, and a much lighter shade of green. I have taken a number of pictures, including a close ups of a few yellowing leaves. On one leaf, there are whitish hairs, which may just be dust. But there are also white circular protrusions near the edge of the leaf. I think the white dots that line the edge of some leaves may be remnants of the spider mite infestation. I don't know if those white dots are still doing damage to the plant. I've always looked with amazement at much bigger such trees in offices. They remind me of that mine is not normal. Can anyone tell me why mine is so sickly? Thank you.
Have you ever fed it or repotted the plant beside trying to cure the spider mite. Maybe a change of environment might help it when your weather improves. Liz
Repot! Repot! I'll confirm your ID of Ficus, and they'll start dropping leaves like that when they feel rootbound or need a soil change. So, get it a bit larger pot (about 2 sizes up), some new soil, and give it a change! Once it's been repotted, it will sulk for about a week and may continue to drop leaves, but don't be concerned; indoor Ficus don't like environmental changes very much, and it's normal for them to be a bit grumpy after the shock of being repotted. However, it will perk up. I'd also suggest polishing the leaves a bit with a damp cloth and water, to remove any residual schmutz that the spider-mites left behind. This will help the plant photosynthesise better, and will also help prevent mite-recurrence. Thirdly, you're in Brooklyn, which is far less humid than the tree's natural environment, and the fact that you've had recurring mite problems points to low humidity in your office... Try misting it once or twice a week with water (you can use a regular spray bottle set to fine mist, you don't need any fancy equipment to do this) and see if it improves. Misting will also help prevent the recurrence of the mites, since they thrive in dry conditions. This is most likely the largest secret of tropical tree maintenance in the other offices! Alternately, you can buy a humidifier and humidify the entire office; if you work with a lot of paper, though, this is not so practical. From personal observation here in Ecuador where Ficus like yours are grown as boulevard trees, they do much better in the Amazon and Coastal towns which are stiflingly humid, and barely make a showing in the dry Sierra cities, which bears out the humidity thing.
Liz and lorax, thanks for your replies. I will try misting regularly, if I can remember to do so. As for feeding, I have not tried to fertilize. The current pot is actually quite big, about 16 inches (40cm) in diameter. The angle of the picture makes it look smaller than it really is. There's so much soil in it that it's heavy to move. I dug around the edges half way down and didn't see any root activity. I potted the plant about two and half years ago, moving from a slightly smaller pot and replacing the soil. The tree, especially the trunks, haven't grown much since then. The soil that I use is regular indoor plant potting soil. It seems to be pretty fertile. What's the rationale for changing soil? Do ficus trees deplete nutrients from the soil rapidly? I'd want to wait a little and change the soil outdoors. It'd be too much of a mess inside. And it's snowing right now in New York. By the way, isn't this UBC website amazing, I'm sitting here in New York wondering about this ficus tree and suggestions come in from Austraila and Ecuador!
Ahh we are getting quiet international now. Re the soil it has probably used a lot of nutrients. I don't have indoor plants but my outdoor pots get a feed at least once a year. Also your potting soil may not have been as rich as you thought. I tend to make my own so I know what is in it. Bit like breakfast cerial. The lables say a lot BUT is it really what is there. Liz
