Ficus Benjamin is shedding leaves – why and what to do?

The evergreen ficus tree is a favorite among many gardeners due to its low maintenance and decorative qualities. The only difficulty you might encounter when growing it is sudden thinning of the crown. Ficus Benjamina shedding its leaves is usually due to pest infestation or improper care, so you need to know what to do to save the plant.

Features of the variety

This evergreen plant of the Mulberry family is one of the most common houseplants. Ficus stems are erect, and the leaves vary depending on the variety. They can be smooth, thin-skinned, elongated oval, or pointed. They range in length from 6 to 13 cm, and in width from 2 to 6 cm.

The Ficus benjamina thrives in apartments and doesn't require wintering. Its crown and trunk can be shaped, making it widely used in bonsai.

It has many varieties, both green-leaved (Exotic, Monique, Wiandi) and variegated (Barok, Safari), which are more demanding in terms of lighting.

Possible reasons for Ficus Benjamin to drop leaves

Leaf drop is one of the most common consequences of improper care or infection of a ficus tree. To understand the cause (there may be several), it's important to evaluate all the symptoms together.

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Pests

Pests can be brought in from a flower shop or infested by other flowers. Therefore, it's recommended to quarantine the plant for a few days before bringing it back to its previous home.

Ficus can be affected by the following pests:

1. Spider mites are difficult to spot because they are very small and transparent. Their larvae are completely invisible, but a fine web can be seen on the underside of the leaf blade. This dangerous pest thrives in warm, dry air. The plant's growth stops, the leaves turn yellow, and fall off.

   

2. Mealybug. This insect grows up to 5 mm in length, making it easily visible on leaves. Its body is oval with bristles along the edges and covered in white fluff. Because the mealybug gathers in colonies when infesting the plant, it appears as a cotton-like fluff on the leaves and stems. This fluff should be removed from the surface with an alcohol wipe or a cotton pad soaked in alcohol.

   

3. Scale insects. Adult insects are up to 4 mm long and brown in color. The plaques are rigid and protect against insecticides. Juvenile scale insects are smaller, flesh-colored, and have a soft shield.

   

   Initially, you may notice a sticky feeling on the leaf blades. This is a sign of pest presence. The leaves become discolored and detached as the scale insects feed on the plant's cell sap. A secondary infestation may also be sooty mold, which thrives on the scale insects' secretions. By covering the area with a black coating, the fungus disrupts photosynthesis.

Mistakes in care

The following mistakes in plant care can cause leaf shedding:

• Any changes to the usual conditions. This could include transportation and subsequent adaptation to the site, changes in care, pruning, replanting, and so on;
• Lack of moisture. This is easily noticed by the condition of the soil. It's dry, separating from the edges, and when watered, the water immediately spills into the tray, not staying in the pot. Without moisture, the entire plant gradually dries out;
• Overwatering. Watering before the top layer of soil has dried out slightly can lead to root rot and subsequent leaf drop. Other signs of overwatering include an unpleasant odor from the soil, darkening of the leaves, drooping shoots, and damp soil, possibly with standing water in the tray.

This can also be related to air humidity. For example, dry air during the heating season or a dry summer when no additional watering or increased indoor humidity has been provided.

• Lack of adequate lighting. This usually occurs in winter, when daylight hours are short, and primarily affects ornamental varieties of Ficus benjamina. They become dull, shrink, and shed their leaves.

  

• Temperature imbalance. Ficus is a tropical plant, so temperatures below 16°C (62°F) will cause the plant to become overcooled. If the average room temperature is within normal limits, check whether the leaves are touching the window, whether the windowsill is cold, and what the water temperature is when watering.
• Draft. F. Benjamin should be protected from cold air currents. These can also include wind blowers, fans, and air conditioners;
• Insufficient or excessive fertilizer. Without sufficient nutrients, the plant will become smaller, stunted, and lose leaves.
  Remember!

  Incorrect application of fertilizers can lead to root burn, which will also affect the ficus.
• soil pH imbalance. For normal growth, ideal values ​​are 6.5-7.0;
• High doses of pesticides. When fertilizing, follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the plant.

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What to do if a ficus is infested with parasites

At the first sign of a parasite infestation, treatment should begin immediately. A wide range of treatment options are available, including both specialized products and folk remedies.

Chemicals

Depending on the pest, treatment is carried out using the following means:

• scale insects (treatment once a week for 3 weeks), spider mites: Actellic (20 drops per liter of water);
• mealybug: Karbofos (40 drops per 1 liter of water) or spraying with Confidor once every 10 days until the pest is completely destroyed;
• Thrips: Actellic, Aktara, Tanrek (according to instructions).

Folk remedies

Various folk remedies have proven effective in the fight against pests:

1. To combat mealybugs or spider mites, dissolve 5 tablespoons of any laundry detergent in a small amount of hot water, then add 5 tablespoons of diesel fuel or machine oil. Dilute the mixture with a bucket of cold water. Wipe all the leaves and stems of the affected ficus with this emulsion. Repeat the treatment after a few days.

   

2. Scale insects can be killed by treating them with a garlic-soap solution: mix one part crushed garlic, one part grated laundry soap, and three parts water. Apply the mixture to the plant and rinse with warm water after 24 hours. Repeat the treatment at regular intervals of several days until the pests are completely eliminated.
3. Spider mites can be killed by treating the leaves with a tobacco dust infusion: add 4 tablespoons of tobacco dust and soap to 1 liter of warm water. Apply this solution to the leaves and leave for 2 hours. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Prevention

The following preventative measures will help prevent leaf fall:

1. If possible, avoid moving the pot. To do this, you first need to choose the best location for it.
2. Monitor the room temperature and humidity according to the season. Regulate humidity using humidifiers, spraying, showers, wet expanded clay in a tray, or wiping the leaves with a damp sponge.

   

3. Monitor the humidity in the pot. When planting, be sure to create a drainage layer and ensure there is a drainage hole. Water moderately, using warm, soft water only when the top layer has dried slightly. Drain the water from the tray, but not earlier than 20 minutes after watering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ficus benjamina is a wonderful plant for beginning gardeners. Knowing the basic care instructions, you can grow an exceptionally beautiful tree that will complement any interior.