Can I save this 40-year-old ficus or is it done for?

General
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It looks like it can be saved! Try removing dead leaves and repotting it in a bigger pot with fresh potting soil. Water it heavily for the first week, then keep it lightly watered every day for about a month. If it gets good sunlight through those windows, you should notice improvement soon!

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@Perry
Exactly! That soil is completely depleted.

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Weston said:
@Perry
Exactly! That soil is completely depleted.

Depleted? That soil is ready to retire and move to Florida.

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Keir said:
@Perry
Watering every day? Won’t that just make it worse? Seems like too much.

Totally agree.

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Keir said:
@Perry
Watering every day? Won’t that just make it worse? Seems like too much.

Actually, ficus trees like a little bit of water daily. I usually give mine a cup or so. But you’re right—they don’t like sitting in water. Proper drainage is key.

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@Perry
Agreed! The one next to it could use some care too.

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Ficus trees are super resilient. Mine loses a ton of leaves every fall when I bring it inside, but it always bounces back. If you repot it and take care of it, there’s a great chance it’ll recover fully.

9

Why is no one mentioning that ficus trees are semi-deciduous? They naturally drop leaves sometimes.

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This tree is definitely worth saving. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Get rid of window screens—they block light. Clean the windows for maximum sunlight.
  2. Water thoroughly with water (no softeners) and a bit of liquid fertilizer. Water slowly so it absorbs properly.
  3. In spring, take it out of the pot, rinse off the roots, and trim back at least a third of them. Use fresh potting soil mixed with compost and some slow-release fertilizer when repotting.
  4. After a month, cut the branches back by 25-30% and add a stronger liquid fertilizer.
  5. By summer, it should start thriving. Prune again in late summer, and keep it outdoors in partial sunlight if possible.

I’ve had mine for over 40 years and this process works wonders every time.

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Why not take some cuttings from the healthier tips and root them in water? That way, you can grow new plants while working on saving this one.

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Mist it twice a week with water. They thrive in high humidity.

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Nope.

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Shay said:
Nope.

Thanks for the advice… I guess?