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Mon, Mar 24, 08 at 11:42
| I have a ficus retusa and have been taking care of it for three years now without much trouble. But recently the leaves of my ficus turned yellow and dropped off. I was not concerned seeing that it had not defoliated for spring, but When the tips of new growth turned brown I became very very concerned. Help! I do not tend to over water- once a week I douse and let it drain. I keep a spray bottle near the tree and spray it with warm water about 2 times a week. I have not fed it recently- I gave it plant food about three weeks ago. I NEED HELP. I don't want my tree to die. please give me your opinion. I pinched off the brown tips and the tree is still green on the inside and seems not too dry. Help help help me. I love my tree |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| First of all, relax - it's a plant, not your grandmother :-). You yourself gave a giant clue in that you water too often (it's not about the amount, but how often, in relation to how much of the soil is dry, or whether it's a bad peaty mix and holds water forever rather than a gritty mix that drains fast, plus whether you let the pot wick up drain water from the saucer, which should be wide, with at least 1" sides and full of stones on which the pot can sit out of the water (which should otherwise be kept just below the stones' tops all the time - much more effective for humidity than twice weekly or even daily sprays, which literally do nothing at all. Get your tree in the best light all day that you can, only water when more than less of the soil is dry, when it's feeling better, repot into a mostly grit and perlite mix, with only a little soil, and for now use a mild house plant fungicide (such as No Damp - tiny brown bottle) according to the label directions - one time, and give it time to recover. |
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- Posted by bonsaigirl (My Page) on Mon, Mar 24, 08 at 17:47
| i appreciate your comments. I have it potted in such a way and I repotted it about a year ago. It drains extremely fast and well, but you're right I do water it too often I think. I am just afraid that now since it is missing it's leaves that anything I do to it will hurt it more seeing that it is a little "under the weather" if you will. Again much thanks. i just adore my plants and it breaks my heart to see that i may have killed them. |
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| Just do as I suggested and wait a few weeks - give it time to recover and don't otherwise 'fuss' it. |
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