Hello!

I was gifted a triangle ficus two years ago and it has done very well. There are 6-7 stems in a well-drained pot. The plant is well over 7' tall and receives ample light in the window. I check the soil every 7-10 days and water only when it is dry.

A week or two ago, I noticed some yellowing on the leaves, as well some curling and brown spots on the backs of a few. I checked the soil and it's damp even though it's been awhile since I watered. The humidity in my house is pretty stable. I live in LA so it's actually driest during the summer months. The affected leaves do seem limited to one or two sides and near the base, but the curling is occurring throughout. I've held back on watering until I get some advice, and I'm attaching some photos hoping that could help.

What could be going on? Might the plant need more humidity or water? The temps have dropped here and it's near a window. Could the chill of the window be affecting the plant; that's never been an issue before.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much in advance.

to the forum jw1313!
In that location it should be happy as a clam. Do you take it out of the deco pot to water it? Have you changed fertilizer practices - given less or more than usual? Have you ever fed it? If you usually just water it and it doesn't have much water flowing out of the bottom then it may not be staying moist enough except at the surface. Try putting it in the bath-tub and REALLY soaking it couple of times. It may be a build-up of calcium/magnesium salts ( from tap water )in the soil.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful note. It has been very happy until recently.

I water it in the pot, then check underneath the next day to make sure it's not sitting in water. There was a bit of water underneath when I checked last so I emptied it out. Usually it soaks it right up.

I have never fed it. I know I should. It's winter now though, and everywhere I've read says not to feed during the winter months. Should I wait until spring?

That's an interesting idea about tap water salts. Perhaps I'll carry it outside and use the hose to give it a good soak and see what happens.

Another thought I had: I wonder if it's outgrown the pot. But that wouldn't necessarily cause the leaf issue. I should also mention that I've noticed some very small thin red root-like tendrils trying to extend over the edge of the pot. That makes me think it's thirsty...?

Thank you again, and let me know if you or anyone has additional ideas or advice.

It can stay in that pot for several more years, so you don't need to worry there. The red things are indeed roots, but they don't indicate need t repot. It's just something they do.
After you do the leaching go ahead and use some fertilizer at 1/2 strength. Wait until the next time you need to water. Since you live in LA, winter doesn't mean as much as NY or Canada.
Don't be surprised if you get extra leaf-drop after the leaching. It's just reacting to the change and will replace the old leaves fairly quickly.
If you do the leaching about every other year your plant should do fine in that pot, in that location for years to come.
I really like Triangle Figs for their funky leaf shape and that they're nowhere near as picky as benjaminas.

Thank you! I just carried it outside and gave it a good soaking 3-4 times to rinse everything through. Gonna let it drain and dry a bit before I carry it back inside.

You don't think I have some root rot, do you? The yellowing leaves and dampness are suspicious.

Fingers crossed, this soaking helps.

Since it doesn't sit in water for extended periods of time, root rot is not a problem to worry about. I can hear the sigh of relief from the tree's roots all the way over here!

That's a beautiful plant! I have only had the Benjaminas. I think I need to find one of these.

I hope it will be happy now. Thank you, John, for all of your help here on the forums. It's much appreciated when a pro has time to help others.

The more I help to succeed, the more successful I am. Spread the plant love and share your knowledge. I'm still learning from all of you and what happens to me every day.

Just following up... Been two days since I leached out the plant and the soil is still completely wet. The tree isn't looking any better. When should I see improvement?

I'm beginning to wonder if it's been overwatered. Perhaps someone watered the plant without me knowing. I also wondered about pests and checked the leaves but don't really see any evidence.

Just worried I'm about to lose my beautiful big tree!

Give it some time. 2 days isn't very long and as long as it's really bright the plant will be fine. It may take 2-3 weeks to see a response. Especially with the cloudy, rainy weather we're having.
The condition of the leaves in your pictures doesn't show insect activity.

Patience, Grasshopper (jw1313)

CPPgardener said:
Patience, Grasshopper (jw1313)

Hahahahaha! Okay okay. Patience...
I think I'm just nervous that I'm dealing with root rot instead. Are there things I should look out for that would signal that in the meantime?

Thank you again!
Grasshoopper

It has been a little over a week now, and the soil is still very damp. Is this normal?

Considering our weather, yes. Unless you have the heater set on 78.

CPPgardener said:Considering our weather, yes. Unless you have the heater set on 78.

Thanks for continuing to calm my nerves. I'm trying to be a patient grasshopper!

Update: It's been a little over two weeks since I leached out my triangle ficus. I'm not sure I'm seeing improvement, but perhaps things are worsening. I've noticed a lot more yellow leaves, including some at the top of the plant. The leaves of a triangle ficus tend towards the funky side, but I feel like I might also be seeing a bit of droop and curl. The top layer of the soil is dry, but about 2 inches deep i can detect some slight moisture with my finger. Providing some updated photos to help as well.

Am I to stay the course? Might something else be going on?
I'm so scared of losing my gorgeous triangle ficus.

Still looking good. Are the leaves very "soft" when you gently rub them? They should be firm and somewhat rigid. When it feels dry as deep as you can stick your middle finger in it is time to water again. Make sure that some water is coming out of the bottom.

Interestingly some of the leaves are rigid and some are softer and more pliable. Drainage has never been an issue so far, but I think I'm another day or so away from watering again. The leaves are curling a lot more than ever before as well.

More leaves are yellowing and falling off now, and not just at the base of the plant but throughout. I feel like the leaves in general aren't as bright green as they used to be, but have a duller hue. Is something else going on?

It's doing the leaf-drop expected after the leaching. You should be seeing new leaves popping out in a couple of weeks.
Have you fed it yet? You could use quarter-strength Miracle-Gro now.
Very few pests or diseases attack Ficus, especially indoors. The biggest issues are light and water. Your lighting is great so that leaves watering which you have down pretty good. You can check the moisture near the bottom by sticking a wooden or bamboo stake into one of the drain holes. If it is very wet, wait a little longer to water.
Overall it's doing what is expected and careful, but not extreme, monitoring of condition is all that is needed for now. I normally treat my houseplants like the ones I maintained in offices I card for. I visit once a week, check moisture, groom as needed, check for pests (not usually a big problem indoors) and maybe use some leaf-shine. In between, I enjoy the view and relax.

CalPolygardener said:
Have you fed it yet? You could use quarter-strength Miracle-Gro now.

It was dry the other day so i watered it a bit, but forgot to feed it. it hasnt really taken very much of the water, but it is wet underneath. not sitting in any water tho.