My Ficus is losing its leaves: what to do?

To give a little greenery in our interior, the ficus is an ideal green plant that serves as decoration and air purifier by absorbing all impurities such as gas or smoke. This small tree of Asian origin is a tropical plant that requires minimal maintenance. it will be necessary to respect the basic rules of maintenance to hope to extend as much as possible its lifespan as its proximity to light and the need for water and humidity, knowing that it can reach a life expectancy of more than 20 years. However, one day the plant may lose its leaves. It can be a sign of illness or as a result of other internal or external facts.

In general, the ficus is very expressive since the symptoms of its diseases can be seen directly on its foliage, the color may change or the leaves may be withered or even fall off. It therefore deserves to find the cause of this phenomenon in order to be able to better treat it and prevent this kind of problem in the future. Here are the 5 reasons that can explain the loss of the leaves of your ficus.

Why is your ficus losing its leaves?

It is quite normal to wonder what could have caused this kind of problem. It is clear that the majority of ficus diseases have several common causes such as a bad location or lack of light or even a bad dosage of water. Here are five points of the elements that can be at the origin of the loss of the foliage of your ficus.

1. Watering problem

It is true that all tropical plants need water to keep their beautiful foliage. However, there is an amount that should not be exceeded. Before watering the ficus, it is imperative to check that the soil is very dry, if it is still wet, it is necessary to wait. What could have caused the loss of the leaves is too much water which is not beneficial for the ficus either for its leaves or for its roots. Otherwise, a lack of water could cause drying out and cause the leaves to fall.

2. The location

The ficus is a plant that needs calm, which means it doesn't like to be disturbed. You should know that its location must be fixed and sheltered from a passage because a brushing could cause its foliage to fall. It should also be avoided to move or move it as much as possible. For this purpose, place it in an inaccessible corner that will allow it to be stable in all circumstances and permanently.

3. Air quality

Knowing that the ficus is a tropical plant, it has a great need for humidity. The room it is in will need to provide it with an amount of relative humidity to keep its foliage healthy. However, it is difficult to find a part that can provide this naturally. For this purpose, it will be necessary to devote a little time to it, at least once a day, by sprinkling rainwater on its foliage.

4. Lack of light

Light is essential for the survival and growth of your ficus. We tend to think that even at a certain distance, the plant will be able to capture this natural light as long as the room is bright. However, be aware that this design does not reflect reality. In order for the ficus to receive the corresponding amount of light, it should be brought as close as possible to the window at a distance of 10 cm. In the event that natural light is lacking, opt for artificial lighting using a horticultural lamp.

5. The wrong dosage of fertilizer

the fertilizer is a mineral or organic substance which has the role of nourishing the plant that is the ficus to ensure its survival and its growth. The ficus needs fertilizer every month. However, it is necessary to respect the dosage according to the size of the tree. This could cause the leaves to drop from too much nitrogen.

How to prevent the leaves of your ficus from falling?

It is quite possible to prevent this problem of falling leaves by respecting the instructions for the maintenance of the ficus. You should know that during the winter period it is not useful to put fertilizer in the soil of your ficus. Also avoid putting it when the plant still shows signs of disease or weakness.

To keep the foliage of the ficus in good health, it is necessary to moisten it with rainwater using a spray or a damp cloth. Avoid watering it abundantly and regularly.

Make sure to place the ficus in a fixed location where it can receive the necessary amount of light without exposing it to direct sunlight.