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Ficus Ginsen Type S leaves curling and falling - Help please!

8 years ago

Hello. I've recently acquired my Ficus Ginseng Type S from a plant store and brought it home in its organic soil that seems to be moist for a whole week after watering. Since the last few days its been dropping a lot of leaves that go darker than the regular and curl up. I've cleaned the tree off of dead branches and dead leaves but it drops at an alarming rate. I can't tell if it is normal since it changed places or if it is because there is root rot due to the soil that doesn't let go any water at all. I've been told not to repot as it is weak already but I can't fix root rot without repotting so I really need some advice. Here are the photos: http://imgur.com/a/QfsQH

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Comments (4)

Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
If you suspect root rot I'd go ahead and unpot it and fix the situation. While this is not the best time to, waiting could kill the plant.
ahmetito1 thanked Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
tlbean2004
8 years ago
They tend to loose a lot of leaves when they are moved to a new environment. Also, the soil will stay wetter in the winter time since the plant is not really growing. Just let it dry out before re-watering.
ahmetito1 thanked tlbean2004
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Sajjad Rohollahi
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Based on the photos you provided, it appears that your Ficus Ginseng is experiencing some stress. It's possible that the plant is suffering from root rot due to the soil being too moist for an extended period of time. However, this could also be a natural response to acclimating to its new environment.

To check if there is root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be white or light brown in color, while rotted roots will appear dark, mushy, and may emit a foul odor.

If you do find signs of root rot, you will need to repot the plant to save it. Choose a pot one size larger than the current pot and use fresh, well-draining soil. Gently remove any rotted roots, being careful not to damage healthy ones, and plant the tree in the new pot.

If you don't find signs of rot, then it's likely just the plant adjusting to its new environment. Keep an eye on it and make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
last year
This post is 7 years old, and the images do not reflect a plant "adjusting to its new environment". It appears that the plant was poorly wired (it was undoubtedly sold as a bonsai) and the wire left on for so long that when removed the bark was so badly torn it stopped flow of photosynthate (food) through phloem tissues to the roots. Lacking a source of food/energy, the roots soon died, thus ending the the plant's viability.

Al

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