Look at the brown spots with a magnifying glass to see if they are scale insects. They will be about 1/16th" and raised up a little. If they are more black and sunken then it is probably a fungus of some kind. If it is scale you will have to spray with Volk Oil or some other oil spray. If it is a fungus then the problem is very dangerous. A county ag agent may be able to recommend a fungicide that will work.

My best guess, going only by the odds, is that it REALLY needs repotting - a full repot - not just potting up. Depending on your watering habits, it might be too wet, or might be so root congested it has dry spots in the roots, + all the other negatives associated with tight roots. A high level of soluble salts is also likely if you're not flushing the soil when you water. Hard to say, but it does sound like time for a makeover. ;o) Al

Hello!! I am having the same issue with my Ficus Bonsai. Just 3 weeks ago, I moved from my home into my dorm, and I brought my bonsai with me. Since then, he's been losing leaves, and its been getting worse!! (Theres leaves with dark spots, and leaves with dimples) At first, I assumed it was travel shock, but would travel shock last for 3 weeks? I have been watering when the any of the top inch of the soil gets dry, should I water more? Less? The pot has drainage holes at the bottom, but its sitting in a white pot so water might not be able to escape as easily. There's space on the sides- should I poke holes in the sides? And finally, my last note, is that I noticed some white substances it gathering at where the roots meets the ground, should I be concerned?

This is the Ficus Carica forum. Edible figs. We are not experts on houseplants. If you want answers, go to the houseplant forum.