If it were mine and I wanted it pretty much the way it is now, single stem with a bushy top, I would cut it back below the branches on each prong of the 'trident'. Put it outside in partial shade for a couple weeks to acclimate, and then move to full sun. Ficus back bud easily, and full sun will encourage this. Once new growth is under way, move into part shade so as not to produce sun leaves, which will not like being moved into a relatively dark house for winter. Ficus are known to drop their leaves if a shadow passes over them lol. If you want a bushy plant that branches near the soil line, you can cut the main stem to 6-12 inches, and proceed as above. There is a chance, however slight, that the plant will not like being chopped on and turn up it's toes, but I think it's a chance worth taking considering the state the plant is in now.

What did you use for soil when you repotted, and how much new soil did you add (estimation)? Did you fertilize or dose/spray the plant with anything? How is the plant doing now? Al

Sometimes nurseries stake plants because they want straight trunks and staking works to thwart the plant's tendency to grow toward the strongest light source. You can always remove it, but if the trunk isn't strong enough to be self-supporting, you'll have to live with the crooked trunk or prune the ht back far enough that the plant is able to support its own weight. IMO - pruning back plants that have been grown in light too dim to allow the trunk to be self-supporting should be a regular part of maintaining the plant. Growth isn't sacred. If the plant grows in a manner that isn't in its best interest or doesn't fit with the vision of how you want the plant to look - prune it. That's why they make pruners. ;-) Al

Hi everyone, I purchased a 4ft fiddle leaf fig from eBay and it came in really poor soil so I decided to repot it in my own mix of potting mix + vermiculite + sand. I watered him and things looked good. However, I noticed the soil was not drying and stayed quite damp for about 2 weeks now. A few leaves started to drop and I am not noticing brown tips and curling on some. Knowing this is a big no-no, I took him out of the pot, removed the soil, and left him in a paper bag to dry out. Reading this forum, it looks like they require a faster draining soil and I am looking to purchase all the ingredients required for Al's Gritty Mix. Questions: Is he recoverable? Can he stay in a paper bag with roots exposed for 3 more days until I get the ingredients for the gritty mix? Should I prune the large roots to keep the areas directly under the root clear (umbrella root)? When can I resume fertilizing (Neptune's Fish and Seaweed 2-3-1)? Thank you!