overwatering and Ficus
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Ficus, the most likely cause is: More plants are killed by overwatering than through any other single cause. If the soil is wet continuously, then air cannot circulate around the roots and so eventually the roots suffocate and rot and the plant dies. Ficus benjamina is particularly sensitive: it must not be over-watered, especially during the winter when it partially rests and may lose some leaves if it becomes too dry.
Start here:
- 1. Often a beginner will leave a plant standing in a saucer of water. The roots start to rot and the leaves droop and this is misunderstood as a request for even more water. The rule is never allow a plant to stand in a saucer of water for more than half an hour.
- 2. Ficus benjamina prefers a well-lit, warm room, in which the temperature never falls below 50F (10C). Water generously in spring and summer with reduced watering in winter, and never let the root-ball sit in saturated soil.
Why overwatering happens to Ficus
Ficus spp.
More plants are killed by overwatering than through any other single cause. If the soil is wet continuously, then air cannot circulate around the roots and so eventually the roots suffocate and rot and the plant dies. Ficus benjamina is particularly sensitive: it must not be over-watered, especially during the winter when it partially rests and may lose some leaves if it becomes too dry.
How to correct overwatering on Ficus
- 1
Often a beginner will leave a plant standing in a saucer of water. The roots start to rot and the leaves droop and this is misunderstood as a request for even more water. The rule is never allow a plant to stand in a saucer of water for more than half an hour.
- 2
Ficus benjamina prefers a well-lit, warm room, in which the temperature never falls below 50F (10C). Water generously in spring and summer with reduced watering in winter, and never let the root-ball sit in saturated soil.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Ficus
Generally it is better to under-water slightly rather than to water too much, and to give plenty of water in spring and summer and little during the dormant winter months. A useful rule of thumb for ficus bonsai is to water the plant whenever the soil surface has dried out slightly, in this way the plant will receive water until the moisture stored in the soil has been used up.