Wintering A Ficus Bonsai - Knowledgebase Question

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Avatar for lmmer101
Question by lmmer101
January 29, 2000
I received a Ficus Bonsai as a gift. It did well for the
first few weeks. I am very careful to water & mist. At first there was a lot of new growth & I thought I was caring for my bonsai properly. Then it started to loose leaves. Now all the new growth is dead & there is not one
old leaf remaining. I'm not sure if it is normal winter behavior or if I have managed to kill it completely. Should I continue to water & hope it comes back in the spring? Please help.


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Answer from NGA
January 29, 2000
Sometimes a ficus will lose its leaves in shock right after a move. If this is the case, it should regrow new leaves shortly if you keep on caring for it. Other times a ficus may defoliate due to an insect problem such as spider mites. In this case you should see small webbing and tiny insects on the undersides of the leaves and possibly along the twigs. Insecticidal soap should take care of that problem, used according to label instructions. Be sure to dispose of all the fallen leaves. In the meantime be careful to keep the plant in bright light, keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, and keep it out of drafts. I hope it comes back for you.

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