Indoor Ficus Leaf Drop: Scale, Light Change, or Root Bound

Indoor Ficus Leaf Drop: Scale, Light Change, or Root Bound

Yellowing, dropping leaves with white sticky dots at leaf bases on an indoor ficus indicate scale insects. However, ficus also drop leaves when moved to lower light, when root-bound, or with inconsistent watering.

Diagnosis and Fixes

• Scale: Scrape off with fingernail; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly x3.
• Light: Keep in bright, indirect light; avoid moving once placed.
• Roots: Check for circling roots; repot into 2-inch larger pot if bound.
• Water: Water thoroughly when top inch is dry; never let sit in water.

Address all factors for best recovery. Ficus are resilient once conditions stabilize.