Ficus Corkscrew: Ants and Mystery Growth in Center

Assessing the Issues

Your mature Ficus benjamina with corkscrew trunk has two concerning problems: a brown/yellowish beard-like material in the center V-branch, and ants emerging from a branch opening (including a large queen-like ant).

Immediate Actions Needed

• Thin the canopy aggressively to inspect the center
• Treat ants immediately with appropriate insecticide
• Identify the growth—could be fungus, insect secretion, or debris
• Photos essential for accurate diagnosis

Why Ants Are Serious

Ants in woody plants often indicate:

• Honeydew-producing insects (scale, aphids, mealybugs) farming
• Decaying wood creating nesting sites
• Structural damage to branches

Growth Management

The thin outer branches from shearing pruning need selective thinning to encourage interior growth. Ficus responds well to proper pruning—remove crossing branches, open the center for light penetration, and reduce the dense outer shell to stimulate back-budding.

Send clear photos of the center growth and ant entry point for specific treatment recommendations. Early intervention prevents spread to your other plants.