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Braided Ficus Tree Decline: Scale, Light Adaptation & Pruning

11-year braided ficus thinning with sticky leaves after moving indoors has scale insects and light adaptation issues. Nursery misdiagnosed as underwatering.

Correct Diagnosis

Sticky leaves = honeydew from scale
Leaf drop = adaptation from outdoor to indoor light
NOT underwatering

Treatment Plan

Prune hard — reduces leaves to treat, stimulates indoor-adapted growth
Alcohol-soap spray (5:1:soap) — drench all surfaces
Turkey baster for saucer water removal
Water when top inch dry
NEVER repot — ficus thrives rootbound

Follow-Up

Owner pruned bravely. Articles sent via email request. Courage to prune is the hardest step.

House Plants: Diagnosing Leaf Drop in Ficus Trees; Reviving a Struggling Ficus Tree: Light, Water, and Pest Solutions; Controlling Ficus Pests: Alcohol Spray and Systemic Options; Sticky Ficus Leaves: Honeydew from Insects, Not Transpiration; Diagnosing Severe Leaf Drop in a New Large Ficus Tree; Thrips Infestation on Ficus Tree: Identification and Treatment; Ficus Tree Leaf Drop After Moving: Normal Adjustment; Ficus Tree Decline: Mealybugs, Galls, and Recovery Steps; Ficus benjamina Dropping Leaves: Light, Water, Pot Size; White Granules on Ficus Leaves: Normal Sap, Not Pests

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