Why Your Ficus Is Sparse: Light Is the Key

A Ficus that stays the same size for years with sparse foliage and leaf drop is almost certainly getting insufficient light. No amount of repotting, extra water, or fertilizer will fix this—in fact, they'll worsen it. Move the tree directly in front of an uncovered window where it receives several hours of direct sun daily and bright indirect light the rest of the day. Until it recovers, water sparingly and stop fertilizing.