Pleomele reflexa (Song of India) & Ficus benjamina (Braided) Care: Light Swap Needed

You've placed these two 5-foot trees in reversed light conditions. Correcting this is the single most important step.

Light Requirements (Swapped!)

• Pleomele reflexa (Song of India): Bright indirect light—no direct sun. Read-a-book brightness. Your current morning sun spot is too intense.
• Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig): As much direct sun as possible. South/west window ideal. Current bright indirect spot is insufficient.

Watering Protocol

Water thoroughly when top 2 inches of soil are dry (test with chopstick/finger). Frequency varies:

• Summer (high light/heat): every 5–7 days.
• Winter (low light/cool): every 10–14 days.
• Always empty saucer after 30 min.

Additional Care

• Fertilize: Balanced liquid at ½ strength, monthly (Mar–Oct).
• Humidity: Ficus tolerates dry air; Pleomele prefers >40% (pebble tray helps).
• Leaf drop: Ficus will shed leaves after relocation—this is normal. Don't overwater in response.
• Pruning: Spring for shaping. Ficus bleeds latex—wear gloves.

Swap positions now. Monitor watering closely for first month. Both are long-lived with correct light.