Ficus Tree Decline: Mealybugs, Galls, and Recovery Steps

Diagnosing a Struggling Ficus: Pests, Disease, and Revival

Melissa's medium ficus has declined over 6 weeks—lost all leaves after moving for more light. A nearby ficus (15 ft away) is healthy. Both show white spider-web-like film on branches and golden-brown woody growths on the trunk. The white material wipes off with a Q-tip; the growths can also be removed.

Expert Analysis from Darlene

• White film = Mealybugs – Remove with Q-tips soaked in rubbing alcohol.
• Woody growths = Galls (fungal) – Rare on ficus. Experts often recommend destroying affected trees, but Darlene suggests removing galls and spraying area with generic Lysol daily for 2 weeks.
• Recovery chance: Slim but possible. Move to a porch for more light (ficus love heat). Treat mealybugs and galls. If no new leaves in 3 weeks, it's likely dead.

Melissa sent photos to plantlady6@yahoo.com. Darlene notes both trees get same light/water; the sick one may have been stressed by the move.