Question
I recently repotted a 25 year old ficus.  Now a white powder keeps appearing on the top of the dirt.  There is new growth on the branches, but I don't know if the powder is harmful to the plant or our family.

Answer
Kristi,

How large (diameter) was the pot you removed the ficus from?  How large is the pot that you moved it to?  How often do you water it?  Is there a drain tray under the pot? What type of potting soil did you use?

It sounds like it may be a fungal infection. It may be caused by too much water or poor potting soil. Try cutting back on the water and spraying it the soil surface with Lysol spray. Never leave the tree sitting with a drain tray full of water.  Suction it out with a turkey baster 2 hours after watering the tree.
Let me know if the Lysol spray has an effect on the white powder. If not it would be helpful if you could sen me a picture of this white powder to [email protected]

Darlene