Restoring a Lopsided Ficus benjamina: Light, Soil, and Patience

Causes of One-Sided Growth

Uneven light (corner placement, window shade) causes the shaded side to defoliate. Salt buildup from 10-year-old soil exacerbates stress.

Rehabilitation Plan

1. Repot: remove old soil, loosen roots, use fresh mix in a larger pot with drainage.
2. Place where light hits all sides equally; rotate weekly if needed.
3. Do not prune bare branches; they will leaf out with even light.
4. Mist frequently to deter spider mites.
5. Water thoroughly when top half of soil is dry.

Outcome

Ficus is resilient. With even light and fresh soil, the bare side will fill in over months.