Reviving a Leggy Ficus: Hard Pruning vs. Rooting a New Plant

Pruning Approach (Recommended)

1. Cut dead wood out.
2. Reduce height/size with sharp, sterilized tools (1:10 bleach dip per cut).
3. Looks severe initially, but new growth fills in symmetrically.

Rooting Alternative

If hard pruning is unacceptable, root cuttings instead. But the tree can be saved.