How to Fix Yellowing and Dropping Leaves on a Ginseng Ficus

The most notable feature of the ginseng ficus is its extremely long lifespan; it is a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and is very suitable for placement in homes, courtyards and many other locations. However, many people who grow ginseng ficus report problems such as yellowing and dropping leaves. In fact, the main cause of these problems is generally improper routine care. Below, let us take a look at the correct ways to handle these problems.

What to Do When a Ginseng Ficus Drops Its Leaves

1. A newly purchased ginseng ficus dropping its leaves

When a newly purchased ginseng ficus drops its leaves, it is in the process of adapting to its new environment. At this point, simply let it slowly acclimatise; place it in a spot with diffused light for care, and once the plant gradually recovers, resume normal watering and fertilising.

2. Unstable growing environment

Frequently changing its position, or frequently repotting it, will make the ginseng ficus's growing environment insufficiently stable, and it will easily drop its leaves. When growing a ginseng ficus, do not change its position at will, or repot it frequently.

3. Caused by improper watering and fertilising

As a general rule, water only when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do, without allowing water to accumulate, so as to avoid root rot and leaf drop. Fertilising should also be done in moderation, with light, frequent applications being best; the concentration should not be too high, so as to avoid fertiliser burn that causes leaf drop.

4. Light problems

The ginseng ficus needs an environment with fairly abundant light, but during the high temperatures of summer it needs appropriate shading; when the temperature is fairly suitable, no shading is needed, so as to avoid leaf drop.

How to Fix Yellowing Leaves on a Ginseng Ficus

1. Improper light

The ginseng ficus is by nature light-loving; if there is insufficient light, the plant will grow slowly and its leaves will turn yellow. Although the ginseng ficus is a light-loving plant, if it is placed in direct sunlight for a long time, the edges of the leaves will also become scorched or yellow.

In this case, the plant needs to be moved outdoors to a sunny spot or a spot with partial light, and moved back indoors after it flowers.

2. Improper fertilising

When the potting soil has too much nitrogen fertiliser or lacks phosphorus and potassium fertiliser, or when there is insufficient fertilising or the potting soil has not been changed for a long time, the branches will become thin and weak and the leaves will turn yellow.

For the case of too much nitrogen fertiliser, increase the amount of watering to flush out the fertiliser, and immediately knock the plant out of the pot, rinse the root ball, and replace the potting soil and replant; for the case of insufficient fertilising, likewise knock the plant out of the pot and repot it, then replant it in fertile, loose potting soil, taking care to water thoroughly to help it acclimatise, and once it has recovered, apply liquid fertiliser or compound fertiliser.

3. Improper watering

Whether it is too much watering causing water to accumulate in the potting soil, oxygen deprivation and rot of the plant's roots, or too little watering causing insufficient moisture, both will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

In this case, control the amount of watering, loosen the soil frequently, improve ventilation, or appropriately mist the leaves and move the plant to a cool place.

4. Pests and diseases

If scale insects harm the plant, the leaves will turn yellow or even drop off.

In this case, promptly remove the pests, reduce the amount of watering, spray the leaves, soften the water quality, take care to provide shade, reduce fertilising, and so on.

What to Do When a Ginseng Ficus's Leaves Turn Black

1. Temperature

Cause: Because this plant is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics, it needs a warm environment. Especially in winter, it is best for the temperature to be above 10 degrees. If it is below 6 degrees, it is very likely to suffer cold damage. After being frozen, its leaves are very likely to turn black.

Measures: In the more southerly provinces, growing it is basically no problem. However, in the more northerly provinces, care is needed. In winter, be sure to take cold-protection measures. Move it indoors; it absolutely must not be left outdoors.

2. Watering

Cause: Although this plant likes a moist environment, the water still must not be excessive. If there is too much water causing waterlogging, and this continues for a long time, the leaves may also turn black.

Measures: Water scientifically and reasonably. Do not use too much water at one time. We can adjust according to its needs, that is, according to its stage of growth. During the vigorous period, it can be watered somewhat more. When the growth rate is slow, do not water too much. Overall, follow the principle of “dry and wet alternating”.

3. Light

Cause: There are two situations. First, being indoors for a long time with insufficient light may cause the leaves to turn black. Second, if it is suddenly exposed to strong light, or is placed under direct light for a long time, the same result may also occur.

Measures: From the two situations above, we can conclude that it needs light, but it cannot be direct light. So, normally it is best to place it under diffused light. When there is direct light, provide shade for it.

How to Care for a Ginseng Ficus

1. Light

It likes light and tolerates partial shade, so it is best to place the plant in an environment with abundant light, and next best to keep it under diffused light; of course, when the light is extremely intense, shading is also needed.

2. Temperature

The most suitable temperature is between 18-33 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in both winter and summer, take care to keep the temperature suitable: in summer, take care to protect it from the sun, and in winter, take care to protect it from freezing; if the temperature is too low, the plant will wither or even die.

3. Watering

When watering, keep the potting soil slightly moist but by all means avoid waterlogging; therefore, control the frequency and amount of watering: water when dry, and do not water when not dry.

There are many reasons that cause the ginseng ficus's leaves to turn yellow and drop, but basically they all come from the growing environment we give it being unsuitable. The appearance of this problem is not frightening; what is frightening is when a problem appears and the cause cannot be found and it is not handled in time, causing the plant to die.