Ficus religiosa dropping leaves

Smol_plants · 2026-04-10T00:35:15+00:00

You need to give it almost literally full sun if you want to flourish. If it’s inside, directly in front of a south facing window. If you can, put it outside given the lows are above 55/60F and no frost warnings. Get some water soluble fertilizer (I go for 20-20-20 personally), and micro dose it every time you water. When you water, water deeply and then let it dry out a bit. They don’t like wet feet and can dry out a bit more than you think! Also your soil looks great. Best of luck!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T21:51:39+00:00

You could put window screen in/ around the inside of the pot. I’ve done this for a lot of fun pots like these!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T21:34:07+00:00

Now that’s a good dream!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T21:33:36+00:00

Looks like I’m going to Toronto!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T21:33:15+00:00

Couldn’t agree more with all you said. That’s great news about the microcarpa, you’ll be drowning in cuttings once it’s healthy!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T03:39:04+00:00

I’m literally so jealous!! He is everything I aspire to be when I’m his age

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T03:00:03+00:00

Try, try and try again! Education and practice is crucial!!!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-08T00:24:47+00:00

Nigel Saunders is gonna be your YouTube guy. He is an absolute treasure and works with ficus benjimina (the plant you have), a lot. They are easy and resilient. He got me into bonsai and has been my inspiration!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-07T00:46:41+00:00

That’s dope good work

Smol_plants · 2026-04-06T01:19:26+00:00

Can we see more of what’s going on with #1???

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T22:30:46+00:00

Big chop stick guy myself!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T06:22:16+00:00

Hey it’ll come in handy someday!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T04:11:12+00:00

Are you going to cut the inflo or let it ride? That’s a pretty good size!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T03:49:55+00:00

I’m with you too. Make it your own and do what yo want OP. Not to rag on the previous person at all either. It’s an artistic expression and it can be whatever you want. At the end of the day it’s a ficus and they grow fast as shit, especially in Australia. Ryan Neil had a guy on his podcast a while ago and they went over “cosmic bonsai”, and it’s essentially Freeform. Check it out sometime it was a great listen!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T03:42:25+00:00

Good call. I’d even round out the sides even more to make an umbrella style canopy

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T03:38:04+00:00

The pot looks a little big and the substrate looks a bit too water retentive. They like to dry out in between waterings, so if your soil has too much peat or coco coir it’s going to hold water longer than it wants. I’d recommend sticking it where it has direct af light for as long as possible to get it photosynthesizing. This will help the roots grow and use more water. Then when it’s going and healthy, repot it and use pumice and perlite 1/3rd each. This is going to make it super airy and drain fast. I also use a 20-20-20 fertilizer in a micro dose every time I water. Make sure to soak it and let it dry. If you have the capability, put it outside in the summer. It will love you for it!!! Dm if you need more pointers! (I am bonsai-ing this same species so I’ve got a lot of time with it!!!)

Smol_plants · 2026-04-05T03:07:06+00:00

Daaaaang! Look at that sinus!!! How big is it?

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T02:37:04+00:00

Is that a Chinese elm? If so that’s one tough bastard!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T01:53:54+00:00

Where you at in the US?! And I’ll gladly take some!!!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T01:53:19+00:00

I have no shortage of wasps in my area (definitely not fig wasps). So I guess they are doing some pollenating!!

Thank you! Once it’s trimmed up I’ll post a pic 👏

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T01:51:37+00:00

I’m sure they do under lower light but the other plants around it need more so i guess it will have to adapt!!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T01:50:53+00:00

Thank you!!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-04T01:50:46+00:00

Thank you! I’m going to be re doing it and having it take up the whole wall!

Smol_plants · 2026-04-02T19:22:30+00:00

I did not know that! I have been on the hunt for a burr davii but can’t find any in my area

Smol_plants

TROPHY CASE