Ficus benjamina is a frequent visitor to windowsills, but in winter it often scares owners: the leaves turn yellow and fall off in bunches, even if you haven’t changed anything. Many consider this to be “seasonal,” but in fact, the plant reacts in this way to dry air from radiators, sharp drafts from ventilation, and a lack of magnesium and potassium after the New Year holidays.
To prevent the ficus from turning into a “stick with a couple of leaves,” it is important to support it in early January, before it enters into deep stress. Just two simple steps will help it stay lush and green until spring.
What to do?
1. Trim only dry branches
Do not touch healthy shoots – ficus does not tolerate pruning in winter. Remove only those branches that have no leaves and no green layer under the bark. This will prevent the drying out from spreading.
2. Feed with a strengthening solution:
- 1 liter warm water
- 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt or table salt without iodine
- 2–3 drops of iodine
- 1 tsp. whey or kefir
Mix well and water on slightly damp soil, but never on dry soil. Excess moisture in winter is destructive.
This formula replenishes magnesium and potassium, strengthens cell walls and reduces stress from dry air. Iodine works as an antiseptic, and lactic acid bacteria improve soil microflora.
After just 10–14 days, the falling of leaves will slow down, and fresh greenery will appear at the tips of the shoots even in January.
Do not place the ficus near the radiator, do not spray the leaves, and do not move it from place to place.
These simple steps will keep your ficus green and lush.
