- Cause #1: Abrupt change of location
- Cause #2: waterlogging
- Cause #3: Lack of light
- Cause #4: Cold
- Cause #5: Ball dryness
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Her response is nonverbal, yet unmistakable. If the birch fig does not feel well, it drops all the leaves. Mistakes in care are usually responsible for the loss of leaves. We have compiled the 5 most common causes for you here with tips for solving the problem.
The Ficus Benjamini reacts sensitively to a lack of light
Cause #1: Abrupt change of location
Characteristic of the birch fig is a pronounced site loyalty. If she is allowed to stay in the same place for many years, she shows herself from her most beautiful side. Sometimes a change of location in connection with a move cannot be avoided. Allocate your Ficus benjamina a place in the new apartment with these conditions and be patient, put the pretty foliage back on:
- Bright location not in full sun
- Variegated species on the south window with protection from the blazing midday sun
- Normal room temperatures not below 16 degrees Celsius
As the leafless benjamini acclimates over the following weeks, water less and fertilize every 14 days.
Cause #2: waterlogging
Its tropical origin is mistakenly associated with a high water requirement. Waterlogging is therefore one of the most common causes when the birch fig drops all its leaves. As the roots rot in the soaked substrate, they stop feeding completely, making leaf loss inevitable. By repotting the affected birch fig in dry soil and watering reduced, there are good chances of rescue.
Cause #3: Lack of light
In winter, even a location on the south window does not help against a lack of light if the sun does not appear for days or weeks. The birch fig then falls into a growth depression, which results in leaf loss. So that not all the leaves fall, simply compensate for the lack of light. Install a plant lamp (€21.99) with a red-blue light spectrum, 15 to 20 watts of power and a reflector screen above the light-hungry Benjamini.
Cause #4: Cold
Pleasant room temperatures alone do not meet the requirements for a warm location. Cold bridges form on the windowsill in autumn and winter, which cool the root ball from below. To prevent all the leaves from falling on your birch fig for this reason, place the bucket on an insulating base such as wood or polystyrene.
Cause #5: Ball dryness
If the pleas for moderate watering of a birch fig are misinterpreted, the root ball can dry out during hot summer days. To reduce water consumption, the Ficus benjamina sheds all leaves. Now a plunge bath can change the mind of the leafless birch fig again. Soak the dried-out bale in room-warm, soft water until no more air bubbles rise.
tips
A birch fig can cope well with dry heating air if you use a trick to increase the local humidity. Fill the saucer with expanded clay (€19.73) and water, and a touch of moisture will constantly rise and caress the foliage. If you spray the Benjamini once or twice a week with soft water, the leaves will stay where they belong even in winter.