Hi all
My ficus ginseng for the past year is losing its new leaves. They are turning black or brown and immediately falling. Some established leaves are also doing the same. The plant gets regularly fertilised. The water is soft and at room temperature. It is on a windowsill.
Any ideas? Does it need repotting?

Some photos would help. Also, can you describe your watering method/frequency?

Thanks for the prompt response. I water twice a week in the summer and once/twice in the winter, with soft room temperature water. Sorry I thought I had attached the pictures. I’ll try again. Cheers.

This tree have a serious infestation. I am not totally sure what it is, but spider mites is not a bad guess. They tend to start in authum when our heating systems kick in and dry up the air.

Use a good loupe and look for tiny leaf sucking pests. Spider mites is very small and black. I cannot see them bye eye only, but normally the tiny webs they produce would be possible to see.

In any case. No matter what pest it is, I would put it in the shower and rince the whole tree. Use a hand shower so you get to spray it from under, where most of pests hide. Repeat every second day and use neem oil solution every day not showering. It will proboably take several repetitions until no pest is to be found. Most likelly they will come back and you will need to start the treatment again.

Once temperatures outdoors is above 10 degrees, put it outdoors. First in shade and gradually let it be used to more and more sun over a period of 3-4 weeks. A summer outdoors is a health booster and will make it better equipped for next winter.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for you invaluable information. I’ve been trying everything.
Very best wishes

Yay my tree seems to be fully recovered. Big thank you again:)