I can’t figure out if those are roots I’m seeing at the bottom or if that’s normal? Also if they are that would be the deepest pot to find to cover them all! The leaves are falling off and I don’t think it’s happy but I’ve had it for over a year at this point and it did grow from the top but the bottom leaves continue to fall. Any suggestions?
by Doorturn
2 Comments
It is completely normal for ficus lyrata to develop roots above the soil level. It is part of a sub-genus among ficus that has other members, such as ficus benghalensis (banyan fig) to grow support roots from branches and trunks. You shouldn’t cover them, it is normal for them to be exposed in the air.
From that picture, I can’t see a window or additional grow lights near it (maybe at the right side there is a window?) Ficus lyrata are very demanding with their light preferences and you should ideally keep it at the brightest spot you have. Lower light levels make them drop older leaves.
I keep mine at a window with Southern exposure (I’m in the Northern hemisphere) to maximize lighting. It’s 2 years old now and hasn’t lost a leaf from low light yet. Though, I do put it outside during the warmer months, so that helps too.
Also, maybe you could check the rootball somehow to see if it’s rootbound or not. That can also be a cause for it to drop older leaves.
Lighting issue for sure. This is a tropical tree – as such they need a lot of light. You will continue to see this plant degrade unless you drastically improve the lighting.