My grandma gave me a bengal ficus a month ago, and its leaves are curved/curly. What could be the reason?
The soil is very compact to the point that I cannot take it out of the pot without breaking it. And because of the soil, it’s dries out very slowly. I watered it a month ago and and just the top is completely dry.
The plant is producing new leaves, but they are also starting to get curly.
It’s a bit far from the east facing window.
And what should be my first steps? Should I cut some leaves, to focus the energy on new growth. Or try to replant with a better draining soil?
by Old_Environment_5196
1 Comment
First of all, she’s gorgeous. Second, I would 100% take her out of the pot and see what’s going on under the soil. Chances are that she’s root bound, as she’s quite full and the pot isn’t very big.
Remove her completely and use a chopstick to kind of stab at the soil to loosen it up around the roots. You don’t have to remove it all, but if it’s compacted, the roots will have a hard time finding their way out of the shape they’ve been stuck in. Check the roots for any signs of rot, (but I don’t think that’s the problem) and then repot her into something bigger for her to spread out in.
A good mix of soil, perlite and orchid bark is my go-to for almost all of my plants, to ensure good drainage and even drying