Ficus turning yellow in November: How to save your houseplant and prepare it for winter
A woman caring for a ficus (collage: Styler)
In November, a ficus may begin to yellow and shed leaves, even if it looked healthy throughout the year. The cause is often seasonal changes, but sometimes the plant is signaling improper care.
Here's how to identify the cause of leaf drop and what to do to help the ficus survive the cold season well.
Why does a ficus shed leaves in November?
According to Iowa State University, indoor plants receive less sunlight in autumn. As a result, their growth slows down, and some older leaves may fall off.
The Benjamin fig (Ficus benjamina) is particularly sensitive to such changes. It reacts not only to shorter daylight hours but also to dry air from heating, cold drafts, and moving the pot.
Experts from Pacific Northwest Extension explain that in late autumn, the Benjamin fig may drop even green leaves. Sometimes the plant loses a significant portion of its crown but remains alive and capable of recovery.
However, leaf yellowing is not always related to the season. Other possible causes include:
- Overwatering: Constantly wet soil deteriorates root health and can cause leaves to yellow.
- Lack of water: If the soil dries out excessively, leaves may curl, dry up, and fall off.
- Insufficient light: In a shaded spot, the plant receives too little light for normal growth.
- Cold drafts: Sudden temperature fluctuations create additional stress.
- Dry air: During the heating season, leaves may lose moisture and dry out.
What to do if the ficus starts turning yellow
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends providing ficuses with sufficient light, moderate watering, and stable temperatures.
In November, follow these rules:
- Check the soil before watering. If the top layer is still moist, wait. Do not allow constant waterlogging or complete drying of the soil ball. Use room-temperature water and drain any excess from the saucer.
- Provide enough light. Place the ficus in a well-lit area without prolonged exposure to direct sun. Do not press the leaves against cold window glass.
- Avoid drafts. Do not leave the pot near frequently opened doors or windows during ventilation.
- Care for humidity. Keep the plant away from radiators. Use a humidifier if necessary.
- Inspect the leaves. If you notice spider webs, sticky residue, or small insects, check the plant for pests. Until the cause is determined, it is better to isolate it from other houseplants.
Should you prune and fertilize the ficus in autumn?
If the ficus is losing leaves, do not rush to prune bare branches.
University of Wisconsin recommendations state that after winter leaf drop, the priority should be improving the plant's growing conditions. Only dead branches are recommended for removal.
It is also better to postpone fertilizing until active growth resumes, as fertilizers do not fix lack of light or consequences of improper watering.
There is no need to urgently repot the ficus just because of a few yellowed leaves. Scheduled repotting is usually done in spring. However, if the soil stays wet for a long time and the stem softens, it is necessary to check the condition of the roots.
If the branches remain alive, the soil dries normally, and leaf drop gradually slows down, the ficus is most likely adapting to winter conditions.
