Ficus That Got A Little Frost.

Drakkn

I left a ficus outside and it got a little too cold. It has some browning on most of the leaves. It is kind of a light tan that looks like it is inside the leaf. Will this tree spring back from this? Is there anything that is recommended to do in this case? The leaves are green but it is obvious they are damaged and it doesn't seem to be getting any better just worse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Jay

Drakkn, first remember if its dead, you cannot kill it. So lets 'assume' it isn't... yet and try and get it back.

If the frost was enough to kill it, well no one can help, but lets hope it just put the tree into shock, and with time you can bring it back. First thing, make sure it doesn't get any more of this type temperature. Remember the leaves that are present at the moment are probably ALL going to drop off the tree. This is not a death notice, it ain't good but there is still hope. Place the tree in an area where it will get light and moisture. Do not overwater the tree. Without leaves it will require little water, check the earth and water just as the soil is becoming dry. Allow the leaves to naturally drop do not remove them. If it lives it will take up to a few weeks to start producing new leaves... be patient.. patience is the all important tool that it very difficult to use.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Jay

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Drakkn

Thats a relief thanks for the advice.
I believe I shocked it I really don't think it was enough to kill it but I guess I'll find out. I will let any leaves fall off naturally, thanks for that tidbit I was really wondering if I should remove them.
Hopefully I didn't kill the poor little thing. It got down to about 25 F the night it caught the frost. I will keep you updated.
Thanks a bunch!

Tony

Well, it sounds like it's been awhile since the mishap. The fact that the tree still has leaves that are partly green is a good sign. If the roots were truly dead those leaves would have probably completely dried out already. Follow Jay's advice, it sounds like there is a good chance for recovery.

Tony

Drakkn

It has been a couple of weeks since it happened. I know that other plants would bounce back fine. I was just unfamiliar with how hardy the ficus is.
Thank you both for your help.

Drakkn

Well good news this morning.
The little tree finally, after no leaves for a month sprouted a new branch at the base of the tree.
Sure was glad to see that!

Adam_MA

GREAT NEWS!
Now just remember, this tree is still a bit stressed. Best advice I can give to you would be to let it be. Keep it warm and water when needed and maybe a humidity tray might help but be careful to not "Love it to death" It still need time to continue recovery.

Adam

Tony

That's good news but maybe a little bad news too. Good that the tree is still alive but the fact that it sprouted from the base may mean the top of the tree is dead. I hope I'm wrong and the tree will continue to push new buds to the top but just in case you might want to be dreaming up a trunk chop and restyle.

Tony

Drakkn

Thanks for the advice. I have already been thinking of what it would look like with the branch as the new trunk

I have been treating it just like I would if it were healthy in my watering habits and the light. It seems like a very healthy branch coming out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to see some more budding further up.

Thanks for the support!