How To Revive A Ficus

The ficus species contains over 1,000 different types of plants. Most ficus plants have rubbery limbs and do not require much attention to thrive. If you have a ficus plant, it may either be an inside or outside plant. Occasionally, a ficus may begin to wilt and die if it is getting too much or too little sunlight or water. Depending on the species of your ficus plant, follow the recommended instructions on the appropriate amount of sunlight and water for your plant. If that does not help to revive your ficus, you may try another option.

Step 1

Test the limbs to see if they are truly dead. The limbs may have dead leaves but the limb may be alive. Either bend the limb to see if it snaps off or scratch the bark with your fingernail to see if it peels off to reveal fresh green underneath or if it is dried out.

Step 2

Cut away all dead leaves and dry limbs. Cut the limbs up to the trunk of the tree using shears.

Step 3

Re-pot the ficus. Remove the ficus from the pot and dispose of the soil.

Step 4

Shake off any soil that remains on the ficus' roots.

Step 5

Wash the pot out with a mild soap and water.

Step 6

Pour fresh soil back into the pot and place the ficus back into the pot.

Step 7

Water the ficus and then add additional soil as the water compacts the soil. Continue to add soil until the roots are completely covered.