Benjamina Ficus losing leaves

I have a Ficus Benjamina which has been in a pot for years, I've never had problems until this year after a cold winter in Poway. It is in a sheltered area outside. I tried cutting the roots down, and added new soil, I watered it, and gave it fertilizer (liquid All Purpose Fertilizer, now it seems worse, and the leaves are now drying up and falling off. Should I repot it, leave it alone??? Thanks

Hi susiwinters,

I've heard that any changes to a Ficus benjamina will often cause them to loose there leaves (moving, new pot, trimming roots etc). Recently I had one that had been in a pot for years and I trimmed the overgrown roots and added some more potting soil and I moved it inside. It lost all it's leaves twice and now about 3 months later it's doing fantastic. I didn't do anything more than just leave it in alone and water it.

I would give it some time.

Mitch

Your ficus has been through a lot with the cold winter, new pot and root trimming, so it is likely in shock. Keep it where it is and besides watering it, leave it alone. It may take several months, but it should spring back. You will know that it is springing back when you see new growth. Have patience.