Unknown tree is loosing LOTs of leaves

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by imbehindyou123, Nov 21, 2011.

  1. imbehindyou123

    imbehindyou123 Apprentice Gardener

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    now I know it's the time of year where leaves fall of tree's but alas i do not know the tree type so I am not sure as to whether it's just the tree loosing it's leaves however, the leaves that are falling of are of a strange yellow colour, see attached images =]


    wonder if you could identify the tree type and what is wrong the leaves.


    IMAG0042.jpg

    IMAG0043.jpg

    IMAG0044.jpg
     
    imbehindyou123, Nov 21, 2011
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  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hmmm imbehindyou that is a Ficus benjamina & usually leaf loss is down to uneven watering with them.. :scratch: When did you last fertilize it.? Also what with & how strong.? Does your leaf loss manifest in oldest leaves? There are many possibilities. The most common cause of defoliation in benjaminas though is a reduction in the amount of light the (individual) leaves receive. Leaf loss can even occur when the tree is not really resited, but only turned so the side of the tree that was exposed to the brightest light is shaded by its own foliage.
    Gradual chilling over several days or weeks usually presents no particular problem as far as defoliation is concerned, but exposure to sudden drafts or chill does cause the symptoms you describe..
    Any of these sound a possibility.? :sunny:
     
    Marley Farley, Nov 21, 2011
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  3. imbehindyou123

    imbehindyou123 Apprentice Gardener

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    thanks for the welcome =]

    how regular should it be watered?

    as for fertilisations, it was last fertilised last month with baby bio, not sure on the strength, and leaf loss seems to be irregular. Possibly other leaves shading some leaves...

    thanks for the response =]


     
    imbehindyou123, Nov 21, 2011
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  4. imbehindyou123

    imbehindyou123 Apprentice Gardener

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    thanks =]

    Uneven watering a strong possibility - last fertilised last month with baby bio - unsure as to strength.

    it appears to be random leaf loss, although, I could see the shade issue to be a potential cause =]

    thanks for the welcome and the reply =]

     
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  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Well they do not like to be over watered, You will experience leaf loss from that.. I used to push my finger into the soil in the pot & if it was dry to about 1" below the surface I would water then only.... They like humidity.. You can provide that with the saucer it stands in.. Fill it with gravel & stand the pot on top of the gravel.. Any run off when you water will collect in there to provide humidity.. Also make sure you keep a drop in there every day in between waterings to keep the humidity up..
    Stand it where it gets lots of light all day all round, but they do not like full mid-day sun.. Morning afternoons fine... Find a spot out of draughts away from radiators & avoid it being near windows where the temperature changes dramatically... I used to feed mine once a month, but check you do not make it up too strongly as that will burn the roots.. Oh & they like to be pot-bound.. There I think that about does it.. I had mine for a few years but got fed up with it being fussy..! :D
     
    Marley Farley, Nov 21, 2011
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  6. imbehindyou123

    imbehindyou123 Apprentice Gardener

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    how kind

    very thorough advice - I had mine by a radiator in a window - so we've identified the problem =]


    thank you greatly =]
     
    imbehindyou123, Nov 21, 2011
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  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :sunny: Jolly good then, best of luck..! :sunny:
     
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      Marley Farley, Nov 21, 2011
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    • HarryS

      HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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      A text book problem solving post ! Well done Marley :dbgrtmb: In 59 minutes !
       
      HarryS, Nov 21, 2011
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    • JimsSectretGarden

      JimsSectretGarden Apprentice Gardener

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      Hi, don't have much more to add to the other posts regarding general maintenance but it may help you to know that this plant is related to the classic Rubber tree plant. I say this because you may already have experience of the best way to look after one of these as Ficus benjamina (your plant) and Ficus elastic a (rubber plant) thrive in the same conditions.
       
      JimsSectretGarden, Nov 21, 2011
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    • Sheal

      Sheal Total Gardener

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      Sorry Marley I've got a different idea to yours. :)

      I've had my Ficus 30 years, it's never been fed, the soil has been changed three times and it's roots are crammed into it's pot. It stands right beside a radiator and gets full sun during the summer. However they don't like draughts or low light. They also don't like being moved around. It is watered when I remember about once every two to three months unless it shows sign of leaves yellowing. I water it and forget it again. I find they are happiest being starved. :)
       

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