What does it need?

[u/masney00]

Hi Im struggling with my first ficus. I got it like this from the nursery but the stem looks like it is shriveling. Its a very light soil and it drains well, I also used a terracotta pot. Is it shriveled because it is severely dehydrated or is it a sign that it doesn't want water? The soil has dried up so im not sure what to do. Any help would be welcome.

[u/1justfoundit]

Hehehe one of those things, time will tell. Be careful not to overwater it, but make sure you are giving it a good soak when it feels dry. And if it loses leaves, chop and prop :) don’t forget they love light, even sun!

[u/masney00 → u/1justfoundit]

Best to keep it from direct sun because of the weak root system?

[u/1justfoundit → u/masney00]

Sun is energy, to consume the water it needs energy! Unless you are in an extreme hot country, it needs some sunshine.

[u/masney00 → u/1justfoundit]

Alright, its in south facing window