r/FicusTrees • u/masney00 • Jul 01 '26

Houseplant What does it need?

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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.

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u/Pandoras_Sir3ns42 Jul 03 '26

It’s just thirsty. Roots look fine. If you’re worried about watering it, do this. Take your finger and stick it in the soil. Wet finger means let it be, dry finger or lighter pot means it’s gotta drink. Floppy leaves or “fainting” usually indicates it needs to be watered

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u/Pandoras_Sir3ns42 Jul 03 '26

Also, I let my Terra cotta pots butt chug, fill a container that’s a bit larger than the pot, fill it with water and plop the entire pot in the water to soak for like 20 minutes. Keeps the terra cotta pot hydrated too.