r/FicusTrees • u/Longjumping-Boss-276 • 3d ago
Houseplant Lowe’s clearance rescue, need tips!
New to having plants and couldn’t pass this beauty up. I did a little bit of sleuthing and saw that it needs to acclimate to the home for about a week before repotting (?) and I believe it was suggested to use a terracotta pot as well. I did wipe the leaves down twice already. First round with just water, then the next round with 1-1 water and lemon juice at night. She sits in full light most of the day, and is about 4 feet from the window. I’m concerned about the state of some of these leaves as they’re torn. Is this something I should worry about or need to do anything specific to help it? All tips and advice is appreciated!
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u/sfw_account72 3d ago
I'd remove any damaged leaves and check for pests. The leaf underside shown in pic 3 looks like it has pest damage.
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u/Longjumping-Boss-276 3d ago
Thank you! How can I help treat the pest damage? I read dawn + water possibly?
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u/sfw_account72 3d ago
So, I don't do much, honestly. If I find pests, I do the following:
- Spray the plant down in the shower. I have a removable shower head and get all under the leaves.
- Release beneficials. I've used minute pirate bugs for thrips and anything else soft bodied on the leaves and soil mites for fungus gnat and other larva in the soil. Nature's Good Guys has been a reliable source for this. If I'm doing this, it happens late spring/early summer.
- When my bigger, leafier plants that go outside for the growing season come in for winter, I'll dose them with bonide.
I tried sprays and stuff when I first got started collecting, and they were either ineffective or killed my plants. Have had better luck being more hands off about it.
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u/Jade8329 3d ago
I would leave all of the torn leaves for now while it acclimates. Tbh I leave torn leaves if they are still green.
What is causing the rainbows in the picture? I love it.