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ficus

YnneadYnnead Posts: 250
Hi I found this large ficus with no leaves dumped yesterday. Any chance it is likely to grow or is it dead? I haven't managed to find any green under bark yet.

London

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I wouldn't hold out too much hope, but if you keep the compost just slightly damp then some new growth may appear from the base of the plant - or it may not.
    🤞

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you prune it or even scratch off a bit of bark, it should exude a milky white sap. If it doesn't, then it's not promising.
    You could also try taking it out of the pot and having a look at the roots. If they're healthy and not soft or rotten there might be a chance. If they are soft/rotten it's probably been killed by overwatering.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Looks dead to me .It’s been dumped for a reason ,that’s probably the reason.
  • YnneadYnnead Posts: 250
    edited September 2022
    @JennyJ no sap when I scratched it. I will have a look at roots later.

    Can it regrow from old wood? I know some trees can but not sure about ficus.
    London
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited September 2022
    A healthy one will sprout from just below pruning cuts.
    I think that one's probably too far gone though.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • YnneadYnnead Posts: 250
    edited September 2022
    Oh that's a shame. I don't know how long it has been dumped. Oh well at least I got a new pot. I'll leave it in a warm sunny place after watering and let it decide if it wants to live or die if it's not already dead.
    I checked the roots which look very good though it was potbound.
    London
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