Ficus Loosing Leaves

I have a Ficus tree that was grown from a cutting about 16 years ago, up until now it has been growing just fine. But now its leaves are turning yellow and falling off, especially during the winter. Anyone one know why this is happening and what can be done about it? Thanks.

Gardening To Attract Birds
http://www.studionet.2ya.com/birds.html

[Newt]

Hi Me,
Gosh, it seems like I'm talking to myself when I say "hi Me". LOL Anyway, is this a Ficus benjamina - weeping fig? There are several types of ficus. The reason I'm asking is because the f. benjamina drops it's leaves if it gets a draft, if it gets moved, if it gets repotted, when the seasons change, etc. You get the idea. If you've had the plant for 16 years, I would think that has happened in the past. Here's a site you should find informative.

http://www.plant-care.com/plantcaretips/090399.asp

Another reason the leaves of plants turn yellow and drop leaves is because they're rootbound and need to be repotted.

Hope this helps,
Newt

Thanks for the link to plant-care.com Yes it is a weeping fig. The thing is that up until 2 years ago the leaves never dropped off. They have started to turn yellow an drop off during the winter which I read is normal but the amount the tree is losing seems too much.

Now that's it's summer the leaves have stopped falling off but there hasn't been any new growth and I'm worried that when winter comes around there won't be much left.

Floral Mugs
http://www.accessv.com/~email/art/mugs.html

[Newt]

Sounds like it may be time to repot. Have you checked it see if it's rootbound?

Newt

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. When is a good time to repot? Can it be done at any time of the year? Guess you can tell from my posts I don't know much about plants.

[Newt]

No problem with not knowing. If everyone knew all the answers, I'd have nothing to do in my spare time! :roll: The best time to repot a rootbound plant is the moment you realize it's rootbound. I wouldn't wait. I'd suggest a pot that is 2" larger and tease the roots a bit if they are really bound up. Would you like a site to look at for this?

Newt

Thanks. Sure, if know of a site that has more about it, it would be appreciated.

[Newt]

You're welcome. Here you go.

http://www.ourgardengang.com/houseplants.htm

Hope this helps,
Newt