What Is the Problem if My Ficus Tree Leaves Are Brown at the Tip & Are Shedding a Lot?

Too Little Water

• Ficus trees grow naturally in tropical regions where seasons are measured in rainfall, rather than temperature change. In the wild when the dry season comes, the tree drops its leaves to retain water within the wood and roots. Within the home, it's easy to forget to water houseplants. When your ficus dries out, the leaves start browning and then drop off. Once you notice the leaf drop, water your ficus weekly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Give trees in large pots enough water to reach the roots at the pot’s bottom.

Environment Change

• Ficus trees don't handle change well. If you keep your tree outdoors during the summer to get more light or exposure warm, humid air, you will notice the leaves turning brown and then dropping when you bring it back inside. As long as the tree is in a bright, warm spot and receives enough water after being moved, it recovers from the move without further care. This also happens when you buy a new ficus.

Minerals in Water

• After watering your ficus, the moisture travels up the trunk to the leaves. As a part of photosynthesis, the leaves release water through the leaves in a process called transpiration. The leaves only transpire water, so when your water contains minerals and salts, these are left behind. The leftover salts and minerals cause the leaves to burn and brown, and eventually drop. Water your ficus for several months with distilled water and see if the leaves recover.

Poor Location

• Ficus trees need a bright location but not in direct sunlight. They also prefer a warm, draft-free area. Too much sunlight burns the tree's leaves, and then they drop. Too much shade signals the tree to slow its growth also causing the leaves to brown and drop. If placed in a drafty room, near a heating vent or air-conditioner, the tree experiences a temperature stress and drops its leaves.