Hey, So I bought a large fig plant from Ikea this week, and it started going downhill immediately after i got it home. Leaves started wilting and curling and discoloring. I've kept away from drafts, and watered it well once since it's been home. Is it possible the one minute walk to the car in 20 degree temperature caused all this damage? Is the problem cold shock from brief exposure? Thanks! JE
Yes it is possible and very likely that momentary freeze froze the plants leaves. Was it wrapped in any way at all, a bag or such? Never take a plant outside in the below freezing temperatures and not expect it to show damage or even die it is too much of a shock to the plant. When I worked in a flower shop people did that frequently. If the cashier or carryout didn't send it back to be wrapped it often came back dead and they wanted a replacement. Poinsettias were the worst, all they needed was a cold draft and they lost their leaves. I don't know if you trimmed off the dead leaves if that would be helpful or not. Maybe if that was done the new buds would erupt.
I agree with Carolyn, you would have to expect some kind of damage taking a tropical out in winter weather. Depending how long it was outside, it should send out new growth once in a good spot in the house. Ficus are very temperamental plants to begin with, and drop leaves even when just moved to a new position indoors. Be patient and it should respond with new growth.
Thanks! Yeah I've trimmed back the rough looking guys, and left the browned but structurally ok leaves on. Hope the guy comes back better than ever... JE
I'm just guessing you got a ficus lyrata, the one with the big fiddle-shaped leaves. They're more cold hardy than weeping fig; although the leaves show damage, the vital part of the plant should be ok if it wasn't too cold for too long. It annoys me, though, that stores either have no policy or fail to train their employees on such a simple thing as not sending cold sensitive plants out into subfreezing temps. Maybe you could perform a public service by returning the damaged plant, and telling them that you have learned cold temps are damaging to these plants and you would like a new one, either properly protected from freezing, or not sold at all until outside temps are more moderate.
You should spray the leaves and stems with water. You should begin right away and if it has any leaves left they may stop dropping off. If you ever move a fig type plant it should be sprayed. That helps greatly.
