Question regarding trimming of a Golden Gate Ficus.

As a proud new owner of a 4 year old Golden Gate Ficus, I have a few questions as a newbie.
I recently trimmed a few leaves off as it seemed a bit thick. However the tips of the trimming sites have turned black. Is this common?
Also I found just one yellow seemingly dead leaf. Are these sorts of things common?

Thank you.

A worried owner.

Hi!


Can you post a picture??

Absolutely I can post a picture! Give me a few minutes here.

Here is a picture of the blackened wounds from the trimming. You have to look hard to see them.





Here is a picture of dried out foliage near the bottom of the tree.





Here is a picture of the yellow leaf that fell off earlier today.






Otherwise here is a picture of the whole tree. Otherwise it looks pretty healthy.

It looks like the tip of the branch dried out due to exposure to air. I notice the same thing on my F. microcarpa and water jasmine when I trim back green branches. I don't believe it's a particularly big deal, as I haven't seen any major negative effects on my trees.

Good news! It seems to be doing great, besides the occasional dead leaf that falls off here and there. I've only experience two dead leaves in the 3 or so weeks I've owned the tree.

Where are you keeping the tree? It should be outdoors, gradually in full sun, until temperatures go into the 40s.
Iris

Lately indoors simply due to the fact that it's been up over 100 degrees and very humid with full sun!

Ficus microcarpa is from the Asian tropics.  You probably have the air conditioning on indoors, which most plants HATE.  Even if you have no trees outside, put it out on the north side of the house, then gradually into the sun. It will LOVE the humidity. 
Iris

Now that I've moved into my college dorm he sits in the sun all day long. He is growing well and seems to be very happy. Yet some of the younger foliage is drying out fast. I try to lightly mist him as much as possible, anything I can do to prevent dying leaves?

A college dorm is no place for a bonsai. Put it outdoors or give it to someone. Does the college have a greenhouse you could keep it in?
Iris

No, he is thriving as of now. He get's sun all day long through the window. Lot's of natural light. When it comes time for winter he is getting a growing lamp for the year. I'm definitely not worried about the amount of natural light.

You don't mist a Ficus. It doesn't need high humidity. The dropping of new leaves may be due to adjusting to a new environment. Don't water until the soil is very dry. Has it ever been repotted? Ficus hate soggy soil.
Iris

Cody649 wrote:No, he is thriving as of now. He get's sun all day long through the window. Lot's of natural light. When it comes time for winter he is getting a growing lamp for the year. I'm definitely not worried about the amount of natural light.

Make sure it's an actual grow light, T5 or T8. Not some sort of special "grow bulb" ripoff. Remember that the amount of sunlight you see coming in through the window is different from what the tree actually gets.

Thank you for the advice, I do appreciate it. He hasn't dropped a single leaf now for about a week and a half and when it happens it's not overly concerning. I am starting now to shop around for a growing light before the snow flys here in Minnesota. I water him when he dries out real well. It's mainly once to twice a day once in the morning and a very minimal amount before bed if needed. I got a golden gate ficus due to what I was told. I was told that they are very forgiving trees within reason. I think I just need to keep a good eye on him through the winter months.

Cody649 wrote: I am starting now to shop around for a growing light before the snow flys here in Minnesota. .

As I said, don't buy bulbs that go into regular fixtures and say "grow light" or "grow bulb." Those are a total waste. Fluourescents would be best for your situation.

Okay, I am looking for an actual lamp online not just bulbs as you had mentioned before. I assume that with good quality comes a higher price. Any trustworthy sites that you know of online that may be of some help?

Cody649 wrote:Okay, I am looking for an actual lamp online not just bulbs as you had mentioned before. I assume that with good quality comes a higher price. Any trustworthy sites that you know of online that may be of some help?

I've bought T5 lights from Amazon, and with Amazon Prime Student (college), they are shipped out really really quickly.

Thanks much Ryan, I'll have to check it out!