Weekly check for a ficus retusa with a bright window, moderate light or low light?

 

Below are clear, printable weekly checks tailored to each light level: Bright window, Moderate light, and Low light. Use the table for a quick comparison, then follow the day‑by‑day checklist for the light level that matches your situation.

Task
Bright window
Moderate light
Low light

Soil check frequency
Check every 2–4 days
Check every 4–7 days
Check every 7–10 days

Watering guideline
Water when top 1–2 cm dry
Water when top 1–2 cm dry
Water only when top 2 cm dry

Pruning frequency
Light weekly maintenance
Every 1–2 weeks
Monthly light maintenance

Fertilizer schedule
Every 2–4 weeks in season
Every 3–4 weeks in season
Every 4–6 weeks at reduced strength

Supplemental light
Usually not needed
Helpful on dull days
Recommended 4–8 hours daily

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Weekly checklist for Bright window

Weekly overview

• Inspect leaves and trunk for pests and damage.

• Check soil 1–2 cm deep; water thoroughly when dry.

• Rotate pot 90° weekly.

• Humidity mist daily or use a tray.

• Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during active growth.

Day by day

• Day 1 Inspect for pests; check soil moisture; water if dry.

• Day 2 Water if needed; wipe large leaves clean; mist.

• Day 3 Rotate pot; check for sun scorch or glare.

• Day 4 Pinch new shoots; remove crossing branches.

• Day 5 Fertilize if scheduled.

• Day 6 Monthly: lift pot to feel root crowding.

• Day 7 Light watering only if needed; record observations.

Weekly checklist for Moderate light

Weekly overview

• Inspect for pests and stress.

• Check soil every 4–7 days; water when top 1–2 cm is dry.

• Rotate pot weekly.

• Humidity mist daily; consider a tray.

• Fertilize every 3–4 weeks during growth.

Day by day

• Day 1 Inspect foliage and soil; water if dry.

• Day 2 Water and wipe leaves; mist in morning.

• Day 3 Rotate pot; move slightly closer to window on dull days.

• Day 4 Trim long shoots; remove weak growth.

• Day 5 Apply weaker fertilizer dose if growth is slow.

• Day 6 Monthly: check pot weight and root crowding.

• Day 7 Observe; light watering only if needed; log notes.

Weekly checklist for Low light

Weekly overview

• Inspect for leaf drop and pests.

• Check soil every 7–10 days; water sparingly.

• Rotate pot weekly.

• Humidity keep high with tray or humidifier.

• Fertilize every 4–6 weeks at reduced strength.

• Supplemental light run grow light 4–8 hours daily.

Day by day

• Day 1 Inspect for pests and stress; only water if top 2 cm is dry.

• Day 2 Light watering if needed; wipe leaves to maximize light capture.

• Day 3 Run grow light; rotate pot.

• Day 4 Minimal pruning; remove dead material only.

• Day 5 Apply weak fertilizer dose if growth observed.

• Day 6 Quarterly: check roots; repot only if necessary.

• Day 7 Observe leaf color and drop; adjust light or watering as needed.

Quick troubleshooting and notes

• Yellow leaves with soggy soil — reduce watering, improve drainage, repot if roots smell rotten.

• Sudden leaf drop after moving — environmental shock; stabilize light and humidity.

• Sticky residue or bumps — treat scale or aphids with insecticidal soap; isolate plant.

• Leggy growth — increase light or add supplemental grow light; prune to encourage branching.

Record keeping

• This week Light level: ______ Water given: ______ Fertilizer applied: ______ Pruning: ______

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