I have an almost 13 years old ficus. It got really bad last year with almost no leaves, but now I'm slowly recovering it. During the winter the leaves stopped growing (which I guess it's normal), but now some of them are falling after becoming a bit yellow-brown.. they start like that and after a while they fall. I'm a bit concerned, what do you think it's the root cause?

Thanks in advance,
Will.

You don't say how long you have had this plant. Is has not grown well if it is that age, You don't say where you keep it or how you water or when it was last re potted. Have you checked the leaves for scale or mealy bug? With some more information we might eb able to say more.

Hey, so I have this plant for 1,5 years. It was a full of leaves and healthy tree, but unfortunately since I was a newbie on this it got bad and leaves were falling mostly to watering issues. But I felt it was slightly recovering last summer. I water it whenever it's starting to dry through a watering can, I'm really careful with that and even with the fertilizer. No bugs at all as far as I can see, and last repot was before I bought it.. 1,5 years.
Thanks

You proboably do not water correctly.

With a fine strainer water abundantly over the whole surface until there is a steady stream of water coming out of the drainage holes. 

Congrats on getting it to bounce back. It is not always easy and for people new to this, it can be a real challenge to get these back to health.

Depending on where you are, chances are you have winter right now, which is dificult for ficus. Light levels are low, our houses can be very dry and cold windy draught is everywhere in older houses. All things these do not like.

It is important to ensure as much natural light as possible, in a nice warm place without cold winds. If I look at the substrate I think you are watering fine, although it might be a little on the wet site. Ficus in winter does not mind staying a little drier; When the top grains of the substrate go a little lighter in color often lower in the pot there is still plenty of water. I know.. Tightrope balance. Because once the rootball dries out it is game over!?

In short:: Plenty of light, water only when needed, do not soak the tree nor let it dry out, and give it a nice warm place. Then just wait for spring. In mid-spring, once temps are up, a place outside will be highly appreciated.