Tapla, help for Fica plant pruning

Being known as a plant lover and amature Plant Dr, I Inherited a huge potted Ficus along with a super huge Umbrella tree from my Dr's office; not too good a shape. My nurse daughter hustled them both to me in her van and practically flung them at me in the garrage. "From Dr.X". She being less than 5' 2" and under 130# and them each being nearly 8 ' X 4'...... what else but 'fling'... I couldn't even lift the pot. ; /)

I have a 2 car garrage with no car, just a Roveround elec chair and have 2 isles of plants so I can go through and tend them, plus utility/tools space. These two plants took up half of one of the isles. I have never dealt with either specie at this size. I was overwhelmed for a while. What to do!*** Go to Daves Garden!***
I found you there and just reading that thread, I was able to learn what I needed to know about theSchephalier but still need info on the Fica. I've always been told they are pretty picky and while the Dr doesn't want it back, I don't want to kill it. It is worse off than the Umbrella tree. It was suffering from malnutrician as well as lack of water and one sided light. I removed the pot from its jacket, put it under a shop light and watered it well. now what?????
TIA
tvkksi

The schefflera is pretty much indestructible; the Ficus a little more picky. The cultural preferences for both plants are the same. A free-draining, well-aerated soil you can allow to get quite dry between waterings, full sun (assuming the Ficus is a benjamina or elastica [rubber tree] and neither are variegated) or very bright light, They appreciate a 3:1:2 ratio fertilizer like 24-8-16, 12-4-8, 9-3-6 ...... They like temperatures from 65-85* best.

Containerized plants need repotting regularly, not just potting up. Repotting includes removing the old soil and pruning roots. Struggling plants often are struggling because of a high level of soluble salts in the soil, so that's an issue that should be addressed ASAP, and probably why the plant appears to be suffering from a lack of water - high salt levels impede water and nutrient uptake.

Where do you want to start? Are you sure you have enough light in the garage to keep the plants happy?

Al

Doubt it; only have 5 double bulbed 4 ' shop lights hung at heights comenserate to plant groups. Have Bunny ears, Desert Candle, Desert Rose, christmas cactus, Hen and chicks, Autumn joy, cacti, sempervivens, succulents, pencil cacus, herbs like Echenacia, basil, lemon grass, 4 or 5 specie Wandering Jew, several specie of Aloe, Monardo didima, a yellow and a red 2nd and 3rd yr Poinsettias, several various Ivy, a few dozen cuttings in various stages. geranium, Rhynchelytrum nerviglume, Olive tree grouping, baby Mimosa tree, and ???. ********All seem to be doing well******* BUT--- they have only been garaged a bit over a month. Usually my plants are pretty gangly by spring, but have twice the light as had past years. Thanks again.
tvksi
Thank you so much for the information, it has really been a great help.
Since I wrote the query, I took the bull by the horns and trimed the Fica, flooded it and made sure it drained well and so far haven't lost a leaf. when it catches its breath, will totally clean and repot as you suggested. It is doing very well. Will do the Shef later as I have her in a comfortable place for now.
I use a 3 way tester (moisture, light, ph ) meter and test each plant for moisture if in doubt. I also use a thermometer and a special heating unit to modulate the temperature.