I have a ficus tree that is otherwise very happy where it is outside
and has thrived for at least 8 years. The plant appears to be very
happy and has minimal dropping of leaves. Moreover, it is full and
lush and green. However, recently I have notices stingy shoots or
roots growing from the branches and hanging down like the kind of baby
roots you would find if you stuck a clipping in a glass of water to
propagate it. Admittedly, I live in Austin, TX where it has been
raining quite a bit over the last 3 weeks, more rain than we've had in
a number of years. Again the plant seems to be very happy otherwise,
but these new roots/shoots are rather odd. Does anyone know or have
any idea what's going on with this plant. I have to add that I have
never kept a ficus alive for more than a few years so this definitely
a first for me and I am concerned that the tree has picked up some
kind of plant parasite or disease even though the leaves, branches and
soil seem to be extremely healthy.

Here are some examples of prop roots which certain species of ficus produce:
Very beautiful.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT20...oproots-1.html

Also see "roots" at www.treedictionary.com

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a ficus tree that is otherwise very happy where it is outside
and has thrived for at least 8 years. The plant appears to be very
happy and has minimal dropping of leaves. Moreover, it is full and
lush and green. However, recently I have notices stingy shoots or
roots growing from the branches and hanging down like the kind of baby
roots you would find if you stuck a clipping in a glass of water to
propagate it. Admittedly, I live in Austin, TX where it has been
raining quite a bit over the last 3 weeks, more rain than we've had in
a number of years. Again the plant seems to be very happy otherwise,
but these new roots/shoots are rather odd. Does anyone know or have
any idea what's going on with this plant. I have to add that I have
never kept a ficus alive for more than a few years so this definitely
a first for me and I am concerned that the tree has picked up some
kind of plant parasite or disease even though the leaves, branches and
soil seem to be extremely healthy.

At the bottom of this page you will see some basic root types of trees.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT20...%20flares.html


Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a ficus tree that is otherwise very happy where it is outside
and has thrived for at least 8 years. The plant appears to be very
happy and has minimal dropping of leaves. Moreover, it is full and
lush and green. However, recently I have notices stingy shoots or
roots growing from the branches and hanging down like the kind of baby
roots you would find if you stuck a clipping in a glass of water to
propagate it. Admittedly, I live in Austin, TX where it has been
raining quite a bit over the last 3 weeks, more rain than we've had in
a number of years. Again the plant seems to be very happy otherwise,
but these new roots/shoots are rather odd. Does anyone know or have
any idea what's going on with this plant. I have to add that I have
never kept a ficus alive for more than a few years so this definitely
a first for me and I am concerned that the tree has picked up some
kind of plant parasite or disease even though the leaves, branches and
soil seem to be extremely healthy.