California Gardens: Questions answered about light, cat-friendly
plants  Q: I have a 5-foot Indian laurel tree (Ficus nitida)
growing in front of my living-room window that is facing West. I
got a lot of new top growth; however, the bottom of the tree is
not getting any new growth. The window is about 3 feet up from
the floor, so naturally only the top 2 feet of the tree is
getting bright light. What do you suggest I do to make the tree
more attractive? It is a family heirloom.  A: Well, you hit the
nail on the head: The lower part of the plant is getting
insufficient light compared with the top part, so naturally
there is now much growth activity there. One suggestion is to
move the tree about 2 feet away from where it is now (provided
no furniture is in the way), which will allow a little bit more
light to the lower part of the tree.  Another suggestion is to
raise the tree by placing it on a 2- or 3-foot-tall stool, but
this may block your window view.  My last suggestion may be too
drastic for you but con