In fall, a ficus can sometimes start dropping leaves one after another. And it took me a long time to realize just how much light has to do with it.

My ficuses handle summer heat just fine, even on a southeast-facing window. They also don't mind it when the soil dries out now and then. I've noticed something interesting, too: plants seem to get used to whatever watering routine they're on. If someone has spent years never letting the soil dry out even a little, a sudden dry spell can really stress the plant. But mine are perfectly fine if the soil stays dry for a while. Of course, I'm not talking about leaving them without water for weeks. I just don't rush to water the moment the top layer dries out.