Can I save my ficus ginseng? Please help!

[brenda_m]

I got a ficus ginseng almost exactly 3 years ago. It was beautiful and healthy, and had stayed that way until about a month or two ago... it started losing leaves out of nowhere, until eventually they all fell off (the last ones fell off today)

I think part of the trunk is dead (it is squishy) but the other part of it is still green inside. Is it possible to save it?

I live in south Texas, and it is currently very hot and humid because of the summer. I have always kept the plant in the same spot, indoors, near a window. Ir had been perfectly fine, until recently. I don't know what to do. I will post before and after pictures of it (the after picture was taken minutes before the last leaves fell off)

 

[Shibui]

Ficus are very tough. I guess that's why it has lasted so long. Root rot is a big problem for indoor trees where the soil stays too wet for a long time. Does that pot have any drain holes to let out excess water?
By the time it reaches this stage the tree is usually past saving. Certainly the squishy parts are dead and rotting so no saving those parts. There's a very slight chance the solid parts might be able to recover.
I think an emergency repot would be the best approach. Remove all the soil. Cut off all squishy roots and any soft parts of the trunk, even if that means cutting above ground level. It is important to remove all the rotting parts to stop it spreading further.
Replant whatever you end up with into better quality bonsai soil and cross all fingers. Water only enough to keep the soil barely damp but a plastic bag over the remaining leaves and/or regular misting of the leaves would probably help.
You have not mentioned where you live. So much of bonsai is dictated by the seasons and climate. Repotting ficus in summer is fine but if it's winter now you'll need to make sure your tree stays warm after this work.
Good luck.

 

[rockm]

I got a ficus ginseng almost exactly 3 years ago. It was beautiful and healthy, and had stayed that way until about a month or two ago... it started losing leaves out of nowhere, until eventually they all fell off (the last ones fell off today)

I think part of the trunk is dead (it is squishy) but the other part of it is still green inside. Is it possible to save it?

I live in south Texas, and it is currently very hot and humid because of the summer. I have always kept the plant in the same spot, indoors, near a window. Ir had been perfectly fine, until recently. I don't know what to do. I will post before and after pictures of it (the after picture was taken minutes before the last leaves fell off)

If you're in South Texas, this ficus would LOVE it outdoors with a few hours of morning sun and shade in the afternoon (Eventually). It's dying because you're likely overwatering it and keeping it inside. The roots have likely been having issues for some time and it finally reached a point it couldn't go on. Inside bonsai rarely do well for long. Ficus are able to endure it better than most. Three years is about the limit... Ficus are native to tropical regions, heat, high light and extreme humidity. It you want to save it, get it outside into a shaded area (at first) out of direct sun. Watch the watering--let the soil dry down an inch below the surface. Let it alone for the most part, making sure it doesn't dry out.