Weeping Fig Rescue: Repotting Mistakes and Recovery

A weeping fig dropped leaves after moving indoors to north window, was repotted larger, summered on screened porch, then returned indoors. Cat toppled it. Now leaves curl/crisp/fall. Expert Will Creed diagnoses:

• Ficus drops leaves when relocated—leaves adapt to light at emergence.
• North window provides minimal light; porch light may have been insufficient.
• Repotting into larger pot was a mistake—excess soil causes root rot.

Rescue Steps

1. Check stem pliability: brittle = dead; pliable = hope.
2. Undo repotting: remove added soil, inspect original rootball.
3. Repot into smallest pot fitting healthy roots with minimal new soil.
4. Provide maximum direct sun.
5. Water when top 1–2 inches dry.

Follow-up: owner repotted smaller, removed mushy roots, placed in southeast light. Will advises patience, monitor stem pliability and new shoot emergence.