Saving a Ficus and Peace Lily from Overwatering and Winter Repotting Shock

A Ficus ‘Midnight’ dropped all green leaves; a peace lily was divided/repotted in winter and both halves wilted. Both were watered weekly with Miracle‑Gro.

Core Problems

• Overwatering: Weekly watering in winter is too much. Let soil dry deeply.
• Self‑watering / standing water: Causes root rot.
• Winter repotting: Short days = transplant shock.

Rescue Plan for Both

1. Use bamboo skewers: insert to bottom, pull out to check moisture. Water only when lower 2/3 is dry.
2. Empty drain trays 1 hour after watering.
3. Stop fertilizing until healthy.
4. Ficus needs more sun—move closer to a south window if possible.
5. Peace lily: if roots were sparse when divided, root rot already occurred. Drying out gives roots a chance to regrow.

Brown spots on peace lily leaves = root rot (unless they scrape off = scale).