Ficus Tree Brown Leaves & Leaf Drop: Root Rot from Overwatering

New Ficus Losing Leaves? It's Not Bugs or Fungus—It's Wet Roots

Brown new growth + leaf drop 3 months after purchase + bugs in soil earlier = classic overwatering/root rot. The soil stayed too wet (muddy at repotting), suffocating roots.

Why Fungicide & Insecticide Failed

They don't fix root rot. The bugs (fungus gnats?) were a symptom of wet soil, not the cause.

Recovery Plan

1. Stop watering on schedule. Water only when top 2–3 inches are dry.
2. Ensure drainage: Pot must have holes. No saucer water.
3. Bright indirect light (east/west window). Your AM sun is good if not scorching.
4. No fertilizer until stable new growth.
5. Trim dead leaves.

If Pot Is Too Large/No Drainage

Repot into slightly larger pot with holes, using well-draining mix. But wait—disturbing roots now adds stress. Only repot if soil stays wet >5 days.

Outlook

Ficus drops leaves when stressed but recovers if roots heal. New growth will normalize in 4–8 weeks with correct watering.