Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the top half of the soil with your finger.
- Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
- Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop suddenly, and the soil feels constantly wet or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top half of the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a week, repot the plant into fresh, well-draining potting mix and trim away any black, mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil remains saturated long after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has functional drainage holes at the bottom. Use a saucer to catch excess water, but empty it within 30 minutes so the plant does not sit in standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your fig
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the stem feels soft or mushy near the soil line, the rot may have advanced too far to save the plant. Some leaf drop is normal after repotting as the plant adjusts.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top half of the soil is dry, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
Keep your fig healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a Ficus with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
- How often should I water my Ficus?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top half of the soil is dry. Always test the soil before adding more water.
More problems with Fig
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.