Indoor Ficus Top-Down Dieback: Overwatering Stain and Recovery

Ficus dying from top down with large dark stain at trunk base. Owner suspects past overwatering by caretaker. Expert confirms stain is from overwatering/rot at base. Ficus needs very little water. Return to normal care; it should bounce back. Stain won’t disappear but will grow over/peel as tree heals. Don’t repot—larger pot holds more water, increasing rot risk. Water only the rim as roots expand.

Recovery Plan

• Stop overwatering immediately.
• Water only when top inch dry.
• Don’t repot; let roots fill current pot.
• Stain is cosmetic; tree compartmentalizes it.

Ficus are resilient if not drowned.