Rescuing a Plant Shocked by Winter Repotting into an Oversized Pot

An “Anita” plant (likely Ficus) dropped many lower leaves two weeks after being repotted into a larger pot in winter. Plant food was added at repotting.

Diagnosis

• Overpotting: too much soil stays wet → roots can’t breathe → rot → leaf drop.
• Wrong season: repotting in short days shocks the plant.

Correction

1. Move back to a pot the same size as the original nursery pot.
2. Only repot April 1 – July 30, and only if rootbound (roots hold soil in pot shape).
3. Increase pot diameter by 2 inches max.
4. After repotting, keep dry: half the water, wait at least 2 weeks between waterings.
5. Place in very bright light.