Q.How Can I Help My New-to-me Potted Marigold?
acquired a 3′ marigold bush that had been resting in water. looking full & healthy. gave her a small root trim before transferring to 3gallon clay pot w/ fresh soil & a tad MiracleGro*. did not overwater. 3 days later: she has withered. dry, very unhappy. i feel awful. so… not enough sun? need larger pot? watering ? SOS PLEASE

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
How long had it been resting in water? It may have gotten root rot while resting. Also, plants living in water or rooting in water for a length of time have a hard time acclimating to soil culture.
If it's not a root problem, it could be something else, as described in this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marigold/diseases-in-marigold-plants.htm