Hello, I'm hoping for some guidance on plant rescue. I just got a braided hibiscus for Mother's Day and it had lovely blooms. It looked a little droopier after a day, and it had one or two yellow leaves. I watered it well (hadn't watered yet), then stuck in a bigger pot and watered again. It was in the sun but also got a good rain a day later. Yellow leaves started increasing, so I worried about overwatering based on what I found online!
I decided to take it out, wrap in newspaper and leave loosely covered in a dry soil pot after working to free up the roots a little (I hadn't done this after taking out of the store pot). I then replaced all the soil in my pot, which was more clay based from our yard, and put new dry potting soil in. Haven't watered for two days, and the thing keeps getting more yellow leaves, spots under all the green leaves, and looks as wilted as ever with each day! Honestly it looks thirsty, but I'm afraid to water it. My kids keep asking why it looks so sad - we've only had or for six days and I feel awful. Do I water it? Do I leave it alone?

Nbrei11!

For starters, water it now!

Poor plant, it was in a snug protected greenhouse, then thrust into sun, repotted twice, had its roots assaulted, and then starved for water. Time to give it a rest in filtered sun with consistent, moderate water. I'd also consider clipping off all the flower buds to allow the roots to become established. The two are competing for energy.

However, show a close-up of a couple of those leaves that have something dark on the undersides. Can't tell if it's just potting soil or sooty mold or something else.

^^^^ Yes, yes, yes!
It should recover just fine. Your heart is in the right place, and you will take good care of it, once you understand what it needs. If you have the room, it can be with you for decades.
BTW, once it's feeling well again, it can go outside for the summer, so long as it's in fairly sheltered spot with partial shade. Just be sure to bring it in again before the cold hits.

Thank you, thank you! It looks much better already. My sister knows plants and just advised, "stop touching it." Yes, it has some dark spots showing underneath the green leaves that were not there prior (also on stem). See the photo. I will monitor them for the next couple days, unless something needs done now.

Thankful to you both for the encouragement!

I agree with your sister
Not sure what the discoloration is; perhaps stress related. Do keep an eye on it and check back if it gets worse. Good luck!