Question
I purchased and potted this plant, Anthurium "Cleopatra", about 2 months ago and the new leaves continue to die off.  Usually the tips turn brown first then the leaf turns yellow and dies.  I have it in a window sill with indirect sunlight, good drainage and water once a week and just fertilized for the first time last week.  How can I keep it from dying?

Answer
Hi Sue,

When purchasing potted plants, it is notoriously difficult to know how long that plant has been in the potting medium in the pot.  The very first thing I do with a new plant is to look at the root system in the pot, examine the potting medium for salt accumulation, and look for compaction of the medium.  I do not suggest that you "feed" a plant for approximately three to four weeks after purchasing, and only then when the plant is actively growing (i.e., in good light).  To "feed" at any other time is simply a waste of nutrients.

To your specific problem with the Anthurium.  These symptoms you describe are typical of either a chemical burn (chlorine or salt build-up) or overwatering.  If the plant is small, then watering once a week may be too often.  Allow the surface of the potting medium to dry out to a depth of one knuckle before watering again.  The medium should never be soggy.  

Examine the root system as described above.  If you see any mushy root tissue and smell a very foul odor, then you are dealing with a root rot pathogen.  These are very, very difficult to rid.  My first hunch is, though, that what you are observing is cultural.

If you do find root rot, then remove the plant from the potting medium, trim the diseased root tissue from the plant, prepare a 10% bleach solution, and soak the root system in the bleach for 20 minutes.  After you remove the plant from the bleach, rinse twice in tap water (or distilled water if you have it).  Allow the plant tissue to air dry on a counter top on paper towels, if you like.  This part is ESSENTIAL.  Resist the urge to place the plant back into new potting medium right away.  I have left plants on the counter for up to 2 days depending on the species.  During this time, the plant develops a thin covering over any wounds which effectively forms a barrier through which most microbes cannot penetrate.  Once dry, then place in damp potting medium, and place in moderately strong indirect light.  Commercial grade potting medium generally has enough nutrients to last four weeks.  After four weeks if the plant is showing signs of growth, begin the feeding regimen you prefer.  Personally, I reduce the amount of water soluble fertilizer to 1/3 teaspoon/gallon, and the plant is provided nutrients with each watering.  (If you are lucky enough to have a fish tank and do regular water changes, that water is a GREAT fertilizer for houseplants.)

Good Luck.