Question
I have a five year old corn plant that has not been transplanted for two years. It was doing fine until a cat was introduced into the house. I placed pine cones on top of the soil to keep the cat out of the pot. Now the plant was brown and dying leaves. Is it due to the pine cones?

Answer
Hi Lori,

The pine cones will do no damage to your corn plant, so you can rule that out.

Dry, brown leaves have several possible causes. Cat urine will do it, but I don't know if that applies. Using hard water over a long period of time will do it. So will allowing the soil to get too dry, as will inadequate light.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC