Question
Plant was bought four months ago. Had been repotted one month ago. Gets plenty of light not direct. Leaves have been brown and crispy on outer edges before repotted and have not gotten better. Maybe a little worse. Not sure if watering is causing. Were might a person find info on growing houseplants for a journal?

Answer
Hi Kim,

Dry brown leaf edges on a coffe plant are usually caused by too much direct sun. However, you indicated that yours is not getting any direct sun. If so, then check the quality of your water. If it is on the hard side, switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Letting the soil get too dry can also cause dry leaf edges.

Damaged leaves will not recover, so trim off the damaged edges. New leaves should be healthy once you solve the problem.

There are many books and online sources of information of growing houseplants. Unfortunately, most of them are inadequate or misleading because they are based on information obtained from growing plants in a greenhouse rather than the less favorable conditions in the home.

I am process of writing a book on houseplant care that will include a database of information on all different plants. Until I have finished that book, you will have to rely on other sources. You may also want to check out my website (www.horticulturalhelp.com) or contact me directly for help with specific plants.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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