Browning Chlorophytum (Grass Lily) tips

[ek24]

I recently purchased this plant less than a week ago and it was in perfect condition when I bough it, I left it out of direct sunlight but still with a good level of general light. I have watered it once since I bought it as it says to water twice a week. I have noticed that the tips of the leafs have started to brown and die pretty quickly. The pot I am storing the plant in has a gap at the bottom to allow excess water to collect without allowing the roots of the plant to sit in it. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on what I may be doing wrong or some steps I can take to fix this.

 

[cpp gardener]

Was it a bit dry when you got it? In such a short period of time I think it is a response to something that happened to it before you got it. Check the moisture twice a week, but don't just water it on a schedule without testing first. Depending on temperature, light and humidity it may require more or less than that schedule directs.
How close to a window is it? Is it off to the side or centered in the window? They will grow in a medium to low light location, but they grow more vigorously with plenty of light.

 

[oneeye]

Dry tips are usally a sign of improper watering. I don't know what that object in the bottom of pot is there for. Its keeping the plant too dry and causing the problem. Since you remove the plant and look at the roots you are already ahead in the game. Most people never take the time to look at the roots.

If you change pots make sure and don't put the little plant in a too large of a pot because that will overwater the plant. If you change the pot only increase the size 2 inch max. Good luck friend and keep us posted.

 

[ek24]

Was it a bit dry when you got it? In such a short period of time I think it is a response to something that happened to it before you got it. Check the moisture twice a week, but don't just water it on a schedule without testing first. Depending on temperature, light and humidity it may require more or less than that schedule directs.
How close to a window is it? Is it off to the side or centered in the window? They will grow in a medium to low light location, but they grow more vigorously with plenty of light.

The plant was not overly dry when I bought it but I did give it a good watering the first time. The plant is sitting ontop of a bookshelf near a south facing window so gets medium to low light and due to my location (UK) it's not usually that sunny anyways. When would you recommend to water it, once the top soil begins to dry? The browning hasn't got any worse over the past couple of days it has just stayed at a similar level.

 

[ek24]

Dry tips are usally a sign of improper watering. I don't know what that object in the bottom of pot is there for. Its keeping the plant too dry and causing the problem. Since you remove the plant and look at the roots you are already ahead in the game. Most people never take the time to look at the roots.

If you change pots make sure and don't put the little plant in a too large of a pot because that will overwater the plant. If you change the pot only increase the size 2 inch max. Good luck friend and keep us posted.

I have only just bought the plant so so I'm not sure how much of an impact my watering schedule will have had on it, the object at the bottom of the pot just acts as a spacer to prevent the plant from sitting in the drained water, I thought that might be a good idea to prevent root rot but if that's not a good idea then let me know.

 

[cpp gardener]

The ring under the pot is a great idea! It keeps the plant out of excess water and permits air exchange between the soil and outside.
As far as when to water, the best technique is to stick your index finger about one knuckle deep into the soil. If it feels barely moist, it is time to water. When you do water, take it to a sink and soak it thoroughly allowing about half the water to come out the drainage holes. When it stops dripping you can put it back in the cover. If water seems to run around the outside of the soil mass, put it back in the cover and fill it halfway and let it sit for about 30 minutes to rewet the soil, then dump out the excess. Then don’t allow it to get that dry again.

 

[oneeye]

If you have dry tips its a sign of of underwatering.

 

[oneeye]

If you hold your pot with your fingers in the palm of your hand and water until the water trickles a few drops into your open hand. It just takes a few drops out of the bottom of water hitting your hand to signal its watered. I use a turkey baster to water my small plants with precision.