Anthurium ‘Cleopatra’ Leaf Tip Burn: Salt Buildup or Overwatering

New leaves browning at tips, then yellowing and dying on a recently potted Anthurium usually indicates chemical burn from fertilizer salts or overwatering—not a pathogen.

Immediate Fixes

1. Stop fertilizing for 3–4 weeks after purchase.
2. Water only when top knuckle-depth of soil is dry. Never let pot sit in water.
3. Flush soil: water heavily 3–4 times to leach excess salts.

Root Check

If root rot suspected (mushy roots, foul smell):

1. Remove plant, trim rotten roots.
2. Soak roots in 10% bleach 20 min, rinse twice.
3. Air-dry on paper towels 1–2 days until calloused.
4. Repot in fresh, damp mix. Bright indirect light.

Long-Term Feeding

After 4 weeks, feed weakly (1/3 tsp water-soluble fertilizer per gallon) with every watering. Aquarium water is excellent if available.