Reviving a Struggling Potted Bay Laurel

A 2-foot bay laurel in an 18-inch pot shows brown leaf edges despite sun and drainage. Bay laurels (Laurus nobilis) have specific container needs.

Diagnosis & Fixes

• Root Binding: Bays prefer slightly snug roots. When repotting, move up only one pot size. Gently tease roots; don't shred.
• Nutrition: Add bone meal or slow-release organic fertilizer at repotting. Feed liquid fish/seaweed every 3 weeks spring–fall.
• Watering: Allow top 2 inches to dry between waterings. Never let sit in saucer water.
• Sun: Morning sun + afternoon shade ideal. Intense all-day sun can scorch.
• Winter Care: Move to unheated conservatory (35–50°F). Water sparingly. No fertilizer.

Brown Leaf Edges: Common Causes

1. Salt buildup from fertilizer → flush pot monthly.
2. Underwatering stress → check soil moisture deeper.
3. Root rot from poor drainage → ensure pot has holes, use gritty mix.
4. Spider mites (dry indoor air) → mist, inspect undersides.

Recommended Resources

Gardens Alive (gardensalive.com) offers organic fertilizers and pest controls. Their bay-specific products can help.

With adjusted care, your bay should recover and provide leaves for years.