New Zealand Laurel (Corynocarpus) Brown Tips: Moisture Meter Solution

Ellie in Portland, OR: New Zealand laurel indoors at south window. Brown tips → yellow → leaf drop. Waters weekly. Added gravel in outer container (too heavy to empty saucer). Osmocote 3× in 15 months.

Key Insight

This tree is hardy outdoors year-round in Portland (to 15°F). Indoor culture is optional.

Brown Tip Causes

• Too much OR too little water.
• Likes moist but not wet.

Solution: Moisture Meter

1. Probe halfway down pot.
2. Don't water if "wet."
3. Water if surface dry AND halfway down dry.
4. Frequency varies (4 days to 3 weeks) based on soil quality.

Osmocote is fine. Consider moving outdoors permanently.