In an office setting, plant care can often go by the wayside if no one takes the responsibility. It is a good idea to designate someone, or a few people, in the office who will take care of watering and maintenance on a regular basis.
Often times plants are sensitive to the water that we drink because of the chlorine levels. If tap water is your best option, allow a container of water to sit overnight and allow the chlorine gasses to dissipate. Collecting rain water or melted snow is also an effective method of providing your plant with natural water.
Often, sticky leaves is caused by Scale. Scale is an insect that sucks the juices out of plants. The sticky stuff that accumulates around the plant is from insect secretion. Take a look at the undersides of the leaves for tan, black or brown bumps. Control Scale by suffocating the insect. A safe horticultural oil will do the trick.
Brown leaf tips or margins are a sign of soil dryness or excessive fertilizing. Keep on the look out for these signs and adjust your watering and fertilizing accordingly.
