I selected this spike plant to be used as an annual, and as an accent plant with an equally colorful coleus. It came with some new roots so I transplanted it temporarily into soil designed for containers, with added vermiculite, and used a 6” round pot to make room for the roots. I’ve been very careful with the water, keeping it on the dry side and placed it near the edge of my south-facing sunny side porch which gets good sun from 10am to 2-3 pm and dappled sun from 3-6 pm. The plant is not happy! New leaves are present in the center but the outside leaves are turning brown. What am I doing wrong? I can’t really blame the plant, unless it maybe needed a more robust root system to begin with? But with $20 invested, I’m certainly disappointed at its failure to thrive. Please advise!

Well packed plant arrived in good shape and now potted.