I gave my elder not-a-plant-person Mom a large beautiful Kong Rose plant a couple of weeks ago. I told her to be careful not to overwater it, but not let it dry out either.

I purchased it in a 6" pot and I potted it up to a 10" using a nice potting mix. Its on a south-facing balcony that is blocked by a very large maple tree. It gets a little sun, but mostly heavily filtered.

I just took a look at it last night and the leaves were curled up and crispy. I didn't see any bug holes. The soil moisture was just right. She said she has watered it about 3 times since she's had it. I think she was guessing and she doesn't really remember (89 years old).

What do you think happened to it and will it come back?

I am guessing she forgot all about it for awhile and then started watering. I've never let mine go enough to know if crispy leaves is a sign of underwatering. I tend to kill 'em with overwatering or earwigs.