Brown leaf tips? Look at the watering pattern first.
Brown, crispy tips can follow uneven watering, dry air or a buildup of salts in the potting mix. A brown tip is not enough to choose a treatment. Check soil moisture, recent feeding and whether damage is limited to the tips or spreading across the leaf.
Updated
Start with where the browning ends.
| Pattern | Possible explanation | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dry tips and edges | Water stress or air that is too dry for the species. | Moisture below the surface and whether the plant sits near a heater or draught. |
| Tips plus a crust on soil or pot | Accumulated minerals or fertilizer salts. | Recent feeding, the water used and whether the pot has reliable drainage. |
| A bleached or brown patch on one side | Light or heat damage may be involved. | Recent exposure to stronger direct sun or a hot window. |
| Separate spots that grow or multiply | This is a different pattern from tip browning. | Read the brown-spots guide and inspect leaf undersides. |
What to change today
Check the mix before adding water. If the plant is near hot, drying airflow, move it away. Review any recent increase in fertilizer; do not feed again to “fix” a damaged tip.
Visible salt buildup needs a drainage-aware response. Maryland Extension describes leaching excess salts, but repeatedly soaking a poorly draining or already soggy pot creates another problem. Check roots and drainage first.
What to watch this week
Old brown tissue will remain brown. Photograph the plant and watch whether new damage appears on otherwise healthy growth. Keep watering observations with the photo so you can compare conditions rather than relying on memory.
The RHS leaf-damage guide covers tip browning alongside light, root and environmental problems.
Brown-tip questions
Can I trim the brown tips?
You can tidy dead tissue with clean tools without cutting deeply into healthy green tissue. Trimming is cosmetic; adjust the underlying care if the browning continues.
Does my plant need more humidity?
Possibly, if the species needs humid conditions and the room is dry. Check moisture and minerals too. Misting alone does not resolve a watering or root problem.
Sources and further reading
Care guidance checked against the sources below. Plant Doctor’s app examples are separate from these references; the institutions do not endorse the app.
- Royal Horticultural Society — leaf damage on houseplants
- University of Maryland Extension — watering indoor plants
- University of Maryland Extension — diagnose indoor plant problems
This guide offers general plant-care information. A photo cannot confirm every cause; a local nursery or extension service can help with severe or unclear cases.