Brown Leaf Tips: Causes and Solutions
When leaf tips turn brown and dry, the cause is almost always linked to water or air: air that is too dry (heating), tap water that is too hard or chlorinated, irregular watering, or too much fertiliser. The solutions: raise the humidity, water with water that has been left to stand or filtered, make watering regular and flush the potting mix.
Green leaves but with brown, dry tips and edges? It is a great classic, especially on Calathea, palms, dracaenas and fine-leaved plants. Here is how to identify it and put it right.
Why do leaf tips turn brown?
Unlike complete yellowing, browning of the tips almost always points to an environmental problem (air, water) rather than a deficiency. Here are the most common causes.
The 5 main causes
| Cause | Clue |
|---|---|
| Air too dry | Dry tips, especially in winter (heating) |
| Hard / chlorinated water | Brown edges on sensitive plants (Calathea) |
| Irregular watering | Alternating dry/waterlogged |
| Too much fertiliser | Scorched tips after feeding |
| Sunburn | Scorched patches on the window side |
How do you put it right?
- Raise the humidity: mist, group plants together or use a humidifier.
- Change the water: let tap water stand for 24 h, or use filtered / rain water.
- Make watering regular with a moisture meter.
- Flush the potting mix with plenty of water if you have over-fertilised.
- Move away from direct sun and heat sources (radiators).
Should you cut off the brown tips?
Yes, for looks: cut off the dry part following the shape of the leaf, leaving a thin brown edge (cutting into the green restarts the drying). But above all, treat the cause, otherwise the tips will brown again.
How do you prevent it?
- Maintain good humidity, especially in winter.
- Water regularly with soft water.
- Dose fertiliser with moderation.
- Keep plants away from radiators.
FAQ: brown leaf tips
Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?
Most often because of air that is too dry, water that is too hard or chlorinated, or irregular watering. More rarely, because of too much fertiliser.
Does tap water damage plants?
For sensitive plants (Calathea, dracaena), limescale and chlorine can scorch the tips. Let the water stand for 24 h or use filtered water.
Should you cut off dry tips?
Yes for looks, leaving a thin brown edge, but the main thing is to correct the cause.
- Plant humidifier — against dry air.
- Moisture meter — make watering regular.
- Cleaning mist — look after the foliage.
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