Dry air
Low humidity can cause leaf edges and tips to dry out, particularly on tropical plants such as Calathea, Alocasia and ferns.
Plant Problem Guide
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown, crispy tips are one of the most common houseplant problems. They are usually caused by dryness, inconsistent watering or environmental stress rather than disease.
What causes brown leaf tips?
Look at the soil, watering pattern and growing environment together. More than one factor may be contributing.
Underwatering
Allowing the potting mix to become excessively dry repeatedly can lead to crispy tips, curling leaves and dry brown edges.
Inconsistent watering
Moving between very dry and very wet soil can stress roots and make it harder for the plant to maintain healthy leaf growth.
Mineral build-up
Fertiliser salts or minerals from hard water can gradually collect in the potting mix and contribute to tip burn.
Root stress
Compacted soil, damaged roots or unsuitable moisture levels can prevent the plant from taking up water effectively.
Heat and draughts
Radiators, heaters, cold draughts and sudden temperature changes can dry foliage or place the plant under stress.
Quick checks
- Are only the tips affected while most of the leaf remains green?
- Is the plant close to a radiator, heater or draught?
- Does the soil become completely dry between waterings?
- Does the pot stay wet for a long time?
- Are older leaves affected more than new growth?
- Is there white residue on the soil surface or around the pot?
- Has the plant recently been moved or repotted?
What to do first
- Check the soil before changing the watering routine.
- Water thoroughly when appropriate and allow excess water to drain.
- Avoid repeatedly letting moisture-sensitive plants become extremely dry.
- Move the plant away from radiators and strong draughts.
- Increase humidity where suitable for the plant.
- Flush the soil occasionally to reduce mineral and fertiliser build-up.
- Check whether the potting mix has become compacted or stale.
Do not automatically water more.
Brown tips can occur when damaged or waterlogged roots are unable to take
up moisture properly. Always check whether the soil is dry or wet first.
Should the brown tips be removed?
Brown tissue will not turn green again, but it does not always mean the entire leaf needs removing.
If the rest of the leaf is healthy, the dry tip can be carefully trimmed with clean scissors. Follow the natural shape of the leaf and leave a very fine brown edge rather than cutting into healthy green tissue.
Removing the damaged tip is mainly cosmetic. The priority is identifying and correcting the cause so that new growth develops more successfully.
When to investigate the roots
Brown tips alone rarely prove that a plant has root rot. Check the roots when other warning signs are also present.
- The soil remains wet for unusually long periods.
- The plant is yellowing or wilting despite damp soil.
- The potting mix smells unpleasant.
- Stems or roots feel soft, mushy or unstable.
- The plant continues to decline after its environment has been corrected.
Related plant help
Still unsure what your plant needs?
Use the Rare Leaf Soil Finder to match your plant and care conditions with a suitable soil mix, or visit the Plant Help Hub for more guidance.