Plant problem

Brown tips

Tip damage is a pattern to investigate.

Brown tips describe a pattern of damage, not one confirmed cause. Start with an even root-zone moisture check, then review recent fertiliser use and the plant's environment.

Moisture consistencyCheck the deeper mix

Water and feedingReview recent changes

UrgencyUsually low

Check causes See related symptoms

Green houseplant leaf with a dry brown tip in a wide indoor plant photograph — **Check moisture before adding water**

At a glance

First possibilityRoot zone too dry

Also compareReview recent changes

Room conditionsReview heat and airflow

Acting paceUsually low

Quick brown tips guide

Check first

Check whether the mix is dry below the surface rather than judging from a dry-looking top layer alone.
Look for a pattern: only tips, whole margins, older leaves, or new leaves can point to different next checks.
Record recent feeding, water changes, heat exposure, and whether the pot drains freely.

Common causes

Root zone too dry

Good to know

A damaged tip will not turn green again.
Tip-only browning differs from damage spreading across the leaf.
Recent feeding and water-quality changes are useful context.

What to do next

Check whether the root zone is drying evenly.
Review recent fertiliser use and follow the product label.
Compare damage on new leaves with older leaves.
Adjust only the clearest confirmed condition and watch new growth.

When to act fast

Browning that advances quickly beyond the tips while the plant is wilting or the mix remains wet needs a closer root-zone and pest inspection.
Dark, soft roots or a sour smell when the root ball is checked are warning observations; do not keep watering without reassessing drainage.

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Observation checker

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Add only observations you are confident about. Unknown answers can stay blank, and the result remains a shortlist of checks rather than a diagnosis.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do brown tips prove that indoor air is too dry?

No. Tip damage can have several explanations. Check root-zone moisture, drainage, and recent care changes before attributing it to humidity.

Should I give extra water for brown tips?

Only if the mix is dry at the appropriate depth for that plant. Repeated small amounts of water can leave parts of a pot dry while other areas stay wet.

Can fertiliser be relevant to brown leaf tips?

It can be one possible factor. Note recent fertiliser use and follow the product label; do not add more fertiliser as a response to damaged tips.

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