When the Tips of Your Plant's Leaves Turn Yellowish-Brown
Finding brown tips on your little green buddy can be disappointing: You know it's your fault, but you're clueless about what you've done wrong, and your plant can't speak to inform you. To find out why the leaf-tips turned brown on your houseplant, you'll have to play plant detective and dig deep into the matter.
Incorrect watering can lead to brown plant leaves
Brown leaf-tips might indicate that you're underwatering, overwatering, or watering at the wrong time. Every plant is unique in its watering needs, so you need to get to know your plant's preferences. Some plants love a dry environment, while others thrive on moisture. A simple check of the soil will help you determine if it's time to water – bone dry soil means add water; damp soil means you're good to go.
Overwatering is just as harmful: Brown leaves and tips can also be the result of excess water. Keep an eye on the overall condition of your plant's leaves. Overwatered plants typically have limp leaves, while under-watered ones feel dry or crispy. Additionally, you might be causing brown tips with the kind of water you're using, especially if it's softened. Consider switching to distilled or filtered water to avoid adding salt to the soil.
Insufficient humidity can result in brown plant leaves
Dry tips on your houseplant's leaves might be due to a lack of humidity in your home. This could be due to your heating system, the dryness of your surroundings, or a local dry spell. Boost your plant's environment by adding moisture, such as grouping it with other plants, placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or misting it regularly.
Incorrect fertilization can lead to brown plant leaves
If your plant's leaf-tips look scorched, dark green, or reddish purple, it might be lacking phosphorus. On the other hand, yellow or brown along the edges of older leaves, yellowing between veins, spotting, and curling leaves can indicate a potassium deficiency. Adding a slow-release fertilizer when potting is a good solution, but you may need to add a supplemental fertilizer occasionally.
However, brown or discolored leaf-tips can also be the consequence of excess fertilizer. Some fertilizers contain salt that builds up in the soil over time, leading to tip-burn. If you observe a white crust on the soil, saucers, or around the pot edge, it's likely salt accumulation. To remedy this, flush the soil by placing the pot in a sink and watering it until the soil is fully soaked and the water drains through multiple times. Alternatively, repot your plant with fresh soil every 12 to 18 months, which is a recommended practice for most plants.
Trim the brown leaves
Once you've identified the cause of your plant's discolored leaves, it's time to say goodbye to the brown parts. Utilize sharp scissors to cut along the leaf's natural shape, leaving a thin brown border around the cut. New healthy leaves will grow, making it seem like the brown patches never existed.
Try growing a different plant
If you can't solve your plant's leaf issues, it might be time to accept that this plant might not be the best fit for your skills and grow something easier. Consider planting one of these nearly indestructible plants and level up your green thumb.
After identifying that overwatering might be the cause of the brown leaf-tips on your home plant, ensure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Overwatered plants often have limp leaves, making it easier to distinguish them from under-watered ones, which feel dry or crispy.
Your living space's dryness might also contribute to brown plant leaves due to insufficient humidity. Adding moisture to your plant's environment by grouping it with other plants, placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or regular misting can help combat this issue.
