• Plant Care

    • Leaf Tips Turning Brown

    Discover why your houseplant leaf tips turn brown and how to treat them effectively. Explore causes like watering issues, humidity levels, and pests.

    How to Treat Houseplants with Browning Leaf Tips

     

    If you find yourself searching for the answer as to why your houseplant leaf tips are turning brown, I am sure it comes with a sense of frustration, as online, there doesn't seem to be much consensus.

    Reputable sources contradict one another, hobbyists think they have the cure, and others simply state there is nothing you can do.

    However, in this blog, we will look at the science- taking things right to the source to find the answer.

     

     

    Contents

     

    1. Theory 1: Browning Leaf Tips are Caused by Over/Underwatering
    2. Theory 2: Incorrect Humidity Leads to Burnt Leaf Tips
    3. Theory 3: Are Brown Leaf Tips Caused by Overfertilisation?
    4. Theory 4: Can Fertilisers Fix Browning Leaf Tips?
    5. Theory 5: Thrips Can Cause Brown Leaf Tips
    6. The Cure for Browning Leaf Tips

      • Theory 1: Over/Underwatering

      • Theory 2: Incorrect Humidity

      • Theory 3: Overfertilisation

      • Theory 4: Copper Deficiency

      • Theory 5: Thrips Infestation

    7. Conclusion

     

     

    Theory 1: Browning Leaf Tips Are Caused By Over/Underwatering

    One of the most common explanations for browning leaf tips is improper watering, whether it’s too much or too little. Overwatering can cause root rot, limiting the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water properly, leading to brown, dry tips as the plant struggles.

    On the flip side, underwatering deprives the plant of sufficient moisture, causing the leaves to dry out and turn brown at the edges.

    Both extremes lead to water stress, which affects a plant's overall health and appearance, making it crucial to find the right balance for your specific houseplant species.

     

    Theory 2: Incorrect Humidity Leads To Burnt Leaf Tips

    While high levels of humidity can lead to soft growth and wilting, low humidity is said to be the cause of brown/burnt leaf tips when accompanied by yellow leaf margins (Robbins, 2005).

    Other anomalies that indicate low humidity are shrivelling and the drooping of leaves.

     

    Theory 3: Are Brown Leaf Tips Because Of Over Fertilisation?

    A common explanation online is that brown leaf tips result from over fertilisation due to salt accumulation. However, upon reviewing academic journals and sources, it appears that over-fertilisation is only a significant issue when the fertiliser contains fluoride.

    Fluoride build-up can harm sensitive plants, such as spider plants, by causing leaf tip burn (Knodel et al., 2009).

     

    Theory 4: Can Fertilisers Fix Browning Leaf Tips?

    While it is ironic including such a contradicting title following theory number 3, its important to assess all potential causes. Simple fertilising may not cure brown leaf tips, especially if excess fluoride is the issue.

    However, it is scientifically proven that copper deficiencies can result in burnt appearing leaf tips. This is because copper is important for the enzymatic function of houseplants, with a study conducted in Northern Idaho showing copper deficiency to result in stunted growth, dieback of terminal shoots, poor pigmentation and death of leaf tips (Robbin, 2005).

     

    Theory 5: Thrips Can Cause Brown Leaf Tips

    Thrips, small insects belonging to the order Thysanoptera, can also be responsible for brown leaf tips in houseplants.

    These insects, measuring between 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length, range in colour from cream to dark brown. While adults possess narrow, fringed wings and can fly or jump when disturbed, immature thrips are wingless.

    Thrips feed on plant sap and over time, the tips of the leaves wither, curl, and eventually die. In severe cases, affected buds may fail to open properly (Knodel et al., 2009).

     

     

    The Cure for Browning Leaf Tips

    Theory 1: Over or Underwatering

    • Adjust Your Watering Schedule:
    Regularly check the moisture level of the soil to determine whether you're over or underwatering. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off.
    • Improve Drainage:
    Ensure that your plant pots have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots and causing rot.

     

    Theory 2: Incorrect Humidity

    • Increase Humidity Levels:
    If low humidity is the culprit, try placing a humidity tray (a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles) near your plants or use a mister. This is especially helpful for tropical plants like ferns and calatheas.
    • Monitor Your Environment:
    Use a hygrometer to track the humidity levels in your home. For most houseplants, humidity levels should be around 40-60%.

     

    Theory 3: Overfertilisation

    • Flush the Soil:
    If salt buildup from fertilisers is an issue, flush the soil by watering it deeply to remove excess salts. Make sure the water drains fully to prevent further accumulation.
    • Use Fluoride-Free Fertilisers:
    Choose fertilisers that do not contain fluoride, especially for sensitive plants like spider plants and dracaenas.

     

    Theory 4: Copper Deficiency

    • Test the Soil:
    If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, test your soil to determine whether it lacks essential nutrients like copper.
    • Use Copper-Enriched Fertilisers:
    If copper deficiency is identified, incorporate a fertiliser that contains trace amounts of copper to support healthy growth and prevent browning tips.

     

    Theory 5: Thrips Infestation

    • Inspect Regularly for Pests:
    Check the undersides of leaves and plant tips for signs of thrips. Early detection makes pest management easier.
    • Apply Natural Insecticides:
    Use neem oil or insecticidal cleanser to manage thrips infestations without harming your plant. Repeat applications may be necessary to fully eliminate the pests.
    • Isolate Affected Plants:
    If thrips are present, separate the infested plant from others to prevent the insects from spreading.

     

     

    Conclusion

    While multiple theories may be overwhelming, the main takeaway is to address accompanying symptoms to the browning leaf tips and use this blog as a reference guide.

    If the brown leaf tips are accompanied by yellow leaf margins, use the cure for incorrect humidity, if growth is also stunted, apply a trace-copper fertiliser.

    By addressing each of these theories, you can improve your plant care practices and reduce the chances of browning leaf tips in your houseplants. 

     

    References: