Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil has pulled away from the sides of the pot.
- Test the soil moisture with your finger to see if it is bone dry.
- Look for signs of salt buildup on the soil surface.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil will feel hard and pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until liquid flows from the drainage holes. If the soil is very dry, soak the entire pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the root ball.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips brown slowly over time, especially during winter when indoor heating is running. The leaves may also feel slightly brittle.
What to do: Group your Abelia with other plants to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase local moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your abelia
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Minor browning on the very edges of older leaves is normal as the plant ages. Worry if the browning moves inward toward the center of the leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently every 7 to 14 days and keep the plant away from direct heat vents.
Keep your abelia healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with sharp scissors. Just try to follow the natural shape of the leaf.
- Is my tap water causing this?
- Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.
More problems with Abelia
- Why are there bugs on my Abelia?
- Why does my Abelia have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Abelia getting so leggy?
- Why are my Abelia's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Abelia drooping?
- Why is my Abelia losing its leaves?
- Why is my Abelia not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot on my Abelia?
- Why are my Abelia leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.