Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil surface for white crusty deposits.
- Inspect the area around the plant for nearby heat vents.
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry or waterlogged.
Likely causes
Salt accumulation
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf edges and tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens if you use too much chemical fertilizer.
What to do: Flush the soil by running water through the pot for several minutes to wash out excess salts. Stop fertilizing for 2 to 3 months to let the roots recover.
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips dry out and turn brown during hot, dry weather or when placed near heating vents. The leaves may feel brittle to the touch.
What to do: Move your maple away from direct heat sources or air conditioning vents. Mist the leaves daily or place a pebble tray filled with water nearby to increase ambient moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your red maple
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.
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When to worry
If the browning spreads to the entire leaf or affects new growth, it is a sign of a deeper issue. Minor tip browning is common during the transition to autumn.
Stopping it coming back
Use filtered water if your tap water is high in minerals and avoid over-fertilizing during the growing season.
Keep your red maple 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
- Should I trim off the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Yes, if your water is high in chlorine or fluoride, it can build up in the soil and burn the leaf tips. Try using rainwater or distilled water for a few weeks.
More problems with Red Maple
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.