Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level.
- Observe the plant's current light exposure.
- Look for signs of pests like mealybugs.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf feels thin. The soil has been dry for a long time.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is saturated. Ensure you are watering every 10 to 21 days depending on your home environment.
Sunburn
PossibleHow to tell: The tips or edges turn brown or scorched after being moved to a brighter spot. This happens quickly after exposure to harsh afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. If you want to move it to a sunnier spot, do it gradually over 2 weeks.
Find out what's wrong with your aeonium
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
Worry if the brown spots grow larger or spread to the whole leaf. Small brown tips on older leaves are usually harmless.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in consistent light and follow a regular watering routine.
Keep your aeonium 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 the brown tips?
- You can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Rarely, but if your water is very hard, the mineral buildup can sometimes affect sensitive plants. Using filtered water can help if you suspect this.
More problems with Aeonium
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.