Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Observe the plant during the hottest part of the day.
- Look for signs of salt buildup if you use fertilizer often.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch several inches down. The edges of the leaves become crispy and brittle.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until moisture reaches the roots. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, watering every 3 to 7 days depending on the weather.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is in a spot that gets intense afternoon sun. The leaves look scorched and dry even if the soil is damp.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with partial shade if possible. Add a layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.
Find out what's wrong with your lady's mantle
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
A few brown tips are common in late summer heat. Worry only if the entire leaf is turning brown or the plant is wilting constantly.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply a two inch layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
Lady's Mantle: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lady's mantle and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can snip the brown edges with clean scissors. It makes the plant look much tidier.
- Does my plant need more sun?
- Lady's Mantle prefers partial shade. If it is in full sun, it will likely need more frequent watering to prevent browning.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Lady's Mantle
Back to the Lady's Mantle guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.