Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the top inch of soil with your finger.
- Look for signs of salt buildup on the soil surface.
- Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch. The leaves may also feel brittle.
What to do: Water your chives deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizer burn
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown shortly after you apply a high concentration of fertilizer. The rest of the plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of plain water to wash away excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Find out what's wrong with your chives
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
It is normal for the very oldest outer leaves to brown as they age. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across the whole clump.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil evenly moist and use a balanced, diluted fertilizer only during the active growing season.
Chives: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chives 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.
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not harm the chives.
- Can tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes, if your water is very high in chlorine or minerals. Try letting your water sit out overnight before using it.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Chives
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.