Should I trim off the brown tips?

You can snip them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.

Is my tap water causing this?

Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause tip burn. Try using filtered water for a few weeks to see if the problem stops.

Spiny amaranth: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the drainage holes to ensure water is moving through the soil.
Look for signs of salt buildup on the soil surface.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil surface feels hard and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. If the soil is bone dry, soak the pot in a basin of water for 20 minutes to rehydrate the root ball.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when the air is extremely dry, causing the leaf edges to brown. You will notice the browning happens slowly over several weeks.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant to increase local moisture.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spiny amaranth

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.

When to worry

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaves. It is normal to see a tiny bit of browning on the very oldest leaves at the base of the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering rhythm and avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Spiny amaranth: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spiny amaranth 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim off the brown tips?: You can snip them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.
Is my tap water causing this?: Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause tip burn. Try using filtered water for a few weeks to see if the problem stops.

Why are my spiny amaranth's leaf tips turning brown?