Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.

Does this plant need a humidifier?

While not strictly necessary, a humidifier can help if your home air is very dry. Most of the time, regular watering is sufficient.

American hogpeanut: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil for dryness.
Check if the pot feels light when lifted.
Inspect the air around the plant for dryness.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The brown tips are crisp and brittle to the touch.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom. Stick to a schedule of checking the soil every 3 to 7 days.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but dry indoor air can cause the delicate tips to brown. Look for dry, crispy edges on the leaves while the soil remains moist.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the base of the plant.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american hogpeanut

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

Minor browning on older leaves is normal as the plant ages. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly to new growth or covers more than half of the leaf surface.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and avoid placing the plant directly in the path of air conditioning or heating vents.

American hogpeanut: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american hogpeanut 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 the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.
Does this plant need a humidifier?: While not strictly necessary, a humidifier can help if your home air is very dry. Most of the time, regular watering is sufficient.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my American hogpeanut's leaf tips turning brown?