Will the brown tips turn green again?

No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim the brown edges off with scissors for a cleaner look.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

European columbine: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is bone dry.
Observe the plant for signs of wilting.
Check the location for proximity to heat vents.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Maintain a schedule where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips brown slowly over time even when the soil is moist. This is common in dry indoor environments.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your european columbine

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

A few brown tips are common and not a major health threat. Worry if the browning starts to move inward toward the center of the leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and avoid placing the plant in the direct path of heating or cooling vents.

European columbine: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your european columbine 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

Will the brown tips turn green again?: No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim the brown edges off with scissors for a cleaner look.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why do my European columbine leaves have brown tips?