Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is bone dry and pulling away from the pot.
- Examine the leaf tips to see if they are crispy or soft.
- Consider the type of water you are using for irrigation.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips become crispy and brittle while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you check the soil every 7 to 14 days.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown even when the soil is consistently moist. This is often caused by salts from tap water accumulating in the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil by running clean, filtered water through the pot for a few minutes. Use distilled water or rainwater for your next few waterings to clear out excess salts.
Find out what's wrong with your western mugwort
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 serious if the browning moves inward toward the center of the leaf. Minor tip browning is often just a sign of the plant adjusting to indoor air.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently and avoid using water with high mineral content if you notice persistent browning.
Western mugwort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western mugwort 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
- Does this plant need high humidity?
- No, this plant prefers drier air and does not need extra humidity. Brown tips are rarely caused by low humidity for this species.
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the healthy green tissue. This keeps the plant looking clean without stressing it.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Western mugwort
- Why is my Western mugwort suffering from root rot?
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- Why is my Artemisia ludoviciana drooping?
- Why is my Artemisia ludoviciana dropping its leaves?
- Are there bugs on my Western mugwort?
- Why are the leaves on my Artemisia curling?
Back to the Western mugwort 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.