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Italian arum · Arum italicum

Why are my Italian arum leaf tips turning brown?

This is less common for this plant, and it usually happens when the air is too dry or the soil has dried out too much. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is thirsty.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture level.
  2. Look for dry air sources like heaters or vents.
  3. Feel the texture of the brown tips.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in homes with dry heating during winter.

    What to do: Place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant to increase local humidity. You can also mist the leaves lightly once a week.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaf tips brown because the plant experienced a period of drought followed by heavy watering. The soil feels very dry to the touch.

    What to do: Water every 7 to 14 days to keep the soil consistently moist. Use a finger to check that the top inch of soil is damp.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your italian arum

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

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf. Small, crispy tips are usually just a minor reaction to dry air.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heat sources.

Italian arum: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your italian arum 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

Can I trim the brown tips?
You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does this mean my plant is dying?
No, it is just a sign that the plant is struggling with its environment. Adjusting the moisture levels usually fixes the issue.

More problems with Italian arum

Back to the Italian arum 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.