Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the green tissue, as this can cause further stress.

Does misting the leaves help?

Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective for this plant. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray is a much better long term solution.

Black horehound: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil to see if it has dried out past the top inch.
Feel the air around the plant to see if it is near a heat vent.
Observe if the brown tips are crispy or soft.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity. You can also place a small humidifier nearby to keep the air from getting too dry.
Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant to brown from thirst, but it happens when the soil dries out completely for too long. The leaves may curl slightly before the tips turn brown.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule, checking the soil every 7 days to see if it needs a drink.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black horehound

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is not in its ideal environment. Worry if the browning spreads to the entire leaf or causes the plant to drop leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners. Maintain a steady watering routine to keep the root zone stable.

Black horehound: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black horehound 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the green tissue, as this can cause further stress.
Does misting the leaves help?: Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective for this plant. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray is a much better long term solution.

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