Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the fertilizer you have been using for phosphorus content.
- Inspect the soil surface for white mineral deposits.
- Test your tap water for high mineral content.
Likely causes
Phosphorus toxicity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This happens if you use standard fertilizers meant for other garden plants.
What to do: Stop using any fertilizer immediately. Only use fertilizers specifically labeled as safe for Australian native plants, which are low in phosphorus.
Hard water buildup
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear gradually even when the soil moisture is correct. You might see a white crust on the soil surface.
What to do: Switch to using rainwater or filtered water for a few months. Flush the soil thoroughly with clean water to wash out accumulated salts.
Find out what's wrong with your saw banksia
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 normal for the very oldest leaves at the base of the plant to brown and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly to new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Always use native plant fertilizer and avoid tap water if it is heavily treated or hard.
Saw Banksia: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your saw banksia 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the green tissue.
- Does this mean my plant is dying?
- Not necessarily. It is usually a sign of stress from soil chemistry rather than a fatal disease.
More problems with Saw Banksia
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.