Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does my hedgenettle need misting?

Misting does not provide much long term humidity. It is better to use a pebble tray or a humidifier if your home is very dry.

Common hedgenettle: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it has become completely bone dry.
Check the air around the plant to see if it is near a heater or vent.
Examine the leaves for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips turn dry and crispy, especially during winter when indoor heating is on. The rest of the leaf looks healthy but brittle.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase moisture in the air.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels very dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The leaves may droop slightly before the tips turn brown.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a consistent schedule of checking the soil every 5 to 7 days.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common hedgenettle

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 usually just a cosmetic issue. If the browning starts to spread to the whole leaf, you should investigate your watering habits more closely.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering routine and keep the plant away from direct blasts of hot or cold air. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy helps prevent crispy edges.

Common hedgenettle: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common hedgenettle 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

Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does my hedgenettle need misting?: Misting does not provide much long term humidity. It is better to use a pebble tray or a humidifier if your home is very dry.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are the tips of my hedgenettle leaves turning brown?