Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the top inch of soil for dryness.
- Review your watering schedule from the last two weeks.
- Look at the air vents to ensure the plant is not in a draft.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves look brittle or crispy. The browning starts at the very tip and slowly moves down the blade.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a schedule of watering every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat.
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil feels moist. This happens when the surrounding air is very dry, especially indoors.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the base to increase moisture in the air.
Find out what's wrong with your hairy brome
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
A little browning is normal as leaves age. Worry only if the browning is moving rapidly down the leaf or affecting new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist by checking it every few days. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of heating vents or air conditioners.
Hairy brome: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hairy brome 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
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Just cut along the natural shape of the leaf tip.
- Is my tap water the problem?
- Sometimes mineral buildup from tap water causes tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.
Guides to these causes
More problems with hairy brome
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.