Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the top inch of the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the air humidity levels in the room.
- Inspect the leaves for any signs of pests.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The edges of the leaves become 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: Place your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost ambient moisture. You can also group it with other plants or use a humidifier nearby.
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry to the touch and the tips of the leaves start to brown and curl. Caladiums prefer consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
What to do: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
Find out what's wrong with your caladium
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
If the browning spreads rapidly to the center of the leaf, it may indicate a more serious issue like root rot. Minor crisping on the very edges is often just a reaction to dry indoor air.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your Caladium in a spot with high humidity and maintain a steady watering schedule.
Keep your caladium healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Will the brown tips turn green again?
- No, once a leaf tip turns brown and crispy, it will not turn green again. Focus on preventing new growth from developing the same issue.
More problems with Caladium
- Why is my Angel Wings plant rotting at the base?
- What are these tiny bugs on my Angel Wings?
- Why are my Angel Wings leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Caladium drooping?
- Why is my Caladium losing its leaves?
- Why is my Caladium looking so tall and leggy?
- What are these spots on my Caladium leaves?
- Why are my Caladium leaves curling up?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.