Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Common centaury · Centaurium erythraea

Why are my common centaury's leaf tips turning brown?

It is less common for this plant to develop brown tips, which usually happens when the soil dries out too much between waterings. Check your soil moisture first to see if the plant is thirsty.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil.
  2. Check the location for nearby heat sources.
  3. Observe if the browning is spreading to the rest of the leaf.

Likely causes

  1. Inconsistent watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the tips of the leaves look crispy or brittle.

    What to do: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to water every 3 to 7 days depending on how hot your home is.

  2. Low humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil feels moist.

    What to do: Move your plant away from direct air vents or heaters. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the pot to increase local humidity.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common centaury

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across the entire leaf. It is normal for the very oldest bottom leaves to brown slightly as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep a consistent watering schedule and avoid placing the plant in the path of hot air.

Common centaury: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?
Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Will the brown tips turn green again?
No, once the leaf tissue turns brown and crispy, it will not recover. Focus on preventing new growth from developing the same issue.

More problems with Common centaury

Back to the Common centaury guide

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.