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Pagoda flower · Clerodendrum paniculatum

Why are my Pagoda flower's leaf tips turning brown?

This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens when the humidity is too low or the watering schedule is inconsistent. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant has been drying out too much between waterings.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture with your finger.
  2. Feel the air around the plant to see if it is very dry.
  3. Inspect the leaf undersides for any signs of spider mites.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaf tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens in dry indoor air during winter.

    What to do: Place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity. You can also mist the leaves daily or use a room humidifier.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves feel dry and brittle, and the tips brown quickly after the soil has been left bone dry for too long. The plant may also droop slightly.

    What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days, ensuring the top inch of soil is always slightly moist. Never let the soil dry out completely to the bottom of the pot.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pagoda flower

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 to develop minor brown edges as they age. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across many leaves at once.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a humid environment to keep the foliage lush and green.

Pagoda flower: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pagoda flower 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?
You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Can tap water cause brown tips?
Sometimes the salts or chlorine in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

More problems with Pagoda flower

Back to the Pagoda flower 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.