Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the humidity level in the room.
- Look for mineral buildup on the soil surface.
- Review your water source.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves are dry and crispy while the rest of the leaf looks fine. This often happens in winter when indoor heating is on.
What to do: Place a humidifier near the plant or group it with other plants to create a microclimate. You can also set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The brown tips are accompanied by white crusty deposits on the soil surface. This happens when using tap water with high salt or mineral content.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or distilled water for your croton. Flush the soil with plenty of water once a month to wash away excess salts.
Find out what's wrong with your croton
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
Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is unhappy with its environment. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant to brown and drop as the plant matures.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent humidity and use filtered water to keep the foliage looking its best.
Keep your croton 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?
- You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Is my croton getting too much fertilizer?
- Excess fertilizer can cause salt buildup that leads to brown tips. Only fertilize during the growing season and follow the package instructions carefully.
More problems with Croton
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.