Will the brown tips turn green again?

No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim the brown edges off for a tidier look.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Crosswort: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the humidity levels in your room.
Look for drafts near windows or vents.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or place a tray of water and pebbles near the pot. You can also mist the leaves lightly once or twice a week.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks slightly wilted and the leaf edges turn brown and brittle. The soil will feel very dry and pull away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of checking the soil every 3 to 7 days.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crosswort

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.

When to worry

Worry if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaves. A few tiny brown tips are usually just a reaction to dry indoor air.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and keep the plant away from direct heating vents.

Crosswort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crosswort 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.

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

Questions people ask

Will the brown tips turn green again?: No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim the brown edges off for a tidier look.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Crosswort leaf tips turning brown?