Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is bone dry.
- Look for powdery brown spots on the underside of leaves.
- Ensure the plant is not sitting in a stagnant, humid corner.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown, and the soil feels very dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The plant may look wilted during the hottest part of the day.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days depending on how fast the soil dries out.
Rust fungus
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens if there is poor air circulation and high humidity. You will see brown, powdery spots on the leaves that eventually turn into dry, brown tips.
What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing plants further apart and avoiding overhead watering. If the infection is severe, remove the affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Find out what's wrong with your china pink
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
Worry if the brown tips are accompanied by spots or if the browning moves rapidly down the leaf. It is normal for the very tips to brown slightly if the air is very dry or if you missed a watering.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the plant in a spot with good airflow. Avoid getting water on the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
China pink: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your china pink 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
- Can I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue, as this can cause more browning.
- Does my plant need more humidity?
- China pinks actually prefer moderate humidity and good airflow. You do not need to mist them, as high humidity can actually encourage fungal problems like rust.
Guides to these causes
More problems with China pink
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.