Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil to see if it has become bone dry.
- Look closely at the new growth for small clusters of insects.
- Evaluate if the plant has been exposed to hot, drying winds.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown, and the edges may curl. The soil feels very dry and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when pests cluster on new growth. You will see small insects on the stalks and leaves, which can cause the tips to brown and distort.
What to do: Wash the aphids off with a steady stream of water from a hose. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week until they are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your globe thistle
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 tips to brown slightly during extreme summer heat. Worry if the browning covers more than half the leaf or moves toward the center of the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and monitor for pests during the early spring growth phase.
Keep your globe thistle 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
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.
- Do I need to mist the leaves?
- No, globe thistles do not require misting. They prefer good air circulation and direct sun over high humidity.
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- Why are my globe thistle leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Globe Thistle drooping?
- Why does my Globe Thistle have root rot?
- Why are my Globe Thistle leaves curling?
Back to the Globe thistle guide
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.