Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors. Just try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the green tissue.

Is my tap water hurting the plant?

If your tap water is very hard, it can cause mineral buildup. Switching to filtered water often clears up the issue.

Fringed willowherb: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the air humidity near the plant.
Look at the soil surface for white mineral deposits.
Feel the brown tips to see if they are dry and brittle.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in winter when heaters are running.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a small humidifier nearby to keep the air moist.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is damp. You might see a white, crusty layer on the surface of the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash out excess salts. In the future, try to use rainwater or filtered water for your regular watering.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fringed willowherb

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal, but they indicate the plant is stressed. If the browning starts to spread to the center of the leaves, you need to adjust your care routine.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain steady humidity and use filtered water to prevent salt buildup. Keep the plant away from direct drafts from air conditioners or heaters.

Fringed willowherb: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fringed willowherb 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors. Just try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the green tissue.
Is my tap water hurting the plant?: If your tap water is very hard, it can cause mineral buildup. Switching to filtered water often clears up the issue.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my fringed willowherb's leaf tips turning brown?