Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil has been dry for too long.
- Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.
- Move the plant away from direct heat sources.
Likely causes
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the foliage looks dull. This happens when the plant goes too long without water.
What to do: Establish a consistent schedule by checking the soil every week. Water thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Do not let the soil stay bone dry for extended periods.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips brown slowly over time even when the soil is kept appropriately moist. The air in your home may be very dry, especially during winter.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better air circulation. Avoid placing it directly next to heaters or air vents. Storksbill prefers natural outdoor conditions where humidity is rarely an issue.
Find out what's wrong with your common storksbill
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 they indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal to see some browning on the very oldest leaves as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Keep a steady watering rhythm and ensure the plant gets plenty of full sun. Consistent care prevents the stress that leads to crispy tips.
Keep your common storksbill 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 them for aesthetics using clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does my storksbill need misting?
- No, this plant does not require misting. It prefers full sun and good airflow.
More problems with Common storksbill
- Why does my common storksbill have white spots?
- Why is my common storksbill looking so leggy?
- Why is my Erodium cicutarium rotting at the base?
- Why are my common storksbill leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Erodium cicutarium drooping?
- Why is my Erodium cicutarium not flowering?
- Are there pests on my Erodium cicutarium?
Back to the Common storksbill 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.