Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors.

Does my plant need more humidity?

No, this plant prefers drier air. Brown tips are almost always about water delivery to the roots rather than air humidity.

Western wallflower: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the moisture level of the soil a few inches down.
Review how much fertilizer you have applied recently.
Check for signs of root crowding in the pot.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy because the roots are not getting enough moisture to support the leaf edges. The soil will feel bone dry for several days.
What to do: Stick to a strict schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days. Ensure you soak the soil deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Fertilizer burn
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually caused by applying too much fertilizer at once. The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf looks healthy.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of plain water to wash out excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for at least 2 months to let the roots recover.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western wallflower

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 browning is moving inward from the tips toward the center of the leaf. A tiny bit of browning on the very oldest leaves is just part of the natural aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and avoid over-fertilizing. Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent salt accumulation.

Western wallflower: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western wallflower 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

Should I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors.
Does my plant need more humidity?: No, this plant prefers drier air. Brown tips are almost always about water delivery to the roots rather than air humidity.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Western wallflower's leaf tips turning brown?