Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the green tissue. This keeps the plant looking better without causing further stress.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the chlorine or minerals in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using rainwater or filtered water for a few weeks.

Virginia strawberry: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it has been drying out too much between waterings.
Check the air around the plant for drafts from heaters or air conditioners.
Examine the soil surface for white mineral deposits.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This is common when indoor air is very dry during winter.
What to do: Place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity. Mist the leaves lightly once or twice a week.
Salt buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is moist. You might see a white crust on the surface of the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess minerals. Use a pot with drainage to ensure the water flows through completely.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your virginia strawberry

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

A few brown tips are usually not a major problem. Worry if the browning starts to move inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Use filtered water and keep the plant away from direct heat sources to maintain leaf health.

Virginia strawberry: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your virginia strawberry 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?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the green tissue. This keeps the plant looking better without causing further stress.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the chlorine or minerals in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using rainwater or filtered water for a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why do my Virginia strawberry leaves have brown tips?