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Treasure flower · Gazania linearis

Why are my Gazania linearis leaf tips turning brown?

Brown tips on a treasure flower are usually a sign of environmental stress or inconsistent hydration. Check your watering schedule to see if the soil is getting too dry for too long.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are crispy.
  2. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny, slow moving insects.
  3. Check how long it has been since your last watering.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf tips become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry and brittle. This happens when the plant goes too long without a drink in hot, sunny conditions.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of checking the soil every 7 to 14 days.

  2. Aphid Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by a colony of aphids hiding on new growth. You will see tiny insects and the tips of leaves may look stunted or brown as they suck the sap.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a gentle stream of water to knock the insects off. If the infestation persists, use an insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your treasure flower

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

Minor browning on the very tips is common in extreme heat. Worry if the browning is moving inward toward the center of the leaf or if the plant begins to wilt.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moisture consistent and check your plants weekly for any signs of pests hiding on the new growth.

Treasure flower: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your treasure flower 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

Does low humidity cause brown tips?
Gazanias are quite tolerant of dry air, so low humidity is rarely the culprit. Focus on your soil moisture levels instead.
Will the brown tips turn green again?
No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim the tips off for aesthetic reasons, but it will not change the health of the leaf.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Treasure flower

Back to the Treasure flower guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.