Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if you are using tap water with high mineral content.
- Observe if the brown tips appear during the dry winter season.
- Inspect the soil for white crusty deposits.
Likely causes
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess salts. Avoid using softened water which can contain high levels of sodium.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The edges of the leaves dry out and curl during the winter months when indoor heating is on.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant.
Find out what's wrong with your broom
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
If the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf, it may be a sign of a larger issue like root damage. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the bottom to brown and drop occasionally.
Stopping it coming back
Use filtered water and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators or vents.
Keep your broom 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 aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Is my Genista sick if it has brown tips?
- Usually, it is just a reaction to environmental stress rather than a disease. Adjusting your water source often fixes the problem.
More problems with Broom
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.