Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them with clean scissors for appearance, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.

Does humidity affect my cranesbill?

Yes, very dry indoor air can sometimes cause leaf tips to crisp up, though this plant prefers outdoor conditions.

Carolina cranesbill: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the leaves for signs of salt buildup.
Review your recent fertilizing schedule.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the edges of the leaves look crispy or brittle.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you water every 7 to 14 days once the top inch of soil feels dry.
Excessive Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown while the rest of the leaf remains green, often after a recent feeding.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of plain water to wash away salt buildup. Avoid fertilizing for at least 4 to 6 weeks to let the plant recover.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your carolina cranesbill

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

It is normal for older, bottom leaves to brown as the plant ages. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent stress.

Carolina cranesbill: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your carolina cranesbill 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

Should I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim them with clean scissors for appearance, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.
Does humidity affect my cranesbill?: Yes, very dry indoor air can sometimes cause leaf tips to crisp up, though this plant prefers outdoor conditions.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Carolina cranesbill leaves getting brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your carolina cranesbill?