Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does fertilizer cause brown tips?

Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which leads to burnt tips. Flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts.

Bigroot Geranium: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the area around the plant for hot drafts.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests that might be sucking moisture.

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 deeply until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Aim to keep the top inch of soil slightly damp, watering every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil feels moist to the touch.
What to do: Ensure the plant is not sitting directly in the path of a hot air vent or a drafty window. If your home is very dry, consider moving the plant to a spot with better airflow.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bigroot geranium

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

Do not worry if only the very oldest leaves have brown tips, as this is a natural part of the aging process. Be concerned if the browning is spreading rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct heat sources to prevent moisture loss.

Bigroot Geranium: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bigroot geranium 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 off the brown tips?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does fertilizer cause brown tips?: Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil, which leads to burnt tips. Flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Bigroot Geranium leaves getting brown tips?