Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the water level in your container.
- Feel the soil to ensure it is saturated.
- Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
Likely causes
Inconsistent water levels
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn crispy and brown while the rest of the plant looks dull. This happens when the water level drops below the soil line.
What to do: Top off your container daily to ensure the soil remains submerged. Never let the soil dry out, even for a few hours.
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips brown even though the soil is wet. This occurs in very dry indoor environments or during extreme heat waves.
What to do: Mist the foliage daily with a spray bottle. You can also place the plant in a larger tray of water to increase the local humidity.
Find out what's wrong with your floating sweet-grass
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the very oldest leaves to brown as they age. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent water level and keep the plant away from direct airflow from heaters or fans.
Floating sweet-grass: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your floating sweet-grass 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- Yes, you can snip the brown ends off with clean scissors to make the plant look better. It will not hurt the plant.
- Does tap water cause browning?
- Sometimes the minerals in tap water can cause issues. If your water is very hard, try using rainwater instead.
More problems with floating sweet-grass
Back to the floating sweet-grass 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.