Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water.

English Ivy: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
Look at the humidity levels in your home.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This is common in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Increase humidity by using a room humidifier or grouping plants together. Mist the plant daily to keep the air around the leaves moist.
Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The soil dries out completely between waterings, causing the plant to dehydrate. The tips brown because the plant cannot move enough water to the leaf edges.
What to do: Stick to a schedule where you check the soil every 5 to 10 days. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your english ivy

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal, but they are a sign that your plant is unhappy. If the brown area starts spreading toward the center of the leaf, check your watering habits.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from drafts and maintain a steady watering routine.

English Ivy: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your english ivy 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water.

Why are the tips of my English Ivy turning brown?