Pocket BotanistCheck 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 likelyHow 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
PossibleHow 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your english ivy.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are 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.
More problems with English Ivy
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.