Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil two inches below the surface to check for dryness.
- Review your recent fertilizing schedule.
- Check if the plant is in a spot that gets too much hot afternoon sun.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf may look dull or slightly wilted. This happens when the soil dries out completely between waterings.
What to do: Water your daylilies deeply every 5 to 10 days during the growing season. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by soaking the soil thoroughly.
Fertilizer Burn
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle shortly after you apply a heavy dose of fertilizer. This is caused by an excess of salts in the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of fresh water to wash away excess salts. Avoid fertilizing again until the plant shows signs of new, healthy growth.
Find out what's wrong with your daylily
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.
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When to worry
It is normal for the very tips to brown slightly as the foliage ages toward the end of the season. Worry if the browning is moving rapidly down the entire leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture. Water consistently during dry spells to keep the roots hydrated.
Keep your daylily healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim off the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just make sure not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does the sun cause brown tips?
- Daylilies love the sun, but extreme heat combined with dry soil can cause the tips to crisp. Ensure they have enough water during peak summer heat.
More problems with Daylily
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.