Should I trim off the brown tips?

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

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water is very high in salts or minerals, it can cause tip burn. Try using filtered water or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Tropical Hibiscus: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the air humidity levels in your room.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf edges and tips become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens when the air is very dry indoors during winter.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Ensure the bottom of the pot does not sit directly in the water to avoid root issues.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry deep down and the leaves may start to droop along with the browning tips. Hibiscus are thirsty plants that dislike being parched.
What to do: Water your hibiscus thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom holes every 2 to 4 days. Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your tropical hibiscus

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

It is normal for a few older leaves to brown and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly to new growth or if the entire plant looks wilted.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct heating vents or drafts.

Tropical Hibiscus: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tropical hibiscus 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 trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water is very high in salts or minerals, it can cause tip burn. Try using filtered water or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my hibiscus leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your tropical hibiscus?