Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Observe the surrounding air for drafts or heat sources.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch, and the tips are crispy.
What to do: Water your grass deeply until moisture runs out the drainage holes. Aim to water every 7 to 14 days, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil remains moist.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the base to increase local humidity.
Find out what's wrong with your foxtail barley
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 to see a few brown tips as the plant ages. Worry if more than half of the foliage is turning brown.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the plant receives plenty of direct sunlight.
Foxtail barley: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your foxtail barley 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 them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
- Can tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes, high mineral content in tap water can cause salt buildup. Try using filtered water if the problem persists.
Guides to these causes
More problems with foxtail barley
Back to the foxtail barley 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.