Should I trim off the brown tips?

You can snip off the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does French lavender need high humidity?

No, French lavender prefers dry air. High humidity can actually cause fungal issues like leaf spot.

French lavender: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the plant is crowded by other foliage.
Feel the leaves to see if they are crispy or soft.
Consider the type of water you use for irrigation.

Likely causes

Poor Air Circulation
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves turn brown and crispy, often accompanied by a lack of new growth. This happens when the plant is crowded or in a room with no airflow.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with better natural airflow, such as near an open window or a gentle breeze. Avoid grouping it too closely with other plants.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is managed correctly. This is often caused by using hard tap water with high mineral content over a long period.
What to do: Flush the soil thoroughly with distilled or rainwater to wash away accumulated salts. In the future, try to use filtered water if your tap water is very hard.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your french lavender

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

Minor browning on the very tips is usually just a reaction to the environment. You should worry if the browning spreads rapidly down the leaf or onto the stems.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your lavender has plenty of space for air to move around it and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup.

French lavender: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your french lavender 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?: You can snip off the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does French lavender need high humidity?: No, French lavender prefers dry air. High humidity can actually cause fungal issues like leaf spot.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why do my French lavender leaves have brown tips?