Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does Motherwort need misting?

Misting does not provide much benefit for Motherwort. It is better to ensure the soil stays moist and the plant is in a spot with good airflow.

Motherwort: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the moisture level of the soil with your finger.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure water is flowing through.
Observe the surrounding air for drafts from heaters or air conditioners.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch several inches down and the leaves look slightly wilted.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist by watering every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green and healthy.
What to do: Group your Motherwort with other plants to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the base of the pot.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your motherwort

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

If the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf, the plant may be suffering from severe dehydration. It is normal for the very oldest bottom leaves to brown slightly as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and keep the soil moist but never soggy.

Motherwort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your motherwort 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 tips with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does Motherwort need misting?: Misting does not provide much benefit for Motherwort. It is better to ensure the soil stays moist and the plant is in a spot with good airflow.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Motherwort leaves getting brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your motherwort?