Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture to see if it has dried out completely.
- Observe the air quality to see if the plant is near a heater or vent.
- Feel the brown tips to see if they are dry and brittle.
Likely causes
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf remains green. This is common when the air is very dry indoors or during a heatwave.
What to do: Mist the foliage with water in the morning to increase local humidity. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to create a humid microclimate.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The entire leaf tip becomes brown and curls slightly. This happens when the plant misses its regular watering window of 2 to 4 days.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to ensure the soil stays damp at all times. Use a moisture meter or your finger to ensure the root zone is hydrated.
Find out what's wrong with your great blue lobelia
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
Worry if the browning moves from the tips into the main body of the leaf. Minor tip browning is often just a reaction to changing environmental conditions.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a steady watering routine and keep the plant away from direct air conditioning or heating vents. Consistent moisture is the best defense.
Great blue lobelia: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your great blue lobelia 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.
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Questions people ask
- Will the brown tips turn green again?
- No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes, if your tap water has high mineral content, it can cause salt buildup that leads to tip burn. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your water quality is poor.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Great blue lobelia
Back to the Great blue lobelia 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.