Should I trim 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.

Is my plant dying if it has brown tips?

Not necessarily, it is just telling you it is thirsty or the air is too dry. Adjust your watering and it should recover.

Yellow pimpernel: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
Inspect the leaves for any signs of pests like slugs.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf may look dull. The soil feels dry to the touch when you check it.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly so the soil stays damp to the touch. Aim to water every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips become brown and brittle even when the soil is damp. This often happens if the plant is near a heat vent or in a very dry room.
What to do: Move the plant away from direct heat sources. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your yellow pimpernel

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

Brown tips are usually just a sign that the plant needs more consistent care. If the entire leaf turns brown and falls off, check the roots for rot.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil damp at all times. Avoid placing the plant in areas with high airflow or heat.

Yellow pimpernel: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your yellow pimpernel 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 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.
Is my plant dying if it has brown tips?: Not necessarily, it is just telling you it is thirsty or the air is too dry. Adjust your watering and it should recover.

Why are my yellow pimpernel's leaf tips turning brown?