Should I cut off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, minerals in tap water can build up in the soil. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Indian cucumber root: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check the air humidity levels in your room.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens if the air in your home is very dry.
What to do: Place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant to boost local humidity. You can also mist the leaves lightly every 2 to 3 days.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves start to lose their firm texture. Brown tips appear as the plant struggles to move water to the edges of its foliage.
What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly damp. Ensure the pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian cucumber root

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

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf or affects new growth. A tiny bit of crisping on older leaves is normal as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and maintain a humid environment to prevent the tips from drying out.

Indian cucumber root: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian cucumber root 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 cut off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, minerals in tap water can build up in the soil. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Indian cucumber root's leaf tips turning brown?