Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the moisture level of the soil immediately.
- Inspect the water level in the tray or container.
- Look for white mineral deposits on the soil surface.
Likely causes
Inconsistent moisture
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the soil feels dry to the touch. The plant may also look slightly wilted.
What to do: Ensure the pot stays partially submerged in water or keep the soil consistently wet. Never let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Mineral buildup
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is wet. You might see a white crust on the surface of the soil or the rim of the pot.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or rainwater to wash away excess salts. Switch to using filtered water if your tap water is heavily treated with chlorine or minerals.
Find out what's wrong with your water mint
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
Brown tips are a sign of stress but rarely kill the plant. It is normal to see a few old leaves brown and die off as the plant ages.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent water level and use rainwater when possible to avoid mineral accumulation.
Water Mint: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water mint 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Should I cut off the brown tips?
- Yes, you can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors to improve the plant's appearance. Be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does tap water hurt my plant?
- Most tap water is fine, but if you have very hard water, it can cause salt buildup over time. Using rainwater is the best option for this species.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Water Mint
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.