Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
- Test the soil for salt crusts on the surface.
- Observe if the brown tips are crispy or soft.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often happens in homes with dry air from heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost local humidity. You can also mist the leaves lightly every morning.
Mineral buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown and the edges may look scorched. This is often caused by high levels of chlorine or salts in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or rainwater for your mint. Flush the soil with plenty of clean water once a month to wash out accumulated salts.
Find out what's wrong with your 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 rarely fatal but indicate the plant is unhappy with its environment. If the brown patches spread to the whole leaf, the plant is struggling significantly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct airflow and use filtered water if your tap water is heavily treated.
Keep your mint healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Do not cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does fertilizer cause brown tips?
- Yes, using too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup that leads to brown tips. Always dilute your fertilizer as directed.
More problems with Mint
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.