Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim 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 the tips are brown?

Usually no, it is just a sign that the plant is struggling with water uptake. Adjusting your watering routine usually fixes the issue.

Spotted bee balm: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the weather report for recent extreme heat or drought.
Examine the leaves for signs of fungal rust which can cause browning.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown, and the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot or ground.
What to do: Give the plant a deep, thorough watering until the soil is saturated. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear during periods of extreme, prolonged heat even if the soil is moist.
What to do: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool. Ensure the plant is getting enough water to compensate for high evaporation rates.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spotted bee balm

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 moves from the tips into the main leaf tissue. It is normal for some minor browning during the peak of a very hot summer.

Stopping it coming back

Mulch around the base to retain moisture in the soil. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth that can better handle dry spells.

Spotted bee balm: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spotted bee balm 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim 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 the tips are brown?: Usually no, it is just a sign that the plant is struggling with water uptake. Adjusting your watering routine usually fixes the issue.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my spotted bee balm's leaf tips turning brown?