Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf tip when you cut.

Is my plant getting too much sun?

If the plant is in direct, harsh sun, the leaf tips can scorch and turn brown. Move it to a location with bright, indirect light to prevent further damage.

Field forget-me-not: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the air around the plant to see if it is very dry.
Check the soil surface for white mineral deposits.
Inspect the leaves for any signs of heat stress from nearby vents.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This often happens in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. Do not let the bottom of the pot touch the water directly.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the humidity is adequate, sometimes accompanied by a white crust on the soil surface. This is caused by salts from tap water accumulating in the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil by running lukewarm water through the pot for a few minutes to wash out excess salts. In the future, use filtered or rainwater to water your plant.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your field forget-me-not

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 rarely fatal but indicate the plant is not perfectly comfortable. If the browning starts to move inward toward the center of the leaf, you should adjust your care immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent humidity and use filtered water if your tap water is very hard. Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners.

Field forget-me-not: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field forget-me-not 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 parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf tip when you cut.
Is my plant getting too much sun?: If the plant is in direct, harsh sun, the leaf tips can scorch and turn brown. Move it to a location with bright, indirect light to prevent further damage.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my field forget-me-not leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your field forget-me-not?