Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is bone dry.
- Feel the texture of the brown tips.
- Evaluate the humidity levels in your room.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry or brittle. The soil will be pulled away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Resume a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days once the top inch of soil is dry.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips brown slowly over time even when the soil is kept consistently moist. The air in your home feels very dry, especially during winter months.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate or place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Avoid misting the leaves directly as this does not provide lasting humidity.
Find out what's wrong with your crowpoison
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
Worry if the browning moves rapidly down the leaf toward the bulb. It is normal for tips to brown slightly as the plant ages or if the air is naturally dry.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators. Consistent moisture levels prevent the tips from drying out.
Crowpoison: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crowpoison 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?
- You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors, but try to leave a tiny sliver of brown so you do not cut into the healthy green tissue. This prevents further stress to the leaf.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks to see if it improves.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Crowpoison
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.