Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the top inch of soil for dryness.
- Inspect the soil surface for white salt deposits.
- Verify your watering frequency is every 5 to 7 days.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the tips are crispy and light brown.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy by checking the top inch every 5 to 7 days.
Salt buildup
PossibleHow to tell: A white crust appears on the soil surface and the tips turn brown despite regular watering.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess salts. Avoid using softened water which can contain high levels of sodium.
Find out what's wrong with your black mondo grass
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
A few brown tips are normal as old leaves age, but widespread browning suggests a need for better care.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and use filtered water if your tap water is heavily treated.
Black Mondo Grass: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black mondo grass 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- Yes, you can snip off the brown parts with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not harm the plant.
- Does humidity affect the tips?
- Black Mondo Grass prefers moderate humidity. Very dry indoor air can contribute to tip browning.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Black Mondo Grass
Back to the Black Mondo Grass guide
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.