Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.

Does my Regal Geranium need misting?

Misting does not provide much benefit and can actually encourage fungal issues on the fuzzy leaves. It is better to use a pebble tray if you are worried about humidity.

Regal Geranium: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has been allowed to get completely bone dry.
Look at the air vents to see if the plant is sitting in a draft.
Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are crispy.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf edges become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This happens when the plant goes through cycles of being bone dry and then soaked.
What to do: Establish a regular watering rhythm by checking the soil every 5 days. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle, especially during winter when indoor heating is running. The leaves may also feel thinner than usual.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water, ensuring the pot sits above the water line.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your regal geranium

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 they indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal for very old leaves at the base of the plant to brown and die off as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators. Consistent care prevents the leaves from drying out at the edges.

Regal Geranium: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your regal geranium 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
Does my Regal Geranium need misting?: Misting does not provide much benefit and can actually encourage fungal issues on the fuzzy leaves. It is better to use a pebble tray if you are worried about humidity.

Why are the tips of my Regal Geranium leaves turning brown?