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Ivy-leaved geranium · Pelargonium peltatum

Why are my ivy-leaved geranium's leaf tips turning brown?

It is less common for this plant to have brown tips, which usually happens due to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Check your watering schedule first to see if the plant is drying out too much between drinks.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the soil has been bone dry for several days.
  2. Look for heat sources like radiators near the plant.
  3. Feel the leaves to see if they feel brittle.

Likely causes

  1. Inconsistent Watering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This happens when the plant goes through long periods of drought followed by heavy watering.

    What to do: Establish a consistent routine where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips of the leaves brown slowly over time, especially during the winter when indoor heating is running. The plant otherwise looks healthy and green.

    What to do: Move the plant away from direct heat vents or drafty windows. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved 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.

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When to worry

Brown tips are rarely fatal, but they indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the base to brown and die as the plant puts energy into new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation and maintain a steady watering rhythm. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely for extended periods.

Ivy-leaved geranium: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim off the brown tips?
You can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does my geranium need misting?
No, misting does not provide enough humidity to help. Focus on consistent watering and keeping the plant away from dry air vents.

More problems with Ivy-leaved geranium

Back to the Ivy-leaved geranium 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.