Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the top inch of soil for dryness.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of pests that might cause stress.
- Observe the surrounding air for extreme heat or dry drafts.
Likely causes
Low humidity or dry air
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens during hot, dry summer spells.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray. Water the plant deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to ensure the roots stay hydrated.
Salt buildup from fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: The tips look burnt and the edges may start to curl. This occurs if you have been using too much synthetic fertilizer over a long period.
What to do: Flush the soil by running water through the pot for several minutes to wash away excess salts. Stop fertilizing for 2 to 3 months to let the soil recover.
Find out what's wrong with your fraser photinia
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the brown area spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf. A few minor brown tips on older leaves are normal as the plant matures.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and avoid overfeeding with concentrated fertilizers.
Fraser photinia: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fraser photinia 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 off the brown tips?
- Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green tissue to avoid further damage.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes, if your water is very high in minerals or chlorine. Try using filtered water for a few weeks to see if the condition improves.
More problems with Fraser photinia
- Why are there spots on my Fraser photinia leaves?
- Why is my Fraser photinia looking so leggy?
- Why are my Fraser photinia leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Fraser photinia drooping?
- Why is my Fraser photinia losing its leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my Fraser photinia?
- Why is my Fraser photinia looking sick at the roots?
- Why are my Fraser photinia leaves curling?
Back to the Fraser photinia 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.