Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with sharp scissors, but try to follow the natural shape of the leaf. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the chlorine or minerals in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, let your water sit out overnight before using it.

Japanese Mock Orange: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the leaf tips to see if they are dry and crispy.
Check if you have recently fertilized the plant.
Observe if the plant is near a heating vent or drafty window.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The very edges and tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This is common during winter when indoor heating systems run constantly.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant to increase local moisture.
Fertilizer burn
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle even though the soil is moist. This occurs when too many salts build up in the soil from frequent feeding.
What to do: Flush the soil by running lukewarm water through the pot for several minutes to wash away excess salts. Skip fertilizing for at least two months to let the plant recover.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese mock orange

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

Minor browning on a few tips is usually just an environmental reaction. Worry if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct heat sources and maintain a steady watering routine.

Japanese Mock Orange: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese mock orange 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 off?: You can trim the brown parts with sharp scissors, but try to follow the natural shape of the leaf. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the chlorine or minerals in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, let your water sit out overnight before using it.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

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