Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if your plant is near a heater or air vent.
- Look for a white crust on the soil surface.
- Assess the humidity levels in your room.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf looks fine. This often happens in winter when indoor heating is on.
What to do: Place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant or group it with other plants to increase local humidity. Avoid misting the leaves directly as this does not provide lasting moisture.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The brown tips appear gradually and the soil surface may have a white crust. This is caused by salts from tap water.
What to do: Flush the soil by running lukewarm water through the pot for several minutes. In the future, use filtered or distilled water to prevent salt accumulation.
Find out what's wrong with your spur flower
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 indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal to see a few brown tips if the plant is in a very dry environment.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct drafts and use filtered water if your tap water is hard.
Spur flower: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spur flower 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
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf.
- Does my Plectranthus need a humidifier?
- It is not strictly necessary, but it will appreciate the extra moisture if your home is very dry.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Spur flower
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- Why is my Plectranthus losing its leaves?
- What are these spots on my Plectranthus leaves?
- Why is my Plectranthus not blooming?
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.