Should I trim the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered water for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Prostrate knotweed: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is completely dry.
Look at the placement of the plant near heat sources.
Assess your watering frequency.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown because the plant went too long without a drink. The soil will feel bone dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Establish a consistent rhythm of watering every 7 to 14 days. If the soil is extremely dry, soak the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the root ball.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown slowly over time even when the soil is moist. This is common in dry indoor environments during the winter months.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate or move it away from heating vents. You do not need to mist the leaves, as this does not provide lasting humidity.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your prostrate knotweed

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

Worry if the brown patches start moving toward the center of the leaf. It is normal to see slight browning on the very oldest leaves as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moisture consistent and avoid placing the plant directly in the path of hot air vents.

Prostrate knotweed: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your prostrate knotweed 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?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered water for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Why are my prostrate knotweed's leaf tips turning brown?