Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil has pulled away from the pot edges.
- Feel if the brown tips are crispy or soft.
- Look for white mineral deposits on the soil surface.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. The soil feels very hard or pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of checking the soil every 7 to 14 days.
Salt Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it occurs when tap water minerals accumulate in the soil. You might see a white crust on the soil surface along with brown leaf tips.
What to do: Flush the soil by running clean, filtered water through the pot for several minutes. Use rainwater or distilled water for future waterings to prevent salt buildup.
Find out what's wrong with your sulphur cinquefoil
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
Be concerned if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaves. A tiny bit of browning at the very tip is common in dry indoor air.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently and avoid letting the soil become bone dry for extended periods. Use filtered water if your tap water is very hard.
Sulphur cinquefoil: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sulphur cinquefoil 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetics. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf when you cut.
- Does this plant need misting?
- This plant generally does not require misting. It prefers good air circulation to prevent issues like powdery mildew.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sulphur cinquefoil
Back to the Sulphur cinquefoil 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.