Should I trim the brown tips?

You can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetics, but avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does this plant need high humidity?

It prefers moderate humidity. It is not a tropical plant, so standard home humidity is usually fine.

Bulbous buttercup: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is bone dry.
Observe if the air around the plant is very dry.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in dry indoor air or during hot summer spells.
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 the surrounding moisture.
Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look brittle and the brown areas spread from the edges inward. The soil feels completely dry and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Establish a regular watering routine every 3 to 7 days. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bulbous buttercup

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal for the oldest leaves to brown as the plant completes its growth cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moisture consistent and avoid placing the plant directly in front of heating vents. Mulching the soil surface can help retain moisture.

Bulbous buttercup: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bulbous buttercup 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 them with clean scissors for aesthetics, but avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does this plant need high humidity?: It prefers moderate humidity. It is not a tropical plant, so standard home humidity is usually fine.

Why are the tips of my buttercup leaves turning brown?