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Purple bell vine · Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

Why are my purple bell vine's leaf tips turning brown?

Brown tips on a purple bell vine are less common and typically signal that the plant is struggling with low humidity or inconsistent watering. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is drying out too much between waterings.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is pulling away from the sides of the pot.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
  3. Observe the humidity levels in the room.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown, and the soil feels bone dry. The entire vine may look slightly wilted during the hottest part of the day.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you water every 3 to 7 days, depending on how fast the soil dries.

  2. Low humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips brown slowly over time, especially if the plant is kept near a heater or in a very dry indoor environment. The rest of the leaf looks healthy but brittle.

    What to do: Mist the foliage occasionally or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the plant away from direct air vents that dry out the air.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple bell vine

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

Minor browning on the very tips is common during heat waves. Worry if the brown patches start spreading inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Increase ambient humidity if you live in a very dry climate.

Purple bell vine: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple bell vine 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

Is tap water causing the brown tips?
Sometimes, high mineral content in tap water can cause salt buildup that leads to brown tips. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.
Can I trim the brown tips off?
Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with sharp scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf so it looks tidy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Purple bell vine

Back to the Purple bell vine 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.