Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors.

Does my plant need more water in the summer?

Yes, Rhododendrons need more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. Check the soil every 7 days during the peak of summer.

Pontic rhododendron: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Evaluate your recent watering schedule.
Look for signs of fertilizer buildup on the soil surface.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy because the plant is not getting enough water to reach the ends of the leaves. The soil will feel dry and dusty to the touch.
What to do: Water deeply every 7 to 14 days, ensuring the top inch of soil is moist. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
Salt Accumulation
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by heavy fertilizer use or hard water buildup. The tips turn brown even when the soil feels adequately moist.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of fresh water to wash out excess salts. Switch to a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants and use it sparingly.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pontic rhododendron

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 browning moves inward from the tips toward the center of the leaf. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant to brown and drop occasionally.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering schedule and use mulch to keep the roots cool. Avoid over fertilizing your shrub.

Pontic rhododendron: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pontic rhododendron 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

Should I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown parts for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors.
Does my plant need more water in the summer?: Yes, Rhododendrons need more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. Check the soil every 7 days during the peak of summer.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Rhododendron leaf tips turning brown?