Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content, it can cause salt buildup. Try using filtered water if you notice the problem persists.

Salmonberry: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the top 2 inches of soil with your finger.
Inspect the area around the plant for nearby heaters or air vents.
Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are dry or mushy.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens if the plant is near a heating vent or in a very dry room.
What to do: Move your salmonberry away from direct heat sources. Mist the leaves with water every 2 days or place a tray of pebbles and water near the pot to increase local humidity.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the edges of the leaves start to curl and brown. Salmonberries love consistent moisture and struggle when the root ball dries out completely.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly damp.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your salmonberry

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 spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaves. It is normal for a few older leaves to brown slightly as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and avoid placing the plant in high airflow areas that dry out the foliage.

Salmonberry: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your salmonberry 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 off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content, it can cause salt buildup. Try using filtered water if you notice the problem persists.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my salmonberry leaves getting brown tips?