Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts 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 tap water has high mineral content, it can cause salt buildup. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the issue.

California blackberry: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.
Verify the plant is not sitting in direct, scorching sun.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the tips of the leaves turn crispy and brown.
What to do: Water your plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 5 to 10 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil remains moist.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase local moisture.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your california blackberry

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. Minor browning on older leaves is normal as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid letting the root ball dry out completely between waterings.

California blackberry: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your california blackberry 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 off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts 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 tap water has high mineral content, it can cause salt buildup. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the issue.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my California blackberry leaves getting brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your california blackberry?