Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the air humidity near the plant.
- Look for fertilizer salt buildup on the soil.
- Move the plant away from heat vents.
Likely causes
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks fine. This often happens in homes with central heating.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners.
Fertilizer burn
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips turn brown and brittle shortly after you have applied fertilizer. The soil may show a white crust on the surface.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for at least 2 months to let the plant recover.
Find out what's wrong with your sheep sorrel
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
Brown tips are mostly a cosmetic issue unless the browning starts to spread across the whole leaf. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to brown as they age.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from dry heat sources and use fertilizer sparingly.
Sheep sorrel: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sheep sorrel 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 cut off the brown tips?
- You can trim them off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does sheep sorrel need fertilizer?
- It does not need much. A light feeding once or twice during the growing season is plenty.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sheep sorrel
Back to the Sheep sorrel 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.