Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the air humidity levels in the room.
- Look for white crusty deposits on the soil surface.
- Evaluate the type of water you are using.
Likely causes
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the tiny leaves turn crisp and brown while the rest of the plant looks okay. This happens when the air in your home is too dry for this moisture loving plant.
What to do: Group your pearlwort with other plants to create a humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water to increase local humidity.
Mineral buildup
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is kept damp, often accompanied by a white crust on the soil surface. This is caused by salts or minerals in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or rainwater for your pearlwort. Flush the soil with fresh water once a month to wash away accumulated salts.
Find out what's wrong with your annual pearlwort
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
Small amounts of browning on older leaves are normal as the plant grows. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from heating vents or drafty windows that dry out the air. Use filtered water to prevent mineral accumulation.
Annual pearlwort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your annual pearlwort 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 snip off the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. It will not hurt the plant, but it will not fix the underlying cause.
- Does pearlwort bloom?
- Yes, it produces tiny white flowers in the spring and summer. It needs bright indirect light and consistent moisture to bloom well.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Annual pearlwort
Back to the Annual pearlwort 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.