Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Is this a sign of a fungal infection?

Usually no, as fungal spots look different and often have halos. If you see dark spots instead of just brown tips, check for anthracnose.

Grey willow: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the air around the plant for dryness.
Look at the water quality you are using.
Examine the leaf tips for crispy edges.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This is common in dry indoor environments.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the base of the plant.
Mineral buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is damp. This is often caused by salts or chlorine in tap water accumulating in the leaf edges.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash out excess minerals. Use rainwater or filtered water for future waterings.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your grey willow

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed. It is normal for the very edges of leaves to brown slightly as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from heating vents and use filtered water if your tap water is hard.

Grey willow: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your grey willow 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is this a sign of a fungal infection?: Usually no, as fungal spots look different and often have halos. If you see dark spots instead of just brown tips, check for anthracnose.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Grey willow's leaf tips turning brown?