Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the humidity levels in your room.
- Inspect the leaves for black spots or fungal growth.
- Check if your tap water has high mineral content.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This often happens in dry indoor air.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle or place a humidifier nearby. You can also set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity.
Willow Blight
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by fungal spores in damp, stagnant conditions. You will see black spots on the leaves and dieback on the twigs.
What to do: Prune away all affected branches and leaves using sterilized shears. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage when you irrigate.
Find out what's wrong with your 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Worry if the brown spots start spreading rapidly across the leaves or onto the stems. It is normal to see minor browning if the plant is adjusting to a new environment.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from heating vents and ensure good airflow. Use filtered water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.
Keep your willow healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Is brown tipping a sign of root rot?
- It can be, especially if the soil is also soggy. If the brown tips are accompanied by a mushy stem base, check the roots for decay.
More problems with Willow
- Why is my willow tree dropping its leaves?
- What are these black spots on my willow leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my willow tree?
- Why are my willow's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my willow tree drooping?
- Why is my willow tree showing signs of root rot?
- Why is my willow tree growing long and leggy?
- Why are my willow tree's leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.