Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with sharp scissors, but try not to cut into the green tissue to avoid further stress.

Is my tap water causing the brown tips?

It is unlikely, but if you have very hard water, letting it sit out overnight before watering can help.

Baby sage: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Observe the plant location for nearby heat sources.
Examine the leaves for signs of spider mites.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This occurs when the plant goes through extreme cycles of bone dry soil and heavy soaking.
What to do: Establish a consistent schedule where you check the soil every 7 days. Water thoroughly until liquid runs out the bottom, then wait until the top 3 inches are dry.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown slowly over time, especially during the winter when indoor heating is running. The plant otherwise looks healthy and green.
What to do: Move the plant away from direct heat vents or radiators. You do not need to mist the plant, as it prefers good airflow.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your baby sage

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 they indicate the plant is stressed. If the brown area starts spreading to the leaf stem, check the roots for damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation and maintain a steady watering rhythm.

Baby sage: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your baby sage 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?: You can trim the brown parts with sharp scissors, but try not to cut into the green tissue to avoid further stress.
Is my tap water causing the brown tips?: It is unlikely, but if you have very hard water, letting it sit out overnight before watering can help.

Why are my Baby sage leaves getting brown tips?