Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look for salt deposits on the surface of the soil.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the tips are crispy or brittle to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, then wait until the top 2 inches are dry before watering again.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: You see a white crust on the soil surface or the rim of the pot.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess salts. Avoid using softened water, which can add more minerals to the soil.
Find out what's wrong with your rosemary
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
It is normal for a few older inner leaves to brown as the plant grows. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly to new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and use well draining soil to keep the roots healthy.
Keep your rosemary 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
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes, if your tap water is very hard, the minerals can build up in the soil. Using filtered water can help if you notice this issue.
More problems with Rosemary
- Why is my rosemary plant wilting and dying?
- Why are my rosemary's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my rosemary losing its leaves?
- Why is my rosemary growing so leggy?
- What are these tiny spots on my rosemary leaves?
- Why does my rosemary have white powdery spots?
- Why is my rosemary plant drooping?
- Why is my rosemary not flowering?
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.