Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the plant is sitting near a heater or air conditioning vent.
- Feel the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
- Examine the leaves for any signs of spider mites.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens if the plant is near a heating vent or in a very dry room.
What to do: Move the plant away from any direct heat sources like radiators or vents. You can place a tray of pebbles and water near the pot to increase local humidity.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips turn brown and the edges may curl inward. The soil will feel dry and pull away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you water every 7 to 14 days, keeping the soil consistently moist.
Find out what's wrong with your sweet box
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
Minor browning on the very tips is usually just a sign of environmental stress. Worry if the browning spreads to cover more than half the leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a spot with consistent moisture and away from drying drafts. Mulch the soil surface to help retain moisture.
Keep your sweet box 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 off the brown tips?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not strictly necessary. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut just outside the green tissue.
- Does my Sweet Box need misting?
- Misting does not provide much long term benefit. It is better to group plants together or use a humidifier if your home is very dry.
More problems with Sweet box
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.