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Squill · Scilla sieberiana

Why are the tips of my squill leaves turning brown?

Brown tips on a squill are often a sign of dry air or inconsistent watering. Start by checking if your plant is sitting in a drafty area.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
  2. Test the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
  3. Look for signs of dust buildup on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Most likely

    How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.

    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 pot.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil is bone dry and the leaves feel brittle. The browning often starts at the very ends of the leaves.

    What to do: Establish a consistent schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days. Make sure the water reaches the entire root ball each time.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your squill

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed. If the brown patches start spreading toward the base of the leaf, take action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant away from direct airflow from vents or fans.

Squill: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your squill 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.

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Questions people ask

Will the brown tips turn green again?
No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not recover. You can trim them off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons.
Does tap water cause brown tips?
Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water can cause issues. Try using filtered or rainwater if you notice persistent browning.

More problems with Squill

Back to the Squill guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.