Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Will misting the leaves help?

Misting provides only temporary relief and is not as effective as grouping plants or using a humidifier. It can also encourage fungal issues if the leaves stay wet too long.

Common figwort: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the air humidity near the plant.
Look for white crust on the soil surface.
Feel if the leaf tips are crispy or soft.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This is common in homes with air conditioning or heating that dries out the air.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase local moisture.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips turn brown and you might see a white crust on the surface of the soil. This is caused by using tap water with high mineral content.
What to do: Flush the soil thoroughly with distilled or filtered water to wash out excess salts. In the future, try to use rainwater or filtered water for your regular watering.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common figwort

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 indicate the plant is stressed by its environment. It is normal to see a tiny bit of browning on older leaves as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct drafts from vents or fans. Use filtered water to avoid the accumulation of minerals in the soil.

Common figwort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common figwort 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Will misting the leaves help?: Misting provides only temporary relief and is not as effective as grouping plants or using a humidifier. It can also encourage fungal issues if the leaves stay wet too long.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Scrophularia nodosa leaf tips turning brown?