Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is completely parched.
- Look for white mineral crusts on the soil surface.
- Evaluate your water source for high mineral content.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown, and the leaves may look shriveled or thin. The soil will feel very dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the entire root ball is moistened. Resume your regular watering schedule once the soil dries out again.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is moist, often accompanied by a white crust on the soil surface. This is caused by salts from tap water accumulating in the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess salts. In the future, use filtered water or let tap water sit out overnight before using it. Repotting with fresh soil can also help.
Find out what's wrong with your groundsel
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
A few brown tips are usually just a sign that the plant needs a drink. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across the entire leaf or down the stem.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently when the soil is dry and consider using filtered water if your tap water is hard. Keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators.
Groundsel: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your groundsel 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 for a cleaner look.
- Does my Senecio need misting?
- No, Senecio are succulents that prefer dry air. Misting can actually lead to fungal issues on the leaves.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Groundsel
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.