Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.

Is tap water causing the brown tips?

While possible, it is rarely the main cause for this grass. Focus on your watering frequency before worrying about water quality.

Green foxtail: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for dryness.
Check the drainage holes to ensure water is passing through.
Feel the texture of the brown tips for crispness.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf looks dull. The soil feels bone dry deep into the pot.
What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure you soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown slowly over time even when the soil is moist. This often happens in very dry indoor air.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the base of the pot.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your green foxtail

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

A few brown tips are normal as leaves age, but if the browning spreads rapidly, your watering routine needs adjustment. If the entire plant turns brown, it may be too late.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

Green foxtail: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your green foxtail 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent further stress.
Is tap water causing the brown tips?: While possible, it is rarely the main cause for this grass. Focus on your watering frequency before worrying about water quality.

Why are my green foxtail's leaf tips turning brown?