Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try to leave a tiny sliver of brown to avoid cutting into healthy tissue. This prevents further damage to the leaf.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

White campion: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has dried out completely.
Feel the leaves to see if they are brittle or soft.
Observe the environment for dry air sources like heaters.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This occurs when the soil dries out completely between waterings.
What to do: Establish a regular watering schedule every 3 to 7 days. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never soggy to the touch.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaves feel dry and brittle, especially at the edges and tips. This is common in dry indoor environments or during hot summer spells.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. Ensure the bottom of the pot does not sit directly in the water.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white campion

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. It is normal for the very tips of older leaves to brown slightly as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering routine and avoid placing the plant near direct heat vents or drafty windows.

White campion: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white campion 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try to leave a tiny sliver of brown to avoid cutting into healthy tissue. This prevents further damage to the leaf.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Why are my white campion's leaf tips turning brown?