Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does this plant need misting?

Misting does not provide much benefit for this plant. Consistent soil moisture is much more important.

Perennial sowthistle: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is bone dry.
Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are crispy.
Observe if the browning is happening on new or old leaves.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown slowly even when the soil is moist. The air in your home feels very dry, especially during winter.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a small tray of water and pebbles near the base.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your perennial sowthistle

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 little browning on the very tips is common if the air is dry. Worry if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid placing the plant near heating vents or drafty windows.

Perennial sowthistle: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your perennial sowthistle 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. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does this plant need misting?: Misting does not provide much benefit for this plant. Consistent soil moisture is much more important.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my perennial sowthistle's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your perennial sowthistle?