Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does American germander need high humidity?

It prefers moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, it may show some tip browning.

American germander: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the air around the plant for dryness.
Look for white mineral deposits on the soil surface.
Evaluate the water source you are using.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green.
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.
Salt Buildup
Possible
How to tell: A white crust appears on the soil surface or the rim of the pot.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess minerals. Avoid using water with high chlorine or fluoride content.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american germander

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 unhappy with its environment. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the base to brown and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Use filtered water and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like vents or radiators.

American germander: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american germander 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. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does American germander need high humidity?: It prefers moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, it may show some tip browning.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my American germander's leaf tips turning brown?