Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture to see if it has dried out completely.
- Feel the air around the plant to see if it is very dry.
- Examine the leaf tips for signs of pests.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The leaf tips become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Ensure the pot sits on the pebbles and not directly in the water.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The entire plant looks slightly shriveled and the tips turn brown and brittle.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency slightly to keep the soil consistently moist. Ensure you water deeply until liquid runs out of the drainage holes.
Find out what's wrong with your wood sage
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
Minor browning on the very tips is usually harmless. Worry if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like vents.
Wood sage: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wood sage 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the green tissue.
- Does Wood sage like misting?
- It appreciates a light misting, especially in dry indoor conditions, to keep the foliage looking fresh.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wood sage
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.