Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf so it looks tidy.

Does misting help with brown tips?

Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective. It is better to use a humidifier or group plants together.

Small-leaf spiderwort: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the air near the plant feels very dry.
Look at the soil surface for any white crusty mineral deposits.
Evaluate if you are using tap water directly from the faucet.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a small humidifier nearby or set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Water Quality
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil is moist. This is often caused by high levels of salts or chlorine in tap water.
What to do: Try using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks to see if the browning stops. You can also let tap water sit out overnight before using it to allow some chlorine to evaporate.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your small-leaf spiderwort

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 mostly a cosmetic issue and rarely threaten the life of the plant. You should only worry if the browning starts to spread rapidly toward the center of the leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners. Using filtered water can help keep the foliage looking pristine.

Small-leaf spiderwort: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your small-leaf spiderwort 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?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf so it looks tidy.
Does misting help with brown tips?: Misting provides only temporary relief and is not very effective. It is better to use a humidifier or group plants together.

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