Should I cut off the brown tips?

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

Does this plant flower?

Yes, corn speedwell produces small, delicate flowers in the spring. It needs plenty of direct sunlight to bloom successfully.

Corn speedwell: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the air near the plant is very dry.
Look for white salt crusts on the soil surface.
Consider if you have been using hard tap water.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often happens in homes with dry heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or use a pebble tray with water nearby. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of air vents.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: The brown tips appear gradually and the soil surface may have a white crust. This is often caused by using hard tap water.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled water to wash away excess salts. Switch to using filtered or rainwater for your future waterings.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your corn speedwell

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 usually a cosmetic issue rather than a fatal one. It is normal for the oldest leaves to develop minor imperfections as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Use filtered water and keep the plant away from direct airflow from heaters or air conditioners.

Corn speedwell: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your corn speedwell 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 them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does this plant flower?: Yes, corn speedwell produces small, delicate flowers in the spring. It needs plenty of direct sunlight to bloom successfully.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my corn speedwell's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your corn speedwell?