Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water is very high in minerals or chlorine, it can cause buildup. Try using filtered water if you notice persistent browning.

Heath speedwell: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the top inch of soil with your finger.
Inspect the plant for signs of recent drought stress.
Look at the humidity levels in your room.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry deep down and the leaves look brittle or crispy at the edges.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Aim to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil stays moist, especially during winter when indoor heating is running.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or use a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of heating vents.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heath 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

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaves. A few crispy tips on older foliage are normal as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil slightly damp at all times.

Heath speedwell: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heath 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 trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water is very high in minerals or chlorine, it can cause buildup. Try using filtered water if you notice persistent browning.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Heath speedwell leaf tips turning brown?