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Viburnum

Why are my viburnum's leaf tips turning brown?

It is less common for viburnums to get brown tips, but it usually happens when the plant is struggling with inconsistent moisture or high salt buildup in the soil. Check your watering schedule first to see if the soil is staying dry for too long between waterings.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check if you have recently applied heavy fertilizer.
  3. Inspect the leaves for any signs of fungal growth.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf tips become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry to the touch.

    What to do: Water your viburnum deeply every 7 to 14 days. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by soaking the soil until it drains out the bottom.

  2. Fertilizer Burn

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle even though the soil feels moist.

    What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of fresh water to wash away excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for at least 2 months to let the roots recover.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viburnum

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

If the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf or affects new growth, it may be a sign of root stress. Minor browning on older leaves is often just a natural part of the aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and use a slow release fertilizer sparingly to prevent salt buildup.

Viburnum: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viburnum 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim off the brown tips?
Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?
Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause salt buildup. If you suspect this, try using rainwater or filtered water for a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Viburnum

Back to the Viburnum guide

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.