Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Field pansy: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil for dryness.
Check the plant's location for nearby heat sources.
Inspect the leaves for signs of wilting.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens when the air is very dry indoors.
What to do: Move your plant away from heating vents or radiators. You can place a tray of water and pebbles near the pot to increase local humidity.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves may start to wilt or curl. The tips will dry out quickly if the roots cannot access enough water.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a schedule of checking the top inch of soil every 3 to 7 days.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your field pansy

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 across the entire leaf. A few older leaves turning brown at the tips is normal as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and keep the plant away from direct airflow from heaters.

Field pansy: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field pansy 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 trim them with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my field pansy's leaf tips turning brown?