Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf to keep it looking tidy.

Does this plant flower?

Yes, this plant produces lovely flowers in the spring. It needs consistent moisture and bright indirect light to bloom successfully.

Marsh violet: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has dried out completely.
Measure the humidity level in the room.
Look for signs of dry air near heaters.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This often occurs when indoor heating is running during the winter.
What to do: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Inconsistent watering
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it happens when the soil dries out entirely between waterings. The edges of the leaves will brown and curl inward.
What to do: Water the plant every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently damp. Never let the soil dry out completely, as this plant thrives in boggy conditions.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh violet

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

A few brown tips are common in dry indoor environments. Worry if the browning covers more than half of the leaf surface.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil damp at all times and use a humidifier if your home air is very dry.

Marsh violet: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh violet 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?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf to keep it looking tidy.
Does this plant flower?: Yes, this plant produces lovely flowers in the spring. It needs consistent moisture and bright indirect light to bloom successfully.

Why are my Marsh violet leaf tips turning brown?