Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does this mean my vine is dying?

Usually no, it just means the plant is stressed by its environment. Adjusting your water quality will often stop the spread.

Grape: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture to ensure it is not bone dry.
Smell the soil to rule out any sour or rotting odors.
Inspect the leaf undersides for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Salt buildup
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens if you use softened water or heavy fertilizers.
What to do: Flush the soil thoroughly with plain, filtered water to wash away accumulated minerals. Switch to using rainwater or distilled water for your next few waterings.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The edges of the leaves feel dry and brittle to the touch. This is common if the vine is kept in a very dry indoor environment or near a heat vent.
What to do: Move the plant away from direct airflow like heaters or air conditioners. Consider placing a tray of pebbles and water near the base to increase local moisture.

Find out what's wrong with your grape

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 or onto the stems. Minor tip browning is often just a reaction to environmental changes.

Stopping it coming back

Use filtered water and keep the vine in a spot with good air circulation away from heating vents.

Keep your grape healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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 the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does this mean my vine is dying?: Usually no, it just means the plant is stressed by its environment. Adjusting your water quality will often stop the spread.

Why are my grapevine leaves getting brown tips?