Should I trim the brown tips off?

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

Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?

Not necessarily, as long as the rest of the plant is green and growing. It is just a sign that your plant is not getting enough water or humidity.

Rough cocklebur: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the underside of the leaves for signs of rust fungus.
Examine the environment for dry air sources like heaters.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but brown tips often happen when the soil dries out completely between waterings. The edges of the leaves turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf may look dull.
What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist. Use a finger to check the top inch of soil and water immediately if it feels dry.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but dry indoor air can cause the delicate tips to brown. You will see the browning start at the very edge and slowly move inward.
What to do: Place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase local humidity. You can also mist the leaves lightly in the morning to keep them hydrated.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rough cocklebur

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

If the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf, the plant is suffering from severe dehydration. A few tiny brown spots on older leaves are usually nothing to worry about.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a strict watering schedule and keep the soil moist at all times. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of air conditioning or heating vents.

Rough cocklebur: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rough cocklebur 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 the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?: Not necessarily, as long as the rest of the plant is green and growing. It is just a sign that your plant is not getting enough water or humidity.

Why are my cocklebur's leaf tips turning brown?