Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does fertilizer burn cause brown tips?

Yes, applying too much fertilizer can cause tip burn. Always dilute your fertilizer as directed and water thoroughly afterward.

Why are the tips of my maize leaves turning brown?

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the weather for recent heat waves.
Inspect the roots for signs of drought stress.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips become dry, crispy, and brown while the soil feels parched.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to every 2 to 3 days. Make sure the water reaches deep into the root zone rather than just wetting the surface.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips brown slowly even when the soil is moist.
What to do: While maize is an outdoor plant, ensure it is not blocked from natural airflow. If growing in a greenhouse, improve ventilation.

When to worry

Minor browning on the very tips is common in hot weather. Worry if the brown patches start moving down the leaf toward the stem.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, especially when the plant is forming silks.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your maize.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does fertilizer burn cause brown tips?: Yes, applying too much fertilizer can cause tip burn. Always dilute your fertilizer as directed and water thoroughly afterward.