For some people, having plants is like having babies. You carefully monitor what they eat, and how they are doing, and chart their growth. So, if your plant leaves start to turn brown you want to know what the problem is and how to solve it. Let’s find out why leaves can start to turn brown, how to fix the issue, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Why are the tips of leaves turning brown: When the tips of your plants turn brown, it means that you are not adhering to a regular watering schedule. It can also mean that the soil can’t drain properly and that there may be too much salt in the soil. You can repot your plant, ensure there is proper drainage, and create a regular watering schedule so the soil doesn’t dry out.
- What does it mean if your plant leaves have brown tips?
Plants are pretty good at telling us when there are issues. One of these is brown tips.
When you have brown plant tips, it means that your plant is still alive and will continue to live, but that a few minor adjustments need to be made.
Most often this is a watering issue, so you still have time to amend your schedule and salvage the plant.
What causes brown tips on plant leaves?
Watering habits
Houseplants need specific watering schedules and some plants will have different needs than others. While it is far easier to go around once a week and water your plants, this can result in healthy leaves for some and brown tips for others.
Often the case is that you are watering too much at one time. For example, you may water a plant a lot, then forget about it for a week or two.
During this time, your plants will start to dry out. Then, if you undercompensate and only water your plant a little when you remember, it won’t have enough moisture to recuperate.
Not enough humidity
Many houseplants are tropical varieties, which means they like a humid environment. Unfortunately, most homes are not sufficiently humid.
Even if your home feels humid in the summer, the air can quickly dry out in the winter. If you feel like you need to moisturize more often in the winter, chances are your plants are feeling the same way.
Too much fertilizer
Houseplants need regular fertilizer and sticking to a consistent schedule is ideal. However, too many nutrients can actually be harmful.
Unlike plants in your garden, houseplants are not able to cycle through their soil area and are stuck with what is in the pot. If an excess of salts from fertilizer build-up, it can manifest in brown leaf tips.
If you are using regular tap water that has gone through a softening process, this can also result in a build-up of salts. Using distilled water can help remove these salts and make for healthier plants.
How do you get rid of brown tips on plants?
If you have brown tips on your plants, you will want to start by assessing the problem. Check the soil to see if it is dry or moist.
If your soil is dry, then you know that you need to increase your watering schedule. Adding more water can also help flush out any salt buildup, which will make the plant healthier.
Those that have plants with multiple brown tips should immediately repot your plant. Add fresh potting soil to rebalance the salt levels and ensure there is proper drainage in your container.
How to prevent brown tips on plants?
Steady watering schedule
Houseplants prefer a steady water schedule. They are less tolerant to the whims of weather, like outdoor plants, so sticking to a water regime is the best way forward.
Try to water every two to three days. This should not be a lot of water, as it will flood the plant, causing different issues.
Instead, aim to keep the soil slightly moist. You can add draining material, such as small rocks to the bottom of the container so that if you accidentally water too much, it won’t pool in the pot.
Water differently
If you are worried about the roots of your plants getting enough consistent watering, you can try bottom watering. This is when you put a potted plant into a container of water and allow the moisture to soak up from the bottom.
Obviously, you will need a container that has holes in it for this to work. You only need an inch or two of water in the larger container and just 10 minutes of soaking will allow the water to penetrate.
A major benefit of this method is that you won’t accidentally get the leaves and stems wet, which can lead to rot. It also ensures that the soil and roots will be sufficiently moistened.
Increase the humidity
It helps if you know which plants you own are from very tropical areas. Then, you can place them together to help create a more humid environment.
Take a water spray bottle and gently mist these plants. The mist will settle on the plant leaves and create a moister environment.
If you have a lot of houseplants and are experiencing dry skin yourself, then it may be worth it to purchase a humidifier. These appliances will add water into the air so that everyone will benefit.
Regularly repot
Houseplants need to be repotted on a regular basis. As the plant grows the root structure can start to suffocate inside a container.
Repotting allows you to add fresh potting soil, which will have a balanced set of nutrients in it. This will regulate the salt levels and lead to a healthier plant.
Conclusion
If you notice that the tips of your houseplants are turning brown, it is a signal that something isn’t right. However, there is still time to change your actions and make the environment healthy again. Water small amounts a few times a week, add more humidity and make sure the soil is fresh and has a balance of nutrients.
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