Brown edges on houseplants: now what?

Houseplants are fantastic companions that bring life and colour to your home. But what do you do when your beloved green friend suddenly develops brown edges on its leaves? Don't panic! Brown edges are a common problem and they are usually easy to put right. We are happy to explain what the causes can be and how to deal with these annoying marks.

Why do plants get brown edges?

There can be several causes, but it is most likely one of the following:

• Too much water: plants can drown if you water them too often. Their roots get no air and the plant cannot take up nutrients properly. The result? Brown edges on the leaves. Do watch out for this, because too much water can be fatal for your plant. The roots can rot and die off, and that is often impossible to undo.
  
• Too little water: a thirsty plant can develop brown edges just as easily. If the soil is too dry, the leaf edges dry out and turn brown. Feel the soil carefully every week. For most houseplants it can stay slightly moist at all times, unless the plant's page on our website says otherwise.
  
• Too much direct sunlight: some plants do not like the sun and can burn if they get too much direct sunlight. That leads to brown, scorched edges. So with every plant it is important to check what its ideal position is.
  
• Too little light: plants that stand in a corner that is too dark, when they would rather be in the light, struggle to grow and can develop weak, brown leaves. In that case, move your plant to a brighter spot if you can.
  
• Low humidity: tropical plants in particular like high humidity. In a dry room their leaf edges can dry out and turn brown. To prevent this, mist your houseplant's leaves regularly with a plant mister.
  

What can you do about brown edges?

Once you have worked out what is causing the brown edges, it is time to tackle the problem. The solution depends on the cause:

1. Adjust your watering: check how often you water. Let the top layer of soil dry out a little between waterings. Use your fingertips to check how moist it is. For most houseplants the soil can feel slightly damp at all times. Has your plant been repotted? Then we recommend using a water level indicator or a moisture meter to keep the moisture level right.
   
2. Change the light conditions: has it turned out that your plant is in the wrong place? Then move it somewhere with the right light. What counts as right varies from plant to plant. At Green Bubble you can find the ideal light conditions for every plant. And if you are in any doubt, we are of course happy to help you choose the right spot.
   
3. Raise the humidity: for plants that like moist air, you can use a humidifier or mist the leaves with water regularly.
   
4. Trim the brown edges off: it really is worth carefully trimming the brown edges away! Use a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors. It improves the look of your plant and can prevent further damage.
   

Make plant care a weekly routine! Take the time to inspect your green friends and look after them. With a little attention and love your houseplants will be healthy and happy, without those annoying brown edges.