How do I prevent brown edges on new growth?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The new growth on your plant showing brown edges is a cry for help. I have observed Calatheas display lovely clean leaves that brownd within days, which is often a result of the chemicals in tap water or inconsistent humidity. Stability is critical. Using good water quality, stable humidity, not over-caring for your plant, and being conscious of your feeding methods will help protect those fragile new leaves.
Watering Precision
- Use filtered water or rainwater for plants like prayer plants
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out
- Avoid cold water, room temperature prevents root shock
Humidity Control
- Group plants to create microclimates with shared humidity
- Place pots on pebble trays filled with water
- Use a humidifier set to 40-60% for tropical species
Fertilizer Balance
- Apply half-strength liquid fertilizer during active growth phases
- Flush soil monthly to prevent salt accumulation
- Opt for organic options like compost tea for gentler feeding
With the seasonal changes comes the need for plants to be flexible. My Fiddle Leaf Fig did dandy after I cut back the watering for winter and added some humidity with a pebble tray. The new growth didn't mind the challenges and came in perfectly fine, while the older brown-edged leaves got cut with little fuss. As a precept to remember, always acclimate your plants slowly to the environmental changes around them, sudden changes will stress developing foliar growth.
Light and temperature stability are important. A client's Monstera was developing brown edges underneath AC vents. I suggested moving it out of the drafty area and to a draft-free space with bright, indirect light. The next time I visited, the plant was producing perfectly unfurled new leaves. I also recommended a simple $10 hygrometer, which is a great tool to measure humidity in the vicinity of the plants, rather than just understanding the overall level in the entire room.
Read the full article: Understanding and Fixing Brown Leaf Edges on Plants
