Inconsistent or under-watering
How to tell
The soil dries out hard between waterings, so the tips (the last to get water) crisp first.
The fix
Water more evenly: check the soil regularly and don’t let it go completely bone dry, then soak thoroughly.
Brown leaf tips on Rex begonia: causes and fixes
Brown, crispy tips on your Rex begonia have a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is dry air. The full list is below.
Most likely cause
Dry air (low humidity). Raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier nearby. Skip misting directly on the leaves, which can encourage rot on this plant.
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Tap-water minerals and salts
How to tell
Tips brown slowly over months despite even watering, and a white crust builds up on the soil surface or the pot rim. Hard tap water leaves this behind.
The fix
Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater, and flush the pot occasionally to wash out built-up salts.
Fertilizer burn
How to tell
Tips brown within a week or two of feeding, sometimes with a white crust on the soil surface or the pot rim. It follows feeding too often or too strong.
The fix
Flush thoroughly with plain water and feed less often, always diluted.
Too much direct sun
How to tell
Dry brown patches or scorched edges show up where strong sun hits the leaf. Rex begonia wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Move it back from the glass, or filter the strongest sun with a sheer curtain.
Prevention
Keep humidity up with a pebble tray or humidifier rather than misting the leaves, water before the soil dries out completely, and feed lightly.
More for your Rex begonia
All Rex begonia guides
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