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.
Most likely cause
Dry air (low humidity). Raise humidity: group plants together, sit the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or run a humidifier. Misting helps only briefly.
What’s causing it
Tap-water salts (fluoride/chlorine)
How to tell
A white crust shows on the soil surface or the pot rim, and the tips brown despite even watering.
The fix
Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater, and flush the pot occasionally to wash out built-up salts.
Fertilizer burn
How to tell
Brown tips appear with a white crust on the surface, usually after 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. Cyclamen wants medium, indirect light.
The fix
Move it back from the glass, or filter the strongest sun with a sheer curtain.
Prevention
Keep humidity up for thirsty tropicals, water before the soil goes bone dry, use filtered or rainwater if your plant is sensitive, and feed lightly.
More for your Cyclamen
All Cyclamen guides
Related plants
Same genus or the same care pattern.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-19