Quick answer
Brown, crispy tips on your Cyclamen have a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is inconsistent or under-watering. The full list is below.
Inconsistent or under-watering. This watering advice applies during active growth. A leafless cyclamen with a firm tuber in summer rest needs greatly reduced watering. Do not keep dormant medium wet or soak the tuber. Water more evenly: check the soil regularly and don’t let it go completely bone dry, then soak thoroughly.
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
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 water or fertilizer salts can leave this crust. It does not identify fluoride injury.
The fix
Switch to rainwater or distilled water, and flush the pot occasionally to wash out built-up salts.
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.
How to tell
Tips brown mainly on the side facing a radiator or heater vent. Cyclamen does well at 40–60% humidity, so ordinary room air is rarely the cause on its own.
The fix
Move it away from the heat source. It doesn’t need misting or a humidity tray.
How to tell
Dry brown patches or scorched edges show up where strong sun hits the leaf. Cyclamen wants bright, indirect light.
The fix
Move it back from the glass, or filter the strongest sun with a sheer curtain.
This watering advice applies during active growth. A leafless cyclamen with a firm tuber in summer rest needs greatly reduced watering. Do not keep dormant medium wet or soak the tuber. Water evenly, flush the pot with plain water every few months, feed lightly, and keep it away from radiators and heater vents.
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