Brown leaf tips on Gerbera daisy: causes and fixes

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. Gerbera daisy 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. Gerbera daisy wants bright light and some direct sun.

The fix

Filter the harshest midday sun with a sheer curtain for a few weeks, then reintroduce the sunny spot gradually so the leaves can harden off.

How to tell

Silvery patches with tiny black dots point to thrips.

The fix

Isolate the plant and remove badly damaged flowers or leaves. Avoid soaking the foliage or crown. Use only a thrips treatment labelled for this plant, follow its instructions and test a small area first. If leaves get wet, dry them promptly.

How to get rid of thrips →