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 Hibiscus: causes and fixes
Brown, crispy tips on your Hibiscus 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: group plants together, sit the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or run a humidifier. Misting helps only briefly.
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. Hibiscus 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.
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 Hibiscus
All Hibiscus guides
Keep reading
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