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 geranium: causes and fixes
Pelargonium x hortorum
Quick answer
Brown, crispy tips on your geranium have a few possible causes, and on this plant the likeliest is inconsistent or under-watering.
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Most likely cause
Other possible causes
Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.
Hard-water minerals and accumulated 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 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.
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.
Dry heat from a radiator or vent
How to tell
Tips brown mainly on the side facing a radiator or heater vent. Geranium 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.
Too much direct sun
How to tell
Dry brown patches or scorched edges show up where strong sun hits the leaf. Geranium 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.
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