Brown, crispy tips on your purple heart 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. 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 tap water leaves this behind.
The fix
Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater, 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. Purple heart 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. Purple heart 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.
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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