When dry brown tips start to appear on the leaves of houseplants, most people at first think it’s a small thing. But with each passing week, they increase and the plant suddenly looks tired and lifeless. At the same time, it is not a mystery, the maids are just saying that they are missing something.
Houseplant leaves with brown, dry tips are a common source of frustration for many growers. At first it doesn’t seem like a big problem, a few brown tips won’t do anything. But when the problem recurs, the plant starts loses the elasticity of the leaves and the original vitality. At the same time, a few small adjustments are often enough to bring the room back to life.
Watch the video on what are the most common mistakes in the care of maids in winter here:
The most common causes of leaf drying
Indoor plants are not, they suffer from dry winter air and sudden changes in temperature. Most often, it is precisely these factors that lead to the fact that the leaves begin to have dry, darkened edges or brown tips. It can be overheating with a radiator, low humidity in the apartment, insufficient watering or, conversely, overwatering, when the plant remains in a moist substrate for too long.
“The most common mistake, why maids are not in good shape in winter, is that we overwater them. So save water,” advises flower shop owner Simona Görtlerová.
Another frequent mistake is too strong a fertilizer or the wrong composition of nutrients. If the plant receives more than it can absorb, the older leaves die and the new ones show signs of stress.
How do you know what plants are missing?
If the tips of the leaves are dry and brown, but the rest of the plant looks healthy, holds its shape, and new leaves are growing out of it, dry air is the most likely cause. In households where we heat with stoves or there is central heating, plants very often lack moisture.
In addition, when the leaves are soft, frayed or with a yellowish tinge, it may already be a case of overfertilization. An over-fertilized plant has trouble absorbing water and nutrients, which is why it shows up with dry ends and poor growth.
Simple steps to healthy leaves
Try to increase the humidity of the air around the plants, you can get a sprayer and mist the leaves regularly or place a bowl of water near the heater to gradually evaporate the moisture. Also, learn to water wisely, the soil should be evenly moist, but not soaked.
If you suspect over-fertilization, gently rinse the plant under water and let the substrate dry thoroughly. Leave the next fertilization until the time when the plant is really active again, which is usually in the spring.
Also, pay attention to the temperature and its fluctuations. If the plant is too close to a radiator or a window that draws in cold air, it is most likely not ideal for its leaves.
When little things aren’t enough
If the condition does not improve after following the regimen for a long time, it may be a root problem or a pest. In that case, it is reasonable to transplant the plant into fresh substrate, check the roots and, if necessary, clean them slightly.
Remember that not every dead end means the end of the plant. It is often just a clear signal that minor changes in care or environment are needed. When you listen to plants,you will be rewarded with fresh greenery, healthy leaves and lots of joy.
