Why does your Rhododendron calendulaceum have brown leaf tips? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Flame Azaleas are sensitive to high concentrations of salts from tap water or synthetic fertilizers. This buildup prevents the plant from regulating water uptake, leading to necrosis specifically at the leaf margins and tips.
As an acid-loving native species, R. calendulaceum requires consistent moisture to maintain turgor pressure. Dry soil spells cause the tips of the leaves to desiccate first as the plant pulls water from extremities to protect the core.
If the soil pH rises above 5.5, iron and manganese become unavailable to the Flame Azalea. This nutrient lockout can lead to physiological stress that manifests as tip burn even if water is present.
While usually presenting as bumps or patches, certain fungal pathogens can cause marginal necrosis in Rhododendron species when humidity is excessively high and airflow is poor.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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