Why does your Rhododendron edgeworthii have brown leaf tips? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
High levels of mineral salts from fertilizers or hard water build up in the leaf margins, drawing moisture out of the cells. Rhododendron edgeworthii is particularly sensitive to salt buildup in the substrate.
As an ericaceous plant, this species requires consistent moisture; when the substrate dries out completely, the leaf tips desiccate. Dry air in indoor settings or high winds can also accelerate transpiration beyond the roots' capacity.
Excessive moisture leads to anaerobic conditions that damage the fine feeder roots. When these roots die, they can no longer transport water to the leaf margins, causing them to turn brown and crispy.
A lack of available potassium disrupts the plant's ability to regulate water within the leaf cells. This deficiency often manifests as necrotic (brown) margins on older foliage first.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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