Browning Leaf Edges

[Paradoxic]

Browning leaf edges is a common problem seen universally by Salvia divinorum growers. After some time growing many plants in seemingly optimal conditions develop this. The cause is unknown at this point, but plants grown in enclosed environments such as humidity tents seem to develop this problem more commonly than those that are not.

This type of browning should not be confused with leaves wilting (and browning) or dying from a significant drop in humidity. Browning from low humidity will usually originate from the leaf tips, not the edges of the leaves.

If the browning seems to be originating from the leaf tips it is also possible you may be over-fertilizing. Try flushing your soil and then you should reduce the strength of your solution or how often you fertilize.

Root-bound is another possible cause and is usually accompanied with slowed growth. If you think this could be the cause you should repot your plant into a larger pot.

Although the exact cause for this is unknown, you can prevent it by reducing stress on your plant and keeping it under optimal conditions.

[Anonymous]

Most if not all troubles can be traced back to lack of air flow around either leaves or roots.  Humidity changes or other changes really don't affect the plant as much as people think. Be careful to always let soil dry, and provide lots of air movement if using a humidity tent.

[Paradoxic]

Definitely a good point, if you don't mind I could add that to the cultivation article about humidity tents and/or this article.

Also if you know a good deal about growing Salvia I would be happy to make you a cultivation contributor so you can add articles to the main site.

That image is awesome, you should submit it to the gallery.

[DrYRHead]

I have seen a few other species of Salvias also develop the browning on the edges of the leaves phenomena. My Clary Sages(Salvia sclarea) in particular seem to do this. If I get the time, I'll try to post some photos of such here.
Both S. divinorum and S. sclarea tend to suck up quite a bit of water compared to some other Salvias, so that may have to do with it too.

[SkaPastora]

It also has allot to do with humidity. Unless it’s spreading rapidly across the leaf or stem of the plant just gut the brown part of the leaf off. That’s a breading ground for molds and bacteria that can be harmful to your plant. Its not a big concern though.

[BritvaCharlie]

I was just wondering about just this topic.  My plant has been showing browning leaves, and like Ska mentioned, how well does it work to cut the brown part off?  Can't it lead to the further killing of that leaf?

Thanks!

[SkaPastora]

it works fins. and no nto if u take care of the humidity problem.

[Paradoxic]

I was just wondering about just this topic.  My plant has been showing browning leaves, and like Ska mentioned, how well does it work to cut the brown part off?  Can't it lead to the further killing of that leaf?

I'll just throw my 2 cents in as well. But yeah, as Ska said, when you have a brown part you should cut it off or just rip the dead part off (it will come off easily if it is dead). It wont hurt the plant, but you should avoid cutting off any part of the leaf that is still alive. The main reason for removing the brown part of the leaf, again as Ska said, is just to remove an environment for harmful pests.

[SkaPastora]

yep. what paradoxic said. bactiera and mold will grow on it and harm your plant.

[sunsnail]

I believe one source of leaf browning is a period of inadequate water supply. I've forgotten to water my plants a few times, and afterwards they develop leaf browning and yellowing.

[Paradoxic]

Yeah that can cause browning as well, along with many other stresses on the plant. However, this is a certain type of browning I have read about in many places over time and experienced myself. As I say in the article it originates on the sides of the leaves (leaf edges) rather than the tips. Some think its due to lack of air circulation in humidity tents, others think it just happens regardless what you do. This could be because its a genetic problem because nearly every Salvia plant is a identical clone.

[tator547]

I BELIEVE THAT THE BROWNING MAY BE OCCURING DUE TO PEOPLE USING TAP WATER NOT DISTILLED WATER  because most browning is on weak suseptable to damage and it may just be a little to much cholorine

[cabezadura]

What do you think about the brown areas of my plant?
http://www.salviasource.org/images/gallery/993.jpg
http://www.salviasource.org/images/gallery/992.jpg

Thanks!!!!

[Paradoxic]

It looks like your plant is showing a little of this. I wouldn't really worry about it though, unless it gets really bad.

[SinoPacific]

When i got my salvia plant it had 4 nodes with two leaves at each node. Then i transplanted it into a bigger pot and something happened to it. All the leaves with the exception of the top two started turning black around the edges and then fell off. Now all i have left is a green stem, with two leaves near the top and in between the two leaves is the apricial node which is also green. Can any one tell me what may be going on? My plant has been this way for about 3 weeks now.