Why Are My Clivia Leaves Turning Brown?

Brown leaves on clivias are usually a response to stress. The most common causes include inconsistent watering, sun scorch, fertiliser imbalance, or salt build-up in the soil. In some cases, brown tips are simply a sign of old leaves dying back naturally. To restore healthy green growth, it’s important to identify whether the issue comes from water, nutrients, light, or environment, and then correct it quickly. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 helps prevent nutrient-related browning and supports long-term plant health.

Natural vs Stress Browning

Older clivia leaves will eventually brown, dry out, and die back as new foliage emerges — this is normal. But when large sections or multiple leaves show brown tips or patches, it indicates the plant is under stress that needs correction.

Quick At-a-Glance Causes

Irregular watering: Dry soil or sudden overwatering damages leaf tips.
Excess fertiliser: Salt build-up causes burning along the leaf edges.
Strong sun: Direct midday sun scorches leaves, turning them brown.
Cold stress: Frost or extreme temperature changes damage foliage.
Nutrient issues: Potassium deficiency can cause brown patches.

Tip: Trim browned leaves at the base and adjust conditions — new growth will usually emerge healthy.

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Watering and Soil Problems

Clivias prefer evenly moist soil during spring and summer but suffer if left either bone dry or in soggy conditions. Irregular watering often leads to brown tips or edges, while overwatering can cause root rot, resulting in large brown patches on leaves. Always allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry before watering again, and ensure pots or beds have excellent drainage. Mulching with bark or leaf litter helps maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Fertiliser Burn

Brown patches may also be linked to potassium deficiency, as this nutrient strengthens leaf tissue and helps resist stress. Using the wrong fertiliser or applying too much can cause salt build-up in the soil, which burns roots and leaf tips. The best approach is to feed clivias with a balanced liquid fertiliser such as CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. For potted clivias, flush the soil occasionally with plain water to wash away excess salts.

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Environmental Stress Factors

Clivias thrive in dappled shade. Direct summer sun scorches their broad leaves, leaving brown, dry marks. Frost also damages the foliage, leading to brown streaks or blotches. The ideal position is under trees or in filtered morning sun with protection from harsh midday rays. Indoors, keep clivias away from draughty windows or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can also cause browning.

Treatment and Long-Term Prevention

Remove affected leaves: Trim them at the base to keep the clump healthy and tidy.
Adjust watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.
Use balanced feeding: Regular applications of CompleteGrow 20-20-20 maintain strong leaf tissue and prevent deficiencies.
Protect from extremes: Move potted clivias to sheltered spots during heatwaves or frosts.
Check potting mix: Replace compacted or salty soil every few years to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Why do clivia leaves go brown at the tips? Usually from irregular watering or fertiliser burn.
Can clivias recover from browning? Yes — remove damaged leaves and improve care. New foliage will grow back healthy.
Should I cut off brown leaves? Yes, cut them cleanly at the base to prevent disease spread.
How do I prevent future browning? Keep watering consistent, feed with CompleteGrow 20-20-20, and provide filtered light.