My Flowering Maple Leaves Are Dry, Brown & Brittle Around the Edges

Under Watering

• A flowering maple with brittle, browning leaves may be suffering from insufficient amounts of water. Irrigating more frequently may be all it takes to correct the problem. Even in the presence of correct amounts of water, though, certain conditions can cause the flowering maple to have trouble with absorption. The website Gardening Knowhow notes that root-bound plants have difficulty absorbing water, and heavy potting soil also plays a role. Repotting a root-bound flowering maple in a lighter, porous potting soil facilitates proper absorption to correct brittle, browning leaves.

Low Humidity

• Browning leaf edges on a flowering maple could also be caused by low humidity, especially in winter as moisture levels fall. Purdue University advises grouping plants together and using a humidifier. Misting every few days with room-temperature water also can be beneficial. Don't place your flowering maple too close to sources of hot, dry air such as heat ducts or vents.

Over-watering

• Conversely, over-watering can cause root rot, a group of fungal infections that produces wilting, drying and browning leaves. To check for root rot, gently upend the plant and check the roots. Healthy roots are creamy white and flexible, while rotted roots are brown and brittle. If the root rot is not too extensive, try to salvage the plant by trimming away infected roots with clean, sharp scissors. Repot the flowering maple in a new container with sterilized potting soil. In the future, water infrequently but deeply. Guide to Houseplants advises allowing the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, irrigate until water runs out the bottom drainage holes, then empty the overflow saucer.

Mineral Deficiencies

• Flowering maples also suffer from nitrogen and iron deficiencies that cause tip chlorosis, a condition in which the tips and edges of leaves turn yellow, then brown. This condition is more likely to strike flowering maples grown outside where soil content can't be as easily controlled. The University of California advises taking a soil sample to a county extension office for analysis, then amending the soil as necessary. Alkaline soil can make it difficult for flowering maples to absorb enough iron, so amend the soil with peat moss.