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Leaf IssuesModerate

Brown Edges on Cannabis Leaves

Brown, crispy edges on cannabis leaves usually mean potassium deficiency or nutrient burn — the pattern tells you which.

What it looks like

  • Brown, dry edges around the perimeter of the leaf
  • Yellowing between the brown edge and green interior
  • Potassium def: starts on lower leaves
  • Nute burn: worst on upper leaves

Quick diagnostic checks

1Check bottom leaves first — lower = potassium; upper = burn
2Flush if you've been feeding strong

Measure before you treat

Plant diagnostic essentials

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These tools help confirm the cause of brown leaf edges before you change nutrients, watering, or the environment.

VIVOSUN pH and TDS Meter Combo

Check root-zone pH and nutrient strength before changing a feeding plan.

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Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer

Track temperature and humidity trends instead of guessing from one reading.

Check price on Amazon

Botanicare Cal-Mag Plus

Useful when filtered water, coco, or a confirmed calcium-magnesium issue is involved.

Check price on Amazon

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Causes ranked by likelihood

1. Potassium deficiency

Most common

Signs

  • Brown edges with yellow halo
  • Starts lower and spreads up
  • Common in flower

Fix

  • Use a bloom formula higher in K (Tiger Bloom, FloraBloom)
  • Check pH — K locks out below 6.0

2. Salt/nutrient burn

Common

Signs

  • Tips AND edges brown
  • Upper leaves affected
  • After strong feedings

Fix

  • Flush and reduce feed strength

⚠️When to worry

Potassium deficiency in flower cuts bud size. Fix within a week.

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