Rescue your mint from brown spots with key tips on beating fungi, bacteria, and stress!
Mint is an aromatic herb that enhances the flavor of many dishes. Its refreshing scent and taste make it a popular addition to teas, desserts meat dishes and more. However, if your mint leaves start turning brown, it can be concerning.
Brown mint leaves are often a sign of an underlying issue. The good news is that the causes are usually easily treatable if caught early. With a few adjustments to your care routine, you can get your mint thriving again.
In this article, we’ll look at the most common reasons for mint leaves turning brown and how to fix them.
Overwatering
The #1 cause of mint leaves turning brown is overwatering Mint prefers moist but not soggy soil Too much water prevents the roots from getting the air they need, It also makes the plant more vulnerable to root rot,
If overwatered, the plant will start to turn yellow or brown and wilt. To fix this allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Always check the moisture level about 2 inches below the surface before adding more water. Hold off until the top few inches become dry.
Underwatering
While mint doesn’t like soggy soil, it doesn’t like parched soil either. Insufficient water also leads to brown, shriveled leaves.
Monitor the soil moisture regularly. Water thoroughly whenever the top 2 inches become dry. Mint grown in containers needs more frequent watering than mint in the ground.
Make sure the plant gets at least 1 inch of water per week, from rain or manual watering. Increase watering during hot, dry periods.
Too Much Sun
Mint thrives in full sun but can scorch if exposed to too much hot afternoon sun. Leaves may brown along the edges or develop dry, brown spots if the plant gets too much light.
Provide shade in the hottest part of the day. Move container plants or use a shade cloth. For in-ground mint, plant somewhere that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
Lack of Sun
While too much sun can damage leaves, too little sun also causes problems. Without sufficient sunlight, the leaves turn pale and brown.
Mint needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun daily. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, move it to a brighter location.
South-facing windowsills are ideal for indoor mint. Rotate container plants frequently so all sides get sun.
Pests
Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies drink sap from the leaves, causing stippling, discoloration, and browning. Check for tiny insects on the undersides of leaves or fine webbing.
Wash pests off with a strong spray of water. Insevere cases, use insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation and prune any crowded branches to deter pests.
Diseases
Various fungal diseases can also turn mint leaves brown. Common culprits include verticillium wilt, mint rust, and cercospora leaf spot. You may notice dark lesions or spots on the leaves as well.
Prevent diseases by keeping foliage dry. Water at the base of plants, avoid overhead watering of leaves, and give good air flow. Remove and destroy any infected plants.
Cold Damage
A sudden cold snap or frost can damage leaves, causing brown spots. Protect young mint plants if temperatures are set to dip below 45°F. Cover or bring containers indoors temporarily.
Old Age
As mint matures and becomes woody, the lower leaves naturally turn brown and drop off. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier, tender new growth. Divide congested plants every 2-3 years to rejuvenate them.
Nutrient Issues
Lack of nutrients often manifests as yellowing between the leaf veins at first. Without intervention, the leaves eventually turn entirely yellow or brown.
Test the soil pH – mint grows best in slightly acidic conditions around 6.5. Add lime if too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline.
Regularly fertilize mint with a balanced organic fertilizer, or work in compost. Container plants need more frequent feeding than in-ground mint.
Root Damage
If the mint’s roots get damaged, such as from transplant shock or restricted space in a container, it affects the leaves. Leaves may wilt or turn brown if the damaged roots can’t take up enough water and nutrients.
When transplanting mint, be gentle with the roots. Give container plants room by repotting in a larger container or dividing congested plants.
Fixing Brown Mint Leaves
Identifying the underlying cause is key to nursing your mint back to health. While brown leaves won’t recover, new growth should return to a vibrant green after addressing the issue.
Tackle pests, amend soil nutrients, alter watering practices, or modify sun exposure as needed. Discard any plants with severe fungal infections to prevent spreading.
With proper care, your mint will soon produce an abundance of bright green leaves again. Just keep a watch for any further leaf browning so you can promptly fix the problem.
When to Pick Brown Leaves
It’s best to remove damaged leaves promptly. Doing so prevents pests and diseases from spreading to healthy foliage.
However, don’t strip the plant bare. Leave some leaves until new growth emerges to keep the plant healthy.
Only pick leaves as needed. Brown leaves low on the plant can simply be removed. Continue enjoying the fresh flavor of new mint growth!
With some attentive care and tweaks to your routine, you can get your mint thriving again in no time. Keep the soil aerated, moisture even, and pests under control. Then sit back and enjoy the delightful scent and taste of homegrown mint.
Fungus and Bacteria: Prevention Over Cure
Sanitation is your mint plants best friend. Regularly clean the area around your plant to prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Ensure good air circulation and avoid crowding to keep diseases at bay.
Fungicides and natural remedies should be chosen with care. Organic options like cinnamon and chamomile tea can be effective. For a more aggressive approach, consider copper or sulfur products listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI™).
First Aid for Your Mint: Immediate Actions
Immediate action is crucial when you spot brown spots on your mint leaves.
Snip off the browned leaves with sterilized scissors. This isnt a haircut; its triage.
Keep your mint quarantined. No mingling with other plants until the coast is clear.
How To Restore A Mint Plant
FAQ
What to do when mint leaves turn brown?
What does overwatered mint look like?
How often should mint be watered?
Why do mint leaves turn brown?
Underwatering is another common cause of brown leaves in mint plants. When the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves can wilt and turn brown. To avoid underwatering, it is important to establish a regular watering schedule. Mint plants prefer moist soil, so it is important to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
What are the benefits of consuming mint leaves?
Mint leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve teeth and gum health. The act of chewing them, also helps with cleaning the mouth and teeth. Mint leaves also boost the immune system, improve skin health, beat morning sickness and nausea, help with allergies and asthma, and manage stress.
How do you keep mint leaves from turning brown?
To prevent mint plant leaves from turning brown, make sure to water the plant correctly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again, and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Avoid over-fertilization and use a balanced fertilizer. Plant mint in a location that receives partial shade to prevent sunburn.
Why are my mint leaves turning black?
This will cause brown mint leaves or even leaves that are orange in color. Leaves eventually start to look silvery or even black which is caused by the thrips’ fecal matter. Prune all damaged leaves and spray the plant with a mixture of 2 teaspoons of soap to a gallon of water.
Can you eat browned mint leaves?
It’s easy to do this using a pure form of water, such as rainwater or distilled water. Give a thorough watering to the soil so it drains out from the drainage holes and removes the salts as well. Is it Safe to Eat Brown Mint Leaves? If your mint leaves have been properly picked and stored, then it is perfectly safe to eat browned mint leaves.
Why are my mint leaves turning yellow?
Spider mites enjoy warm conditions and create brown and yellow coloring on the leaves. These pests could be the source of your problems if you keep your indoor mint in a warm and damp environment that they can thrive in. The best way to get rid of pests is to change the environment of the plant.