How To Prevent Your Mint Leaves From Turning Brown

If you've ever grown mint (Mentha), a genus of herbs from the mint family (Lamiaceae), you've likely encountered the downsides to growing mint, such as how easily its leaves can turn brown. Although it's generally an easy herb to grow, it can still be prone to blemishes and discoloration. Whether you've nurtured familiar species in the family like peppermint and spearmint or rarer species, you might come across limp leaves with brown spots from time to time. One common culprit is mint rust, caused by the fungus known as Puccinia menthae. Unfortunately, this rust affects mint across many species in the family, and it typically appears from spring to fall. Once mint is infected, the leaves usually wither and fall off.

While mint rust is a common cause of discolored leaves, it's not the only one. It's important to explore other factors, such as improper care, which can also cause brown leaves. These include poor practices like overwatering and overcrowding. Environmental factors can also be at play, like overexposure to heat or even too much moisture. But whatever the cause, knowledge is power. By learning possible causes of your mint leaves turning brown, you'll be able to correct those factors to prevent it in the future.

How to avoid mint rust and other issues

Mint rust is a common cause of leaves with brown, orange, or yellow spots. Some experts advise against using fungicides due to the negative environmental impacts, so natural prevention methods, like practicing good garden hygiene, are a better first step. This includes removing any diseased areas of the plant, using sterilized gardening tools, and maintaining good air circulation by minimizing crowding.

Beyond mint rust, tending to your plant's specific needs can help you avoid brown leaves. For starters, make sure that you're not overwatering your mint. If your mint has taken too much water, the leaves can turn brown from stress. If you're unsure, try drying out the soil before watering it again as a foolproof way to bring your dying mint plant back to life. 

Another way to prevent your mint leaves from browning is by placing the plant in the proper environment. For instance, avoid putting it by the sunniest window in your home or in excessive direct sunlight, as it might get too much heat exposure. Instead, keep the herb in an area with four to six hours of direct morning light and some afternoon shade. Ultimately, preventing your mint leaves from turning brown comes down to paying attention to your herb. With proper care and good gardening practices, you'll be able to keep your mint plants happy and healthy throughout the year.

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