Root Zone Issues Cause Tip Burn on Iris and Daylilies

Progressive Tip Browning = Soil/Water Stress

When iris and daylily leaves yellow from the tip downward year after year, the cause is almost always an unfavorable root environment—too wet, too dry, or nutrient-imbalanced.

Diagnostic Checks

• Root color: Healthy roots are white/cream; dark brown/black indicates rot.
• Soil moisture: Should be just moist—particles stick to fingers, not soggy.
• Soil test: Reveals pH and nutrient status.

Tomato early blight is a separate fungal issue; the similarity in leaf symptoms is coincidental.