Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content or fluoride. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the cause.

Abal Palm: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the drainage holes to ensure water is passing through.
Observe the environment for nearby heating vents.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the tips are crispy and brown.
What to do: Water your palm thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist by watering every 2 to 5 days.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The soil is moist but the tips continue to brown in dry indoor air.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily or place the palm near a humidifier. Grouping plants together can also help create a more humid microclimate.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your abal palm

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the frond, it may be a sign of a more serious issue like Lethal Bronzing. Normal aging causes the oldest, lowest fronds to brown slowly over time.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil evenly moist.

Abal Palm: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your abal palm and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water has high mineral content or fluoride. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the cause.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Paurotis palm's leaf tips turning brown?