Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the humidity levels in the room.
- Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of dust buildup.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This happens most often during winter when heaters are running.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group your plants together to create a microclimate. You can also mist the foliage occasionally, though this is less effective than a humidifier.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil is bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot. The brown tips feel brittle to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the bottom. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days.
Find out what's wrong with your queensland kauri
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Minor browning on older leaves is normal as the plant ages. If the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth, you need to adjust your care.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct drafts from air conditioning or heating vents.
Queensland kauri: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your queensland kauri 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes high mineral content in tap water can cause salt buildup. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Queensland kauri
Back to the Queensland kauri guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.