Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors to improve the look of the tree. Be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Can dry air cause this?

Yes, especially during hot summer months. The Persian silk tree handles heat and dry spells well once established, but long stretches of hot, dry air can still stress the foliage.

Persian silk tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.
Observe the local weather for extreme heat or wind.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry several inches down and the tips of the leaves turn crispy and brown.
What to do: Water the tree deeply until moisture reaches the root zone. Aim to water every 7 to 14 days, ensuring the top 3 inches of soil dry out before the next drink.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf edges and tips turn brown while the soil remains adequately moist.
What to do: While these trees prefer outdoor settings, ensure they are not placed in areas with extreme, drying winds. If in a container, keep it in a spot with good air circulation.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your persian silk tree

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

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf or stem, as this could indicate a more serious fungal issue. Minor browning on older leaves is normal as the tree ages.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply a layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture.

Persian silk tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your persian silk tree 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 off the brown tips?: Yes, you can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors to improve the look of the tree. Be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Can dry air cause this?: Yes, especially during hot summer months. The Persian silk tree handles heat and dry spells well once established, but long stretches of hot, dry air can still stress the foliage.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Persian silk tree leaves getting brown tips?