Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the air in your home is very dry.
- Verify your watering schedule to ensure you are not letting the plant get too dry.
- Look for signs of salt buildup on the soil surface.
Likely causes
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost moisture.
Inconsistent watering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves show brown, dry edges because the plant has been allowed to dry out completely between waterings. The foliage may also lose its vibrant color.
What to do: Establish a consistent watering routine by checking the soil every 3 days. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Find out what's wrong with your joseph's coat
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
Worry if the brown spots start spreading toward the center of the leaves. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the bottom of the plant to brown and drop as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners. Maintain a steady watering rhythm based on the soil moisture.
Joseph's coat: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your joseph's coat 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 off the brown tips?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.
More problems with Joseph's coat
- Why is my Joseph's coat getting so leggy?
- Why is my Joseph's coat drooping?
- Why are my Joseph's coat leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Joseph's coat have bugs?
- Why is my Joseph's coat wilting?
- Why is my Joseph's coat dropping leaves?
- What are these spots on my Joseph's coat leaves?
- Why are my Joseph's coat leaves curling?
Back to the Joseph's coat 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.