Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Measure the humidity level in the room.
- Check if you are using tap water with high mineral content.
- Examine the soil for white crusty deposits.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green.
What to do: Use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moist. You can also group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is moist and the air is humid.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away accumulated salts. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength during the growing season.
When to worry
Minor browning on the very tips is common in indoor environments. Worry only if the brown patches start moving inward toward the center of the leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Use distilled water and keep the ambient humidity above 50 percent.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your titan arum.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Leave a tiny sliver of brown so you do not cut into healthy green tissue.
- Is my plant dying if it has brown tips?
- No, it is usually just reacting to dry air. It is rarely fatal if you address the humidity.
More problems with Titan arum
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.