Should I cut off the brown tips?

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 hurt my orchid?

Many orchids are sensitive to the chlorine and minerals in tap water. Using rainwater is the best way to keep your plant happy.

Pyramidal orchid: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity levels in your room.
Look for white mineral deposits on the soil surface.
Evaluate the type of water you are using.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips are dry, crispy, and brown, while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This is common in homes with central heating or dry air.
What to do: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase local humidity. Avoid misting the leaves directly as this can encourage fungal issues.
Mineral buildup
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and you see a white crust on the surface of the soil. This is caused by salts and minerals in tap water accumulating over time.
What to do: Flush the soil thoroughly with distilled or rainwater to wash away excess salts. Switch to using rainwater or filtered water for future waterings.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pyramidal orchid

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

Minor brown tips are common and rarely fatal. Worry if the browning continues to move down the leaf toward the stem, which indicates a more systemic issue.

Stopping it coming back

Use rainwater or distilled water and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators or vents.

Pyramidal orchid: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pyramidal orchid 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 cut off the brown tips?: 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 hurt my orchid?: Many orchids are sensitive to the chlorine and minerals in tap water. Using rainwater is the best way to keep your plant happy.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are the tips of my Pyramidal orchid's leaves turning brown?