Should I trim the brown tips?

You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.

Is this a sign of root rot?

Usually, root rot causes yellowing or wilting. Brown tips are more often related to environmental stress like dry air.

Why do my cashew tree leaves have brown tips?

Check these first

Check the humidity levels in your room.
Test your tap water for high mineral content.
Ensure the plant is not sitting in a drafty area.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate or use a pebble tray filled with water. Mist the leaves lightly during the hottest parts of the day.
Water Quality
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil moisture is correct.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or rainwater for your cashew. If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.

When to worry

Worry if the brown area starts to spread toward the center of the leaf. Minor tip browning is common in indoor environments.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from air conditioning vents and use filtered water to prevent salt accumulation.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your cashew.

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.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips?: You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
Is this a sign of root rot?: Usually, root rot causes yellowing or wilting. Brown tips are more often related to environmental stress like dry air.