Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the healthy green tissue. This keeps the plant looking tidy.

Is tap water causing the brown tips?

Sometimes minerals in tap water can build up in the soil. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Why are my soursop leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Check if the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot.
Feel if the brown tips are crispy or soft.
Measure the humidity levels in your growing area.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips become crispy and brown while the soil feels bone dry.
What to do: Water the tree deeply until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes. Adjust your schedule to ensure the soil stays lightly moist but not soaked.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The edges and tips of the leaves brown slowly even when the soil is moist.
What to do: Mist the leaves with water in the morning or place a tray of pebbles and water near the base of the plant. This helps mimic the tropical environment soursop loves.

When to worry

A few brown tips are common in indoor settings with dry air. Worry if the browning starts to move inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and increase ambient humidity during dry winter months.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your soursop.

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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors, but try not to cut into the healthy green tissue. This keeps the plant looking tidy.
Is tap water causing the brown tips?: Sometimes minerals in tap water can build up in the soil. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.