Can I trim the brown parts?

You can snip the brown tips off with scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Is tap water the problem?

Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water causes tip burn. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your water quality is poor.

Why do my breadfruit leaves have brown tips?

Check these first

Check if the soil is bone dry.
Measure the humidity level in the room.
Look for drafts from air conditioners or heaters.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf edges and tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle or place a humidifier nearby. Grouping plants together can also help create a more humid microclimate.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The entire leaf feels dry and brittle, starting from the tips inward.
What to do: Water deeply until you see liquid coming out of the bottom of the pot. Stick to a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days depending on your local heat.

When to worry

A few brown tips are common in indoor environments. Worry if the browning is moving quickly toward the center of the leaf or affecting most of the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct air vents and maintain steady moisture in the soil.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your breadfruit.

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 parts?: You can snip the brown tips off with scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is tap water the problem?: Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water causes tip burn. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your water quality is poor.