Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Can tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water.

Polka dot begonia: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
Observe the surrounding air for drafts or heating vents.
Check if the pot has proper drainage holes.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The edges of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place it on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier nearby to keep levels above 50 percent.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves may start to droop slightly along with the browning tips.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 7 to 10 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your polka dot begonia

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

A few brown tips are normal as leaves age, but if the browning spreads rapidly across many leaves, you need to adjust your care.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct airflow from air conditioners or heaters and maintain consistent watering.

Polka dot begonia: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your polka dot begonia 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 trim off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Can tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up in the soil and cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Polka dot begonia's leaf tips turning brown?