Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the central cup is filled with water.
- Feel the air around the plant to see if it feels very dry.
- Check the soil to see if it has been dry for too long.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. This increases the humidity around the foliage.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look dull and the tips are drying out because the plant is not getting enough moisture. This is less common for this plant, but it happens if you forget to fill the central cup.
What to do: Keep the central cup filled with water at all times. Also, lightly moisten the soil every 7 to 14 days to keep the roots hydrated.
Find out what's wrong with your bromélia
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.
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When to worry
Minor browning at the very tips is usually just a cosmetic issue caused by dry air. You should worry if the brown patches start spreading rapidly toward the center of the leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent humidity and keep the central cup filled with fresh water at all times.
Keep your bromélia healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim the brown tips with clean, sharp scissors. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf so it looks natural.
- Does my bromeliad need a humidifier?
- If your home is very dry, a small humidifier nearby can definitely help keep the leaves green and healthy. It is a great way to mimic their natural tropical environment.
More problems with Bromélia
- Why are there white cottony spots on my bromeliad?
- Why are my bromeliad leaves turning yellow and mushy?
- Why is my bromeliad not flowering?
- Why does my bromeliad have brown or bleached spots?
- Why are my bromeliad's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my bromeliad drooping?
- Why is my bromeliad growing tall and leggy?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.