Should I cut off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you have hard water, try using filtered or distilled water instead.

Parlor palm: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top 3 centimeters of the soil.
Check the air humidity levels in the room.
Inspect the leaves for any signs of dust or pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily with room temperature water. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the local humidity.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom. Maintain a schedule where you water when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil feel dry.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your parlor palm

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

It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to brown as they age. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from heating vents and drafts. Maintain consistent soil moisture by checking the pot every 7 days.

Parlor palm: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your parlor palm 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 cut off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you have hard water, try using filtered or distilled water instead.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Parlor palm's leaves getting brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your parlor palm?