Should I trim the brown tips off?

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

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your tap water has high mineral content, it can cause buildup that leads to tip burn. Try using filtered or distilled water if the problem persists.

Coffee plant: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the plant is sitting near a heater or air vent.
Inspect the leaves for signs of dust or pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also run a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture above 50 percent.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves may start to look dull or slightly limp.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid flows from the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 5 to 7 days, allowing only the top inch of soil to dry out.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coffee plant

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 very old leaves to develop minor tip browning, but widespread crispy edges indicate a need for better care.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heating vents.

Coffee plant: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coffee plant 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 the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors to improve the look of the plant. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your tap water has high mineral content, it can cause buildup that leads to tip burn. Try using filtered or distilled water if the problem persists.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my coffee plant's leaf tips turning brown?