Should I trim the brown tips off?

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

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your tap water has high fluoride or chlorine levels. Try using filtered or rainwater if the problem persists.

Cabbage tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger two inches deep.
Inspect the pot for proper drainage holes.
Observe if the plant is sitting near a hot air vent.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves feel brittle to the touch.
What to do: Water your plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Water again when the top inch of soil is dry.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil is damp.
What to do: Mist the leaves with a spray bottle once or twice a week. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the local humidity.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cabbage tree

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 and drop as the plant grows taller. Be concerned if the browning is spreading rapidly to the new growth at the center.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heating vents.

Cabbage tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cabbage tree 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 them with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your tap water has high fluoride or chlorine levels. Try using filtered or rainwater if the problem persists.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Cabbage Tree's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your cabbage tree?