Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil has been dry for too long.
- Observe the air quality for extreme dryness.
- Check the water source you are using.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The very tips of the banana shaped leaves turn crisp and brown. This happens when the air is extremely dry, especially during winter months.
What to do: While this plant prefers dry air, you can group it with other plants to create a slightly more humid microclimate. Avoid misting the leaves directly as this can lead to fungal issues.
Mineral Buildup
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle while the rest of the leaf remains green. This is often caused by using hard tap water with high salt or mineral content.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or distilled water for your plant. Flush the soil with clean water once every few months to wash away accumulated salts.
Find out what's wrong with your string of bananas
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
Brown tips are rarely a sign of a dying plant and are mostly a cosmetic issue. Worry only if the browning spreads rapidly toward the stem.
Stopping it coming back
Use filtered water and keep the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators. Consistent watering helps the plant maintain healthy leaf tips.
String of bananas: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of bananas 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.
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim the brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Cut just into the brown part without hitting the healthy green tissue.
- Does this plant need misting?
- No, this plant does not need misting. Misting can actually trap moisture in the crevices and cause rot.
Guides to these causes
More problems with String of bananas
Back to the String of bananas guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.