Should I cut off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim them off for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green part of the leaf to avoid further damage.

Does tap water really hurt my plant?

Dracaena varieties are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. Using distilled water often clears up the issue within a few weeks.

Song of India: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the air near the plant for drafts from heaters or air conditioners.
Inspect the leaves for any signs of dust buildup.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf looks healthy. This happens often in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Mist the leaves every few days or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Water Quality
Most likely
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil moisture seems correct. This is often a reaction to fluoride or chlorine found in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using distilled water or filtered water for your plant. Let tap water sit out in an open container for 24 hours before using it to allow some chemicals to evaporate.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your song of india

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 to see a few brown tips as older leaves age. Worry only if the browning spreads rapidly to new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct airflow from vents and maintain consistent soil moisture.

Song of India: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your song of india 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 them off for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green part of the leaf to avoid further damage.
Does tap water really hurt my plant?: Dracaena varieties are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. Using distilled water often clears up the issue within a few weeks.

Why are my Song of India's leaf tips turning brown?