Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if you are using tap water.
- Feel the tips to see if they are crispy or soft.
- Look at the humidity levels in your room.
Likely causes
Fluoride sensitivity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This happens slowly over time.
What to do: Switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater for your plant. Avoid using tap water that contains fluoride or chlorine.
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips become crispy and brittle, especially during winter when indoor air is dry. The edges may also curl slightly.
What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water to boost local humidity. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Find out what's wrong with your dragon 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal to see a little browning on older leaves as they age. Worry only if the browning spreads rapidly to new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Use filtered or distilled water consistently to keep the foliage looking fresh.
Dragon tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dragon 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors. Just follow the natural shape of the leaf and leave a tiny sliver of brown so you do not cut into healthy tissue.
- Does tap water always cause this?
- Not always, but many dragon trees are sensitive to the specific minerals and chemicals added to municipal water supplies.
More problems with Dragon tree
- Why is my dragon tree wilting and showing root rot?
- Why are there pests on my dragon tree?
- Why are my Dracaena leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Dracaena dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Dracaena growing so tall and leggy?
- Why is my Dracaena drooping?
- Why does my Dracaena have spots on its leaves?
- Why are my Dracaena leaves curling?
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.