Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Pineapple lily: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has dried out completely between waterings.
Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are brittle.
Look for signs of pests that might be damaging the foliage.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips become dry and crispy because the plant experienced a period of drought.
What to do: Establish a consistent routine where you water every 5 to 10 days. Keep the soil evenly moist but never allow it to sit in standing water.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown while the rest of the leaf remains green and healthy.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase ambient moisture.

Find out what's wrong with your pineapple lily

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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed. Be concerned if the browning spreads rapidly toward the base of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a steady watering rhythm and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heating vents.

Keep your pineapple lily healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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 the brown parts with clean scissors. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Why are my Pineapple Lily leaf tips turning brown?