Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent scarring.

Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?

Not necessarily, as this is often just a reaction to dry air. As long as the main stem is firm and green, your plant is likely fine.

African milk tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the plant is sitting directly in front of an air vent or heater.
Feel the soil to see if it has been dry for an extended period.
Inspect the leaves to see if they are crispy or mushy.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the small leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. The rest of the plant remains firm and green.
What to do: Keep the plant away from direct air vents or heaters that dry out the air. You do not need to mist the plant, as it prefers dry conditions.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil has been bone dry for a long time and the leaves are shriveling at the edges. The stem may look slightly dehydrated or wrinkled.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 14 to 21 days depending on your home's temperature.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african milk 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

Brown tips are usually just a cosmetic issue. You should only worry if the browning spreads to the main stem or if the plant stops growing entirely.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from harsh, dry airflow. This plant thrives in standard household humidity.

African milk tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african milk 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?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue to prevent scarring.
Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?: Not necessarily, as this is often just a reaction to dry air. As long as the main stem is firm and green, your plant is likely fine.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my African milk tree's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your african milk tree?