Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors to make the cut.

Does misting help with brown tips?

Misting only provides a very temporary boost in humidity. A humidifier or a pebble tray is much more effective for long term health.

Banyan tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity level in the room with a hygrometer.
Look for white salt crusts on the surface of the potting soil.
Feel the air near the plant to see if a heater vent is blowing directly on it.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The edges of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens during winter when heaters are running.
What to do: Place a humidifier near your tree to keep the air moist. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil moisture is correct. You might see white crusty deposits on the soil surface from tap water salts.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks to flush out excess minerals. Avoid using water that has been through a salt based softener.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your banyan 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 rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed by its environment. It is normal for the very oldest leaves at the bottom of the tree to brown and fall off as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree away from direct drafts from air conditioning or heating vents. Use filtered water to prevent the buildup of harsh minerals.

Banyan tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your banyan 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 them for aesthetic reasons, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors to make the cut.
Does misting help with brown tips?: Misting only provides a very temporary boost in humidity. A humidifier or a pebble tray is much more effective for long term health.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Ficus benghalensis leaf tips turning brown?