Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the air in your room is very dry.
- Feel the soil to see if it has been dry for too long.
- Look for signs of spider mites which can also cause leaf damage.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in winter when heaters are running.
What to do: Mist the leaves with water every few days or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moist.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves feel brittle and the tips turn brown because the plant is not getting enough water to reach the edges of the foliage. The soil will feel very dry and hard.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you check the soil every 5 to 10 days.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese banyan
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.
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When to worry
Brown tips are usually a cosmetic issue and not a sign of immediate death. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across the entire leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Keep your chinese banyan 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.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips?
- You can trim them for looks, but be careful not to cut into the healthy green part of the leaf. Use clean, sharp scissors.
- Is tap water causing the brown tips?
- Sometimes, high mineral content in tap water can cause tip burn. If you suspect this, try using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks.
More problems with Chinese Banyan
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- How do I fix root rot on my Ficus microcarpa?
- What are these spots on my Ginseng Ficus leaves?
- Why is my Ficus microcarpa drooping?
- Why is my Ficus microcarpa growing leggy?
- Why are my Ficus microcarpa leaves curling?
Back to the Chinese Banyan guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.