Can I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the green tissue.

Does tap water hurt my Bodhi tree?

Some plants are sensitive to chlorine or minerals in tap water. If you see persistent brown tips, try using filtered water.

Bodhi tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity level in the room.
Look for white crust on the soil surface.
Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This is common in homes with central heating.
What to do: Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also use a humidifier nearby.
Mineral buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when humidity is fine. You might see white crust on the soil surface.
What to do: Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to wash away excess salts. Use a pot with good drainage to help the salts exit.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bodhi 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

Minor browning is common in indoor environments. Worry if the brown patches grow to cover most of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct airflow and use filtered water if your tap water is very hard.

Bodhi tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bodhi 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

Can I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts. Try to follow the natural shape of the leaf and avoid cutting into the green tissue.
Does tap water hurt my Bodhi tree?: Some plants are sensitive to chlorine or minerals in tap water. If you see persistent brown tips, try using filtered water.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why do my Bodhi tree's leaves have brown tips?