Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim them for looks, but use clean scissors. Don't cut into the green part of the leaf, just the brown area.

Does this plant like misting?

Misting provides only temporary humidity and can sometimes encourage fungal issues. A humidifier is a better choice.

Downy rattlesnake plantain: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity level in your room.
Switch to distilled water for your next few waterings.
Trim the brown tips with clean scissors.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry, crispy, and brown. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a small humidifier nearby.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even when the soil is moist. This is often caused by salts or chlorine in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using distilled or rainwater for a few weeks. This helps flush out accumulated minerals from the soil.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your downy rattlesnake plantain

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 they indicate the plant is stressed. If the browning starts moving toward the center of the leaf, take action.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain steady humidity and use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is hard.

Downy rattlesnake plantain: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your downy rattlesnake plantain 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim them for looks, but use clean scissors. Don't cut into the green part of the leaf, just the brown area.
Does this plant like misting?: Misting provides only temporary humidity and can sometimes encourage fungal issues. A humidifier is a better choice.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why do my Downy rattlesnake plantain leaves have brown tips?