Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Check the air around the plant for drafts from vents.
- Look at the tips to see if they are brittle or soft.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the fronds become dry, crispy, and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group your plants together to create a microclimate. You can also mist the leaves daily with room temperature water.
Water Quality
PossibleHow to tell: Tips turn brown even when the soil moisture seems correct.
What to do: Switch to filtered or distilled water. Tap water often contains salts and minerals like fluoride that build up in the soil and burn the delicate tips.
Find out what's wrong with your kentia palm
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the very oldest bottom leaves to brown as they age. Worry if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent humidity and use filtered water to keep the foliage looking lush.
Kentia palm: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kentia palm 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- Yes, you can trim them with clean scissors. Cut just inside the brown area, leaving a tiny sliver of brown to avoid damaging the healthy green tissue.
- Does misting really help?
- Misting provides a temporary boost in humidity. It is helpful, but a humidifier is more effective for long term health.
More problems with Kentia palm
- How do I get rid of pests on my Kentia palm?
- Why is my Kentia palm showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my Kentia palm's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Kentia palm drooping?
- Why is my Kentia palm dropping leaves?
- Why does my Kentia palm have brown spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Kentia palm looking thin and leggy?
- Why are my Kentia palm leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.