Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water is very hard or contains high levels of chlorine. Try using filtered water if you suspect your tap water is the culprit.

Starry false lily of the valley: brown tips

Check these first

Feel the top two inches of soil.
Check if the plant is near a heating vent or drafty window.
Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch several inches down and the leaves look brittle.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist by watering every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown even though the soil remains damp.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the plant to increase local moisture.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your starry false lily of the valley

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

It is normal for older leaves to develop small brown edges as the season ends. Worry if new growth is showing brown tips immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct airflow from heaters or air conditioners.