Can I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.

Does Turk's cap need misting?

Misting provides only temporary humidity and is not very effective. It is better to use a humidifier or group plants together if your home is very dry.

Turk's cap: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has become completely dry and hard.
Feel the texture of the brown tips to see if they are crispy.
Monitor the room temperature to ensure it is not near a heat vent.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf looks dry. The soil feels very dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water your plant every 3 to 7 days, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Use a watering can to soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips brown slowly over time, especially during winter when indoor heating is on. The plant otherwise seems to be getting enough water.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a tray of water and pebbles near the plant to increase ambient moisture.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your turk's cap

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

If the browning is limited to just the very tips, it is usually a minor environmental issue. If the brown patches spread to the center of the leaf, check for root issues.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a regular watering rhythm and keep the plant away from direct blasts of hot or cold air.

Turk's cap: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your turk's cap 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?: You can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Cut just outside the green tissue to avoid damaging the healthy part of the leaf.
Does Turk's cap need misting?: Misting provides only temporary humidity and is not very effective. It is better to use a humidifier or group plants together if your home is very dry.

Why are the tips of my Turk's cap leaves turning brown?