Should I cut off the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up. Try using filtered or distilled water if you notice persistent browning.

Velvet tree: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is too dry.
Check the humidity level in the room.
Look for drafts from heaters or air conditioners.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips are crispy and brown, while the rest of the leaf looks healthy.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate or use a humidifier nearby. You can also mist the leaves daily.
Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The soil is bone dry and the leaves feel brittle.
What to do: Establish a regular schedule where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your velvet 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

Brown tips are rarely fatal but indicate the plant is stressed. If the browning spreads to the center of the leaf, you need to adjust your care.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from direct air vents and maintain a consistent watering routine.

Velvet tree: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

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

Should I cut off the brown tips?: You can trim the brown parts with clean scissors for aesthetic reasons. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, the minerals in tap water can build up. Try using filtered or distilled water if you notice persistent browning.

Why are my Velvet tree's leaf tips turning brown?