Should I cut off the brown tips?

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

Does tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Dwarf banana: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for dryness.
Observe the air around the plant for signs of dry heat sources.
Examine the leaf texture to see if it feels brittle.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The edges of the leaves feel crispy and dry to the touch. This often happens in winter when indoor heating runs.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle to increase local moisture.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry more than an inch deep. The leaves may also look slightly dull or limp.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you water every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dwarf banana

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 the oldest bottom leaf to brown and die as the plant grows. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across new, healthy leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent watering and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heater vents.

Dwarf banana: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dwarf banana 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?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes the minerals in tap water can build up. If you suspect this, try using filtered or rainwater for a few weeks.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Dwarf banana's leaf tips turning brown?