Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.

Can tap water cause brown tips?

Sometimes, if your water is very high in salts or minerals, it can cause buildup. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the issue.

Kohuhu: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
Inspect the area around the plant for nearby heat sources.
Check the underside of leaves for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens when indoor air is too dry.
What to do: Mist the foliage occasionally or place a tray of pebbles and water near the pot. Ensure the plant is not sitting directly in front of a heater or air conditioning vent.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaf tips look brittle. The plant may also feel lighter than usual when you lift the pot.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kohuhu

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 a few older leaves to brown as they age. Worry only if the browning is spreading rapidly across new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the plant away from direct drafts or heating vents.

Kohuhu: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kohuhu 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 trim off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim them for aesthetic reasons. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.
Can tap water cause brown tips?: Sometimes, if your water is very high in salts or minerals, it can cause buildup. Try using filtered water if you suspect this is the issue.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Pittosporum tenuifolium leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your kohuhu?