Should I trim the brown tips off?

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

Does this palm need a pebble tray?

A pebble tray can help increase local humidity. Just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting directly in the water.

Royal Raphia Palm: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the humidity level in the room.
Inspect the water you use for high mineral content.
Look for drafts near the plant.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf remains green. This happens most often in winter when heating systems are running.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group the palm with other plants. You can also mist the leaves daily with distilled water.
Mineral Buildup
Possible
How to tell: The brown tips appear gradually and may have a yellow halo. This is often caused by salts or chlorine in tap water.
What to do: Switch to using filtered or distilled water for a few weeks. Flush the soil with plenty of fresh water to wash out accumulated salts.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your royal raphia palm

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. It is normal for the very oldest leaves to develop minor browning as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent humidity and avoid using harsh tap water. Keep the plant away from direct air conditioning or heater vents.

Royal Raphia Palm: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your royal raphia palm 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 the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does this palm need a pebble tray?: A pebble tray can help increase local humidity. Just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting directly in the water.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Royal Raphia Palm's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your royal raphia palm?