Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is completely dry.
- Feel the stems to see if they are shriveled.
- Check the humidity level in your room.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look shriveled or thin and the soil feels bone dry all the way through.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the stem remains firm.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Find out what's wrong with your rhipsalis
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.
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When to worry
Worry if the brown tips are spreading down the stem toward the base. A single brown tip on an older stem is usually not a cause for concern.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season and avoid placing the plant near heater vents.
Keep your rhipsalis healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will brown tips turn green again?
- No, the brown parts are dead tissue and will not turn green again. You can trim them off for a tidier look.
- Does misting help?
- Misting provides only temporary humidity and is not very effective. A pebble tray or a humidifier is a better choice.
More problems with Rhipsalis
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.