Is tap water causing the brown tips?

Sometimes minerals in tap water can build up, but it is rarely the main cause for this species.

Should I trim the brown tips?

You can trim the brown parts off with scissors, but leave a tiny sliver of brown to avoid cutting into healthy green tissue.

Beach naupaka: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is completely dry.
Feel the texture of the brown tips.
Check the air temperature around the plant.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf tips are crispy and brown while the soil is bone dry.
What to do: Water deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Make sure you water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: Tips turn brown even when the soil is moist.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water to increase the surrounding humidity.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your beach naupaka

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

Worry if the brown area starts moving inward toward the center of the leaf. Small brown tips are common in dry indoor environments.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct air conditioning vents.

Beach naupaka: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your beach naupaka 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

Is tap water causing the brown tips?: Sometimes minerals in tap water can build up, but it is rarely the main cause for this species.
Should I trim the brown tips?: You can trim the brown parts off with scissors, but leave a tiny sliver of brown to avoid cutting into healthy green tissue.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why do my Beach naupaka leaves have brown tips?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your beach naupaka?