Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can snip the brown parts off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does misting help with brown tips?

Misting provides only temporary relief and can sometimes encourage fungal issues if water sits on the leaves. A pebble tray is a much more effective way to boost humidity.

Thanksgiving cactus: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the air near the plant feels dry.
Observe if the plant is in direct sunlight during the day.
Feel the soil to ensure it is not bone dry.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and dry while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the bottom of the pot does not touch the water.
Sunburn
Possible
How to tell: The tips or edges turn brown and look bleached or scorched. This happens if the plant sits in harsh, direct afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. If it is in a south facing window, pull it back a few feet or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your thanksgiving cactus

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

If the browning spreads rapidly across the entire leaf, it may indicate root damage. A few dry tips on older leaves are normal as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant away from heat vents and provide consistent, bright, indirect light.

Thanksgiving cactus: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thanksgiving cactus 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 snip the brown parts off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does misting help with brown tips?: Misting provides only temporary relief and can sometimes encourage fungal issues if water sits on the leaves. A pebble tray is a much more effective way to boost humidity.

Why are my Thanksgiving cactus leaf tips turning brown?