Can 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.

Will the brown tips turn green again?

No, once a leaf tip turns brown and crispy, it will not turn green again. Focus on preventing new growth from developing the same issue.

Stromanthe: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the humidity in your room with a hygrometer.
Check if you are using tap water directly from the faucet.
Feel the soil to ensure it is not staying dry for too long.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The edges of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a microclimate or place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. You can also run a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture above 50 percent.
Tap Water Sensitivity
Most likely
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when the soil is moist and the humidity is high.
What to do: Switch to using distilled, filtered, or rainwater for your plant. These plants are sensitive to the fluoride and chlorine found in most municipal tap water.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your stromanthe

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 to see a tiny bit of browning as leaves age, but if it is spreading rapidly across new growth, you need to change your care routine.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant away from heating vents and use filtered water consistently.

Stromanthe: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your stromanthe 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

Can 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.
Will the brown tips turn green again?: No, once a leaf tip turns brown and crispy, it will not turn green again. Focus on preventing new growth from developing the same issue.

Why are my Stromanthe's leaf tips turning brown?