Should I trim the brown tips off?

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

Misting provides only temporary relief. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective for this species.

Black bat flower: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Measure the humidity level near the plant.
Inspect the leaves for signs of dust buildup.

Likely causes

Low humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This happens when the air is too dry for this jungle native.
What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity. You can also group it with other plants or run a humidifier nearby to keep levels above 60 percent.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves may start to look dull. If the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot, your plant is thirsty.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Maintain a schedule where the top inch of soil stays consistently damp.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black bat flower

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 for older leaves to develop small brown edges as they age. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly across new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a consistently humid spot away from heating vents or air conditioning drafts.

Black bat flower: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black bat flower 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 them with clean scissors. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does misting help?: Misting provides only temporary relief. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective for this species.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Black bat flower's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your black bat flower?