Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if there is water in the central tank.
- Feel the air around the plant to see if it is very dry.
- Look at the soil to see if it has pulled away from the sides of the pot.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This often happens in winter when indoor heating dries out the air.
What to do: Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier nearby. Mist the leaves lightly every few days to boost the local humidity.
Inconsistent watering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look dull and the tips dry out because the plant went too long without water in its central tank. The soil may also be bone dry.
What to do: Make sure the central tank is kept filled with fresh water. Check the tank every 5 to 10 days and top it off as needed.
Find out what's wrong with your vriesea
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
Brown tips are rarely fatal and are usually just a sign that the plant needs more humidity. If the browning spreads to the entire leaf, you should investigate your watering habits more closely.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent schedule for filling the central tank and keep the plant away from direct heater vents.
Vriesea: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your vriesea 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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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.
- Does tap water cause brown tips?
- Sometimes the minerals in tap water can cause buildup. If your water is very hard, try using filtered or rainwater instead.
More problems with Vriesea
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.