Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the air near the plant is dry from heating vents.
- Feel the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
- Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the needles.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the needles turn crisp and brown, especially in winter when indoor heating is on. The rest of the plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Inconsistent watering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil dries out completely between waterings, causing the plant to stress. The needles feel brittle to the touch.
What to do: Establish a consistent routine where you check the soil every 5 days. Ensure the entire root ball gets moistened when you water.
When to worry
Brown tips are common in indoor environments and are usually not fatal. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the base of the needles.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct drafts from heaters or air conditioners. Maintain a steady watering schedule.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your wollemi pine.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it does not help the plant recover. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the healthy tissue.
- Is my tap water causing this?
- Sometimes mineral buildup in tap water can cause tip burn. Try using filtered or rainwater if you suspect your water quality is poor.
More problems with Wollemi pine
Back to the Wollemi pine guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.