When leaves are lost through fire, being cut, or eaten, the mineral phosphorus is mobilized from the trunk to the crown to encourage new leaf growth.
According to Lamont et al. (2004) grasstree leaves usually survive for more than 2 years, but when they start to die 80% of the phosphorus in the leaves are withdrawn, most likely back into the trunk. More than 95% of sodium and potassium is leached from dead leaves whilst sodium and sulphur is usually lost from the leaves during fire.
Leaves turning Brown from the Ends
This is usually due to a lack of water. When given adequate water and seaweed-based fertilizer (such as seasol) you should start seeing new green growth from the centre. The brown bits on the leaves will stay brown though.
Outer Leaves turning Brown or Dying Off
This is normal and part of forming the 'skirt'. This can be trimmed off or burned off depending on the look you are going for. You tend to see new green growth from the centre at points in time which tells you that your plant is alive and thriving.
All Leaves Brown
This is often the case when a grasstree has been burnt off, but can also occur if a grass tree hasn't seen water for a while. If you see new green shoots appearing from the centre then all is good and your plant is still alive.
If after a few months you don't notice any green shoots it may be that your plant has died.
Typically the trunk would then start to disintegrate.
