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Brown Leaf Tips

Why are the tips of my plant's leaves turning brown?

Possible Causes

Most Common

Low Humidity

Signs to look for
  • •Tips are dry and crispy
  • •Problem worse in winter when heating is on
  • •Multiple leaves affected at once
  • •Tropical plants most affected
Solution

Increase humidity around the plant. Group plants together, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby. Misting provides temporary relief but isn't a long-term solution.

Most Common

Inconsistent Watering

Signs to look for
  • •Cycles between very dry and soaked soil
  • •Brown tips with yellowing
  • •Plant seems stressed overall
Solution

Establish a consistent watering routine. Bottom watering helps maintain even moisture. Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.

Likely

Mineral Buildup from Tap Water

Signs to look for
  • •White crusty deposits on soil surface
  • •Brown tips on plants that get regular care
  • •Using unfiltered tap water
Solution

Let tap water sit out overnight before using, or switch to filtered or distilled water. Flush the soil occasionally by watering thoroughly several times in a row.

Possible

Fertilizer Burn

Signs to look for
  • •Brown tips appeared after fertilizing
  • •White salt buildup on soil
  • •Edges of leaves also browning
Solution

Flush the soil with plain water. Reduce fertilizer concentration (dilute to half the recommended strength) and frequency. Never fertilize dry soil.

Possible

Root Bound Plant

Signs to look for
  • •Roots visible at drainage holes or soil surface
  • •Plant dries out very quickly
  • •Growth has slowed significantly
Solution

Repot into a container 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Gently loosen the root ball and refresh the soil.

Understanding Brown Leaf Tips

Brown tips are one of the most common houseplant problems—and also one of the most frustrating because the damage is permanent. Once a leaf tip browns, it won't recover. The good news: you can prevent future browning.

Note

Brown tips won't heal, but you can trim them with clean scissors. Cut just before the brown area, following the natural leaf shape.

The Humidity Factor

Most houseplants come from tropical environments with humidity levels far higher than the average home. In winter, indoor heating can drop humidity to 20-30%—desert levels. Tropical plants like peace lilies, calatheas, and ferns suffer most.

Quick Humidity Fixes

  1. Group plants together - They create a microclimate of shared humidity
  2. Use a pebble tray - Water evaporating around the plant increases local humidity
  3. Run a humidifier - Most effective for larger collections or dry climates
  4. Relocate to bathroom - If it has good light, this is naturally more humid

Water Quality Matters

Many municipalities add chlorine and fluoride to tap water. These minerals accumulate in soil over time and can cause brown tips. Sensitive plants like spider plants and dracaenas are especially affected.

Solutions:

  • Let tap water sit uncovered overnight (chlorine dissipates)
  • Use filtered water
  • Collect rainwater
  • Flush soil periodically with excess water

The Bottom Watering Advantage

Inconsistent watering—cycles of drought and flooding—stresses plants and contributes to brown tips. Bottom watering provides steady, even moisture that roots can access as needed. This consistency reduces stress and helps prevent tip browning.

Related Issues

Yellow Leaves
Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?