Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges? (2024)

Answer:

Brown leaf tips or edges can happen on any indoor plant but are common on some species like spider plant and dracaena.Trimming the brown portions off the leaves with a scissors can improve appearance, but new browning will occur if the root cause is not addressed.

Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges? (1)

Low Humidity

The most likely cause is low humidity. The humidity levels in homes is often low, especially during the winter months. Raise humidity levels by using a humidifier, pebble tray, terrarium, or by grouping plants together to allow their collective foliage to hold-in more humidity.

Inconsistent Watering or Improper Fertilization

Inconsistent watering, in particular allowing plants to dry out too long between waterings, will cause leaf edges and tips to turn brown. Excess salts can build up in the soil when too much fertilizer is applied which can also lead to brown leaf tips. Water and fertilize appropriately to prevent further browning.

Water Quality

Too much chlorine and other chemicals in the water, such as fluoride, can cause brown leaf tips, especially over an extended period of time on sensitive species like spider plant, ti plant, dracaena, prayer plant, and calathea. Use a different water source if this issue is suspected.

Learn more about identifying and treating problems with your houseplants from this article: Diagnosing Houseplant Problems

Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges? (2024)

FAQs

Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges? ›

Brown tips or margins to the leaves may indicate over or more likely under-watering, which can be assessed by checking the roots. They may also be a sign of too dry an atmosphere, or poor ventilation in a greenhouse or conservatory. Over-watering often causes browning in the middle of the leaves.

Why are my indoor plant leaves turning brown at the tips? ›

Inconsistent Watering or Improper Fertilization

Inconsistent watering, in particular allowing plants to dry out too long between waterings, will cause leaf edges and tips to turn brown. Excess salts can build up in the soil when too much fertilizer is applied which can also lead to brown leaf tips.

Do brown tips mean overwatering? ›

Too much, too little or inconsistent watering are major contributors to houseplant decline and can cause brown tips on houseplants. Overwatering, the most likely cause, decreases the amount of oxygen available for root growth and creates an environment susceptible to root diseases and rot.

Why are my leaf tips browning and curling up? ›

Brown leaf-tips can indicate that you are not watering your plant enough, that you're watering it too much, or you're not watering at the right time. You have to get to know your plant's needs.

Should I cut the brown tips off my spider plant? ›

Should You Cut the Brown Tips Off Spider Plants? You can cut the brown tips off your spider plant to get back the aesthetically pleasing appearance of your green companion. The damaged fronds may not affect your plant's overall health but pruning them will make your spider plant look so much better.

How do you treat brown leaf tips? ›

Use sharp scissors to cut away the dead, brown areas. Just be sure to follow the leaf's natural shape. You'll still have a thin brown line along the cut, but the rest of the leaf will stay green, and your secret will be safe.

Should I cut off brown leaf tips? ›

As for the leaves that still have brown tips, you can snip the dead parts away with a pair of scissors without hurting the plant. For some plants that have long, strap-like foliage, such as dracaena or spider plant, make your cuts at an angle to imitate the natural shape of the leaves.

How often should you water indoor plants? ›

DON'T Follow a Watering Schedule

You can set a schedule for checking to see if your indoor plants need water, but don't base your watering on the calendar. Sticking to a once-a-week plan can lead to overwatering and underwatering, as some houseplants may need watered more or less often.

How do you tell the difference between overwatering and underwatering leaves? ›

It can be tricky to tell the difference between underwatering and overwatering because some of the signs can seem similar. Whereas dark brown or blackened leaves can mean overwatering, light crispy leaves can mean underwatering, especially if the soil is dry.

How long does it take a plant to recover from overwatering? ›

The good news is that most plants will bounce back between 7-14 days if they're given proper care (which includes rehydration). If this isn't possible because major damage was done or little healthy root system exists then expect about 2 weeks until improvement can be seen.

Why are the edges of my leaves curling up? ›

CAUSE: Heat stress causes rapid evaporation, so plants curl up to conserve moisture. Plants too close to high-intensity lights are prone to heat stress, but it can be a problem in any room where temperatures are persistently above 80 degrees F. QUICK FIX: Set up fans to blow out hot air and bring in cooler fresh air.

Do curling leaves mean too much water? ›

Leaf tip curl down

Any form of downwards curling usually indicates overwatering or overfeeding.

What does it mean when leaf tips curl down? ›

When the plant doesn't get enough water, it will start to conserve moisture by curling its leaves down. Nutrient Deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies can cause cannabis leaves to curl down. Lack of nitrogen, for example, can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl down.

How do you tell the difference between overwatered and underwatered spider plants? ›

Overwatered Spider Plants often have soggy soil and limp leaves, while underwatered ones sport crispy foliage.

Why are my indoor plant leaves turning brown and crispy? ›

Not enough water

If a plant gets thirsty, its leaves get dry. If your plant is looking crispy all over, it probably needs a drink. To be sure, put a finger in the soil. If it's dry to a depth of two inches it's definitely time for water.

Is Epsom salt good for spider plants? ›

🌿 Ensuring Proper Nutrient Absorption

Watch out for magnesium or iron deficiencies. A sprinkle of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or a dose of iron-chelate can fix these issues. But again, don't go overboard—only use these supplements if signs of deficiency appear. Remember, the curly spider plant isn't a glutton.

How often should I water my indoor plants? ›

DON'T Follow a Watering Schedule

You can set a schedule for checking to see if your indoor plants need water, but don't base your watering on the calendar. Sticking to a once-a-week plan can lead to overwatering and underwatering, as some houseplants may need watered more or less often.

Why are the tips of the leaves on my air plant turning brown? ›

If your air plant tips are turning brown, there are several possible causes ranging from stress to over- or under-watering, sunlight levels, and inadequate airflow. Depending on the cause and how far gone your little houseplant is, you may be able to save it.

Should I cut the brown tips off my calathea? ›

Crispy Brown Leaf Edges are a sign of low humidity. Cut off the brown bits and increase humidity by either spritzing regularly, relocating to a more humid location or placing them on a pebble tray (a tray filled with pebbles and some water).

How to fix overwatered plants? ›

Steps To Save A Drowning Plant
  1. Stop watering. It's obvious, but don't give your plant any more water, no matter how much it wilts.
  2. Move it. If your plant is in a bright window, move it to spot with less light. ...
  3. Double-check drainage. ...
  4. Add air. ...
  5. Repot. ...
  6. Mist wilted leaves. ...
  7. Water when dry. ...
  8. Give it a week.

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