Find out why houseplants get brown leaf tips, and some solutions for preventing them on your indoor plants in the future. Reasons include there are salts in the soil and the plant requires a repotting. Other reasons include uneven watering and droughting the plant, fluoride and chlorine in the water. Overfeeding with fertilizer will also cause brown leaf tips. Low humidity and incorrect pH are also reasons for leaf tip burn. Some plants are more susceptible to leaf tip burn than others.
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Today, I’m going to talk to you about why your plant has brown leaf tips and offer solutions for stopping this issue. I’m showing a Dracaena, which is a great example because it does have some brown leaf tips. Let’s take a closer look.
You’ll notice there are brown tips in various areas of the plant. One of the main reasons for brown leaf tips is the plant needs to be repotted. The roots might be growing out of the drainage holes. Even if the plant still appears healthy, it needs fresh soil. Over time, salts from water and fertilizer build up in the soil. These salts damage the roots, and the plant tries to push them out through the leaves—but they only make it to the tips, causing brown edges.
Some plants, like Dracaenas with long, strappy leaves, are more susceptible to tip burn, but most houseplants can experience it under the right (or wrong) conditions.
Another common reason is uneven watering. Many houseplants can survive occasional neglect, but inconsistent watering schedules often result in brown tips. This occurs especially when you forget to water, then suddenly overcompensate, and repeat the cycle. Aim for consistent watering—not necessarily on a set day, but based on your plant’s needs. Use a moisture meter, and water when it drops to 3 or 4. Avoid waiting until it’s at 1 or 2.
Your plant may also be sensitive to chemicals in your water—like chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals. These substances are toxic to plants and can cause tip burn. Chlorine will dissipate if you leave your water out for 24 hours. However, fluoride and salts require filtration. For sensitive plants, use distilled or reverse osmosis water, or handheld water filters. Avoid softened water—it’s high in salt and extremely harmful to houseplants.
Over-fertilizing is another culprit. Fertilizers, especially chemical ones, are high in salts, which accumulate in the soil. This causes brown leaf tips. Use organic fertilizers instead, and fertilize correctly. If overfeeding has occurred, you can leach the soil by flushing it with warm water—three times the volume of the pot. This helps rinse out excess salts.
Another issue is dry air or low humidity. Levels under 40% humidity can trigger leaf tip burn. This often occurs in homes with heating systems during winter. Aim to increase humidity to around 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels. Group plants together (they humidify each other), use humidity trays, mist the leaves, or invest in a humidifier. Also, keep plants away from heating and air conditioning vents.
Incorrect soil pH can also cause tip burn. Most houseplants prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.4–6.8). In areas with alkaline water (like California), the soil can become too alkaline over time. Use a pH test kit and, if needed, adjust the pH or repot into fresh soil.
As a cosmetic fix, you can trim off brown leaf tips using sharp scissors. This helps your plant look better and healthier.
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FAQs: Why Does My Houseplant Have Brown Leaf Tips?
What causes brown leaf tips on houseplants?
Brown leaf tips are often caused by a buildup of salts in the soil, uneven watering, low humidity, over-fertilizing, or water quality issues.
How can I fix brown tips on my houseplants?
Repot the plant, use distilled or filtered water, adjust watering habits, increase humidity, and avoid over-fertilizing. You can also trim the brown tips with sharp scissors.
Is my tap water causing brown leaf tips?
Yes, tap water containing chlorine, fluoride, or softened water high in salts can damage houseplants and cause leaf tip burn.
How does low humidity affect houseplants?
Humidity below 40% can dry out foliage and cause brown tips. Increase humidity by grouping plants, misting, using trays, or adding a humidifier.
Can incorrect soil pH cause brown leaf tips?
Yes. Most houseplants prefer slightly acidic soil. Alkaline soil, often from hard water, can cause tip burn. Use pH tests and amend soil or repot if needed.
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