Why are the tips of my plant’s leaves turning brown?
Brown leaf tips = almost always water quality or humidity.
Crispy brown leaf tips on an otherwise healthy plant are a signal, not a crisis. Three usual suspects:
Work through these.
- 01
Dry air
Especially in winter with indoor heating. Tropical plants (calathea, ferns) show it first.
FixCluster plants together, set on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier. Target 50–60% humidity.
- 02
Tap water minerals
Fluoride and chlorine build up in soil over time. Tips brown uniformly.
FixUse rainwater or filtered water. Flush the soil every 3–4 months by running water through the pot for 2 minutes.
- 03
Under- or inconsistent watering
Tips brown, lower leaves yellow, soil bone dry.
FixWater more regularly. Set a weekly reminder. The “finger test” (2 cm deep, dry = water) works for most species.
Plants that commonly show this.
Look up your plant by name.
Every species has its own care guide with light, water, humidity, and toxicity details.