Brown leaf tips on houseplants are common. The reasons for browning leaf tips are several. These include excessive minerals in the water, such as chlorine, fluoride and salt. (Avoid watering your houseplants with softened water, which is high in salt.) Other reasons for brown leaf tips include chemical fertilizer burn. Overly dry air (low humidity) and improper or erratic watering are also causes of brown leaf tips on indoor plants. In this video, learn how to stop your houseplants from getting brown leaf tips.
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Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening indoors! Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can find in the comments section below.
Today, we’ll address a common question from our viewers and readers: What causes brown leaf tips? This Dracaena, like many other houseplants, has several brown leaf tips, which can be unsightly and frustrating. I’ll explain what causes this issue and how to prevent it.
One of the primary causes of brown leaf tips is inconsistent watering. Sometimes, life gets busy, and we forget to water regularly, or we may overcompensate by watering too much. Try to be as consistent as possible, watering your plants when they need it—usually when the soil feels just about dry.
Another common cause is water quality. Many tap water sources contain chlorine, fluoride, or sodium, which can build up in the soil over time and cause brown tips. Letting water sit out for 24 hours helps dissipate chlorine but won’t remove fluoride or sodium. Using distilled or reverse osmosis water can help prevent this issue.
Fertilizing with high-salt chemical fertilizers can also lead to brown tips. To avoid this, use a low-salt organic fertilizer with a low NPK ratio, such as 5-5-5 or lower.
Additionally, dry indoor air, especially near heating or air-conditioning vents, can cause brown tips. You can increase humidity by using a humidity tray, grouping plants together, or misting frequently.
Soil pH imbalance is another possible cause. An incorrect pH can prevent plants from absorbing nutrients, which may lead to brown tips. I’ll be covering how to test soil pH in a future video.
Once you’ve addressed the cause, you can trim off the brown tips to improve the plant’s appearance. Cut straight across or shape the leaf tip to match its natural form. This will make your plant look better and allow you to monitor for new brown tips as you make adjustments.
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Brown Leaf Tips FAQ
Why do the tips of my plant’s leaves turn brown?
Brown leaf tips can be caused by inconsistent watering, water quality issues, high-salt fertilizers, dry indoor air, or incorrect soil pH.
How can I prevent brown leaf tips on my indoor plants?
Maintain consistent watering, use distilled or reverse osmosis water, choose organic fertilizers, increase humidity, and ensure the correct soil pH.
Is tap water safe for my indoor plants?
Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and sodium, which can cause brown tips. Letting water sit for 24 hours helps reduce chlorine, but fluoride and sodium remain. Distilled water is a better option.
How do I trim brown tips off my plant’s leaves?
Use scissors to trim brown leaf tips. Cut straight across or shape the tip to improve the plant’s appearance without causing further damage.
Will grouping plants together help prevent brown leaf tips?
Yes, grouping plants increases humidity around them, which can prevent brown tips in dry indoor environments.
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