Why Are My Indoor Plant Leaves Turning Brown?

Oh no! You've spotted a brown leaf or a leaf with a crispy brown edge. 

Don’t panic. Brown or browning leaves don’t always mean your plant is dying. 

If your plant is otherwise healthy, it could just be that the old leaf is done, and it's time for it to go. So get out those scissors and chop it off!

But it could be a signal that something isn’t quite right.

There could be lots of reasons why your leaves are showing brown patch. It could be anything from watering habits to air quality and even the type of water you use. Read on to find out what it could be.

Brown Leaves as a Sign of Overwatering

One of the most frequent causes of brown leaves is overwatering. Many indoor plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between watering.

When they sit in consistently soggy soil, their roots can’t access the oxygen they need. The result? Root rot, followed by browning and yellowing leaves.

Signs of overwatering include:

  • Mushy or blackened roots

  • Drooping despite moist soil

  • Leaves turning yellow before they brown

  • A musty smell from the soil

To prevent this, always check the top inch or two of soil before watering. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days. And make sure your pots have good drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Should You Cut Off Brown Leaves?

In most cases, yes—you should remove brown leaves. Once a leaf has turned completely brown or crispy, it’s no longer serving the plant and won’t recover. Trimming it away helps the plant focus energy on healthy new growth.

Use clean, sharp scissors and cut the leaf close to the base of the stem (or just above a node, if it’s part of a compound leaf structure). If only the tips of leaves are brown, you can snip off the damaged area rather than removing the whole leaf.

That said, if a large number of leaves are turning brown rapidly, cutting them all off might stress the plant further. Always pair pruning with diagnosing the underlying cause.

Brown Leaf Tips on My Spider Plant

The most common plant to suffer from brown leaf tips are Spider Plants. There are a few reasons for this. Low humidity, inconsistent watering or the chemicals from tap water. 

They really don't like fluoride and chlorine in our tap water which can cause a burn in the leaf tips. They also don't like dry air. If you can try and keep humidity up and use filtered water. 

Instant Solution for Brown Leaf Tips

Brown tips—just the edges of the leaves turning crispy—are usually a result of dry air, low humidity, chemical build-up, or inconsistent watering. While there’s no way to reverse browning, there are a few quick fixes to stop it from getting worse:

Quick fixes:

  • Trim the brown tips using sterilised scissors, cutting along the natural shape of the leaf.

  • Boost humidity: Use a pebble tray, group plants together, or place a humidifier nearby.

  • Water consistently: Avoid letting the plant completely dry out, then soaking it suddenly.

  • Flush the soil: Once a month, run room temperature water through the pot for 1–2 minutes to remove built-up salts and minerals.

What Type of Water Should You Use?

Surprisingly, even the type of water you use can cause brown leaves. Many houseplants—especially tropical varieties like Calatheas, Peace Lilies, and Spider Plants—are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, such as chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals.

These minerals can build up in the soil over time, leading to leaf tip burn and browning.

Better water options:

  • Filtered water: Removes most harmful chemicals.

  • Rainwater: Ideal for houseplants (if clean and collected safely).

  • Distilled water: Great for sensitive plants, but may lack nutrients if used long-term.

  • Let tap water sit out: Allowing water to sit overnight can help chlorine dissipate.

If you’re seeing chronic brown tips despite otherwise good care, try switching your water source for a few weeks and observe any improvement.

Other Causes of Browning Leaves

While watering and humidity are the most common culprits, a few other factors can contribute to brown leaves:

1. Too Much Direct Sunlight

Some plants, like ferns or Calatheas, scorch easily under strong light. If leaves look faded with brown edges, try moving your plant to bright but indirect light.

2. Low Humidity

Indoor air—especially in winter—can be incredibly dry. Many tropical plants prefer humidity levels above 50%. Misting isn’t enough. A humidifier, grouping plants, or placing them in kitchens/bathrooms can help.

3. Pest Infestations

Spider mites and thrips often start at the leaf tips and edges. Inspect leaves (top and underside) for fine webbing, spots, or tiny moving pests.

4. Nutrient Deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients like potassium or magnesium can cause brown edges or patchy spots. Use a balanced houseplant fertiliser during the growing season.

Preventing Brown Leaves: Best Practices

To avoid future browning, follow these general care tips:

  • Use filtered water. Expensive if you don't have a built in water filter though.

  • Maintain consistent watering routines, but not on a schedule. Just keep checking the soil and see if it's dry and water promptly.

  • Keep plants away from heaters, radiators, or air vents. 

  • Ensure good drainage in pots. This will prevent root root. 

  • Clean leaves regularly to improve respiration. I like using micro-fibre gloves for gently removing dust from the leaves. 

  • Use a humidity monitor if your home is dry. This can help you keep an eye on things. 

If you’ve tried everything and your plant is still struggling, it might be time for a second opinion. The Greeneasters are here to help with personalised advice and expert diagnostics for all your houseplant woes.

🌿 Visit us in-store or get in touch online for tailored tips, care routines, and product recommendations.
Let’s get your greenery thriving—no brown leaves in sight!

Back to News