4 Reasons Your Spider Plant Has Brown Tips on Its Leaves

That stunning green waterfall of your spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has the potential to be a showstopper. Its sagging leaves and playful spiderettes bring some of the great outdoors in, lovely brightening up any corner. But what if those lovely bright green tips start turning an unwelcome brown? It's a problem many spider plant parents deal with, and determining why is step one in getting your leafy pal back to its former glory.

Don't panic! Brown tips on spider plant leaves are rarely a sign of doomsday. They're usually a hint that your plant care schedule or environment requires a minor tweak. Let's examine four of the most common perpetrators:

1. Tap Water Woes: The Mineral Buildup

This is probably the most typical reason for those brown, crispy tips. Tap water often contains minerals like fluoride, chlorine, and salts. While normally safe to people, these can accumulate in the tender tip of your spider plant leaf over time. When the water evaporates off the leaves, the minerals are left behind and build up, killing plant tissue and turning it brown.

Solution:

Switch to rainwater or distilled water: These types of water have no harsh minerals found in tap water.
Let tap water sit: If you don't have rainwater or distilled water, let your tap water sit in an open container for 24 hours. This will make some of the chlorine evaporate.

2. Irregular Watering: The Overwatered or Underwatered Plant

Spider plants prefer regular watering, but they are just as susceptible to underwatering and overwatering. Both will present in the form of brown leaf tips, although the overall leaf structure can differ.

Underwatering: If the soil gets too dry, the plant is not able to transport nutrients efficiently to the tips of its leaves, causing browning and crispness. The leaves might also be slightly floppy.

Overwatering: Waterlogged soil suffocates the roots, keeping them from taking up water and nutrients. The stress might also cause brown tips, often accompanied by yellowing or mushy lower leaves.

Solution:

Water thoroughly when the surface inch of soil is dry to the touch: Check with your finger.
Give it good drainage: Your pot must contain holes at the bottom where excess water will drain. Never stand your spider plant in water.
Adjust watering frequency based on season and surroundings: Plants use less water during winter months.

3. Low Humidity: The Dry Air Dilemma

Spider plants like moderate to high humidity, similar to their native tropical environment. Dry house air, especially during winter when the furnace is on, can dry out the leaf tips and cause them to become brown.

Solution:

Use a humidifier: This is the best way to add more moisture to the air that's around your plants.
Group plants together: Plants naturally release moisture in the form of transpiration, producing a humid microclimate.
Place your spider plant on a pebble tray of water: As water evaporates, it increases the humidity. Ensure the bottom of the pot is not in contact with the water.
Mist your plant regularly: While less effective than other treatments, misting will provide short-term relief.

4. Fertilizer Faux Pas: Too Much or the Wrong Kind

While spider plants do best on infrequent feeding, over-fertilizing will create salt accumulation in the soil similar to hard tap water. The excess nutrients burn the delicate tips of the leaves, turning them brown.

Fertilize sparingly: You only want to fertilize your spider plant during its active growing period (spring and summer) and as directed on the fertilizer.
Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer: Select a liquid balanced fertilizer and reduce it to half the recommended strength.
Flush the soil occasionally: If you suspect there is a fertilizer buildup, water your plant thoroughly until water emerges from the bottom several times to wash out excess salts.
Bringing Back the Green

The good news is that fixing these common issues tends to stop the browning and encourage new normal growth. Even though you can't reverse the browning on the existing tips, you can trim them off with clean scissors with sharp blades if they are unsightly to you.

By paying attention to your spider plant's watering needs, levels of water quality, humidity levels, and fertilizing schedule, you can maintain those beautiful green leaves to look their best and keep your spider plant happy! Happy growing!