The Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant, is a houseplant recognized for its arching, striped foliage and trailing “spiderettes.” Despite its hardiness, a common issue owners face is the browning of the leaf tips. This discoloration, often called “tip burn,” signals an underlying stressor in the plant’s environment or care routine. Identifying the specific cause—whether related to water chemistry, watering frequency, or external factors—is the first step toward restoring the plant’s vibrant green appearance.
Water Quality and Mineral Buildup
The most frequent cause of brown tips is an accumulation of dissolved solids in the plant’s soil, which originates from tap water and fertilizer. Spider plants are particularly sensitive to certain chemicals commonly found in municipal water supplies, specifically fluoride and chlorine. Over time, as the water evaporates from the soil, these minerals remain behind, slowly concentrating in the potting mix.
The plant attempts to excrete these accumulated salts, pushing the toxic compounds to the furthest points of its leaves. Since the leaf tips are the end of the line, fluoride and chlorine concentrate there, damaging the plant tissue and causing the characteristic brown, crispy burn. Fluoride toxicity can inhibit photosynthesis, further stressing the plant.
A similar issue, known as fertilizer burn, is caused by over-application of plant food, which is high in soluble salts. When these salts build up to excessive levels, they can dehydrate the plant even if the soil is moist. This root damage prevents proper nutrient and water absorption, and the resulting dehydration manifests as dry, brown leaf tips and edges.
Improper Watering Practices
Browning can result from issues related to the amount and frequency of watering. Chronic overwatering is a major contributor, as constantly saturated soil suffocates the roots by displacing oxygen. This lack of oxygen causes the roots to rot, preventing effective absorption of water and nutrients, which leads to overall leaf distress, including yellowing and browning.
Conversely, allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods causes dehydration. When the plant cannot draw enough moisture, the water supply to the leaf extremities is cut off, causing the tips to dry out and become brittle and brown. Use the “finger test” to check soil moisture; the top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again to maintain a healthy balance.
Environmental Factors
External conditions in the home environment can place stress on the spider plant, leading to browning even if watering practices are correct. Spider plants prefer moderate to high humidity levels. In the average heated or air-conditioned home, especially during winter, the air is often too dry, causing the plant to lose moisture too quickly through transpiration.
Low humidity results in the rapid drying and browning of the delicate leaf tips. Another environmental factor is improper light exposure. While spider plants enjoy bright conditions, direct, intense sunlight can scorch the foliage, leading to sudden, large patches of brown, crispy tissue.
Prevention and Maintenance
Water Management
Addressing water quality is a primary preventative measure for tip burn. Switching from tap water to distilled water, rainwater, or water collected from a dehumidifier eliminates the source of harmful minerals. If using tap water, allowing it to sit in an open container for 24 hours can help dissipate some chlorine, though this does not remove fluoride.
Salt and Mineral Buildup
To prevent salt accumulation from fertilizer, only feed the plant during the active growing season and consider diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. To remove existing mineral buildup in the soil, perform a process called leaching or flushing every few months. This involves thoroughly drenching the potting mix with a large volume of clean water, allowing the excess to drain completely to wash out accumulated salts.
Humidity and Trimming
To combat low humidity, several methods can increase the moisture in the air surrounding the foliage:
- Grouping plants together.
- Using a pebble tray with water.
- Employing a room humidifier.
Finally, brown tips will not turn green again because the tissue is dead. They should be trimmed carefully with sharp, clean scissors, following the natural curve of the leaf without cutting into the healthy green tissue.