Yellow & Brown Peace Lily Leaves: Causes & Fixes

Peace lily leaves should be long, dark green, and oval. When edges turn yellow or brown, the cause is almost always water-related—specifically, mineral buildup from tap water.

The Culprit: Dissolved Minerals

Hard water deposits calcium; softened water adds sodium. Both accumulate around roots, slowly suffocating the plant. White crust around drainage holes confirms mineral buildup.

The Fix: Flush & Switch

1. Flush thoroughly with bottled/distilled water until it runs freely from drainage holes—this dissolves and removes salts.
2. Going forward, water only with bottled, distilled, or rainwater.
3. Trim unsightly damaged leaves.

Recovery is usually quick. Consistent use of pure water prevents recurrence. (Under/overwatering can also cause browning, but mineral buildup is the most common indoor cause.)