Brown Leaf Tips on Houseplants: Causes & Solutions

Two plants—one tall, one tabletop—get brown tips despite weekly watering. The tabletop plant wilts if not watered weekly.

Top Causes

1. Overwatering / no root breathing time: Roots need oxygen between waterings. Let soil dry appropriately.
2. Low humidity + heat vent: Dry air + hot draft = crispy tips.
3. Water quality: Fluoride/chlorine (esp. on dracaenas) or softened water (sodium). Let tap water sit 48 hrs to dissipate chlorine/fluoride; use rain/distilled/bottled water if softened.

Diagnose

Match symptoms to cause: if tips brown on many plants, suspect water or humidity. If only one plant, check its specific needs.