Spider plants are often celebrated as one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
They thrive on neglect, adapt to a variety of conditions, and reward you with lush, arching leaves and adorable baby spiderettes.
But if you’ve had one for a while, chances are you’ve noticed brown, crispy tips on the leaves.
However, this is a very common issue and it doesn’t mean your spider plant is doomed. Brown tips are more of a cosmetic problem than a death sentence.
Still, understanding why they happen and what you can do about them will keep your plant looking healthier and more vibrant.
Spider plants are especially sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, which are found in most municipal tap water.
Over time, these substances build up in the soil, and the damage shows up as brown edges or tips on the leaves.
If you’ve been faithfully watering with tap water and the tips keep browning, your plant may be telling you it wants something purer.
Feeding your spider plant is important, but too much fertilizer can actually cause harm.
Excess fertilizer salts linger in the soil and dry out the roots, which stresses the plant and results in browning.
You’ll sometimes notice a white crust on the soil surface, that’s a clear sign of salt buildup.
Spider plants appreciate moderate humidity.
In winter, when heaters dry out indoor air, or in summer with constant air conditioning, the leaves lose moisture faster than the roots can supply it.
The result is crispy, brown tips. This problem shows up most often in dry climates or tightly climate-controlled homes.
Both underwatering and inconsistent watering can stress a spider plant. If the soil dries out completely too often, the leaves suffer first at the tips.
On the other hand, overwatering can suffocate roots, but this usually shows up as yellowing leaves rather than browning tips.
Spider plants grow quickly and often outgrow their pots. When the roots become crowded, water and nutrients don’t circulate properly.
You may notice the plant dries out quickly after watering or that roots are circling the inside of the pot.
This stress can cause leaf tips to turn brown even if everything else seems right.
One of the easiest fixes is to change your water source. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater works wonders for spider plants.
If you can’t get those, even letting tap water sit out overnight helps reduce chlorine levels, though it won’t remove fluoride.
If fertilizer or salts have built up, flushing the soil will help.
To do this, take your spider plant to a sink and slowly pour fresh water through the pot until it drains out the bottom. You need to repeat a couple of times.
This rinses away the buildup that causes stress. You should do this every few months if you fertilize regularly.
Adding humidity can be simple. Try placing your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, the evaporating moisture boosts humidity around the leaves.
Grouping plants together or using a small humidifier also works well.
Even occasional misting with clean water can help, especially during dry winter months.
Spider plants don’t like extremes. You should let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again, and avoid letting the soil stay bone-dry for long stretches.
Consistency is what your plant craves. Once you find the right rhythm, those leaf tips will start looking better.
You need to check your plant’s roots every year or so. If they’re tightly circling the pot or popping out of the drainage holes, it’s time to move up one pot size.
Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix. This not only relieves stress but also refreshes nutrients in the soil.
The best way to keep brown tips at bay is to be proactive. Keep watering consistent, and choose a clean water source whenever possible.
Fertilize lightly, about once a month in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Don’t overdo it.
Refresh the soil every 1-2 years to prevent buildup, and trim away any brown tips with clean scissors to keep your plant looking neat.
See also: Top 10 Secrets to Growing the Biggest, Healthiest Spider Plants
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