Pothos Brown Tips: Why They Happen and How to Fix Them

The appearance of brown, crispy tips on the leaves of a pothos plant is a frequent issue for indoor gardeners. While concerning, this browning is rarely a sign of a fatal problem and instead indicates an imbalance in the plant’s care or environment. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward correcting the issue and restoring the plant to full health.

Common Causes of Brown Tips on Pothos

Watering Imbalances

The most frequent reason for browning leaf tips on a pothos is related to moisture, from either too much or too little water. Underwatering causes the soil to become excessively dry, forcing the plant to pull moisture from its extremities to survive. This causes the leaf tips to dry out, turn brown, and become brittle or crispy to the touch.

Conversely, overwatering can lead to root rot when perpetually saturated soil deprives the roots of oxygen. Damaged or rotting roots cannot absorb water and nutrients effectively, which mimics the symptoms of underwatering. With overwatering, however, the brown areas are softer or mushy, and the adjacent leaf tissue may turn yellow. To properly assess the situation, check the soil by inserting a finger about two inches deep; if it feels damp, wait longer before watering.

Environmental Stress

Pothos plants are native to tropical regions and thrive in warm, humid conditions. When placed in a home with dry air from heating or air conditioning, the lack of ambient moisture can cause the leaf tips to brown. Dry air causes the plant to lose moisture from its leaves faster than its roots can absorb it, and this deficit is most visible at the leaf tips.

Exposure to incorrect light levels can also create stress. While pothos are known for their tolerance of lower light, too much direct sunlight will scorch their leaves. Sunburn appears as brown, dry patches or crispy tips on the leaves most exposed to the intense light. Moving the plant to a location where it receives bright, but indirect, sunlight can prevent this damage.

Water and Nutrient Issues

The quality of the water used can directly impact pothos health. Tap water can contain minerals, salts, and chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that are harmful to the plant. Over time, these substances accumulate in the soil and are transported to the leaves, causing a toxic buildup at the tips that results in browning, a condition called “tip burn.”

Similarly, applying too much fertilizer can cause chemical burn on the foliage. An excess of nutrient salts builds up in the soil and damages the root system, inhibiting its ability to absorb water. The result is brown, scorched-looking leaf tips and edges, a clear sign that the feeding schedule needs to be adjusted.

Treating Affected Leaves and Stems

Once you have identified the cause of the brown tips, you can address the existing damage. For aesthetic reasons, you can carefully trim the brown, dried-out portions of the leaves. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors and sterilize the blades with rubbing alcohol before you begin to prevent the spread of pathogens.

You can follow the natural shape of the leaf as you trim, leaving a very thin margin of the brown edge to avoid cutting into the healthy, green tissue. If a leaf is more than half brown or appears unhealthy, it is better to remove the entire leaf. Trace the leaf’s stem back to the main vine and snip it off at the base, which allows the plant to redirect its energy toward new growth.

If you suspect overwatering is the culprit, inspect the roots for rot. Gently slide the plant out of its pot to examine the root ball. Healthy pothos roots are firm and white or light tan. If you discover roots that are black, mushy, and have a foul odor, root rot has set in.

Using your sterile scissors, trim away all affected roots. Repot the plant in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil to give it a chance to recover.

Preventative Care for Healthy Growth

Establishing a consistent care routine is the most effective way to prevent brown tips. Instead of watering on a fixed schedule, water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.

To counteract dry indoor air, take steps to increase the humidity around your pothos. Grouping it with other plants can create a more humid microclimate. Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a small amount of water is another effective method; as the water evaporates, it will increase the ambient humidity. Using a small room humidifier nearby can also provide consistent moisture.

Using the right water and a careful fertilizing strategy also supports long-term health. If you suspect your tap water is high in minerals, switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater. When it comes to nutrients, it is better to under-feed than to over-feed. During the spring and summer growing season, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month, and avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when growth slows.