Why Your Peace Plant Has Brown Tips and How to Fix It

The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum, is a popular houseplant, admired for its elegant white spathes and deep green leaves. While considered low-maintenance, many owners become concerned when leaf tips turn brown. This common issue is rarely a sign of a serious disease and usually points to an imbalance in the plant’s environment or care routine. A few adjustments can restore the plant to health.

Common Causes of Brown Tips on Peace Plants

Improper watering is a frequent reason for brown tips. Overwatering is a primary culprit; when the soil is constantly saturated, roots are deprived of oxygen and can begin to rot. Damaged roots cannot absorb water and nutrients properly, leading to the leaf tips dying off. Conversely, allowing the soil to become bone-dry causes the plant to wilt and can result in crispy, brown tips.

Water quality is another significant factor. Peace lilies are sensitive to minerals and chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water. Over time, these substances can accumulate in the soil and burn the root system. This damage manifests as browning at the leaf tips as the plant struggles to transport moisture.

Peace lilies are native to tropical rainforests and thrive in high humidity. Most homes have much drier air, especially in winter when heating systems are running. This dry air causes moisture to evaporate from the leaves faster than the roots can supply it, leading to the characteristic brown tips.

Over-fertilizing can also be the problem. Too much fertilizer leads to a salt buildup in the soil that scorches the plant’s roots, preventing them from absorbing water. This damage often appears first on the leaf tips. Less commonly, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches or tips.

Treating Existing Brown Tips

The brown, dried tissue on leaves will not turn green again, so the best approach is to trim it away. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to prevent introducing pathogens to the plant. Make a clean cut just outside the brown area, leaving a thin margin of brown to avoid creating a new wound on the healthy leaf tissue. For a more natural look, follow the original pointed shape of the leaf as you trim.

If you suspect browning is due to salt accumulation from tap water or fertilizer, flushing the soil can help. Slowly pour a generous amount of distilled, filtered, or rainwater through the pot’s soil, allowing it to flow freely out of the drainage holes for several minutes. This process helps dissolve and carry away excess mineral salts built up around the roots.

How to Prevent Brown Tips in the Future

Proper watering is a primary part of prevention. Instead of using a strict schedule, check the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard any excess from the saucer. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater will prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals found in tap water.

Creating a more humid environment will also benefit your peace lily. You can increase humidity in several ways:

• Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
• Group it with other houseplants to raise the local humidity.
• Use a small room humidifier for a more controlled solution.
• Mist the leaves occasionally, but ensure there is good air circulation.

To avoid fertilizer burn, use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply this solution only during the spring and summer growing season, about once every six to eight weeks. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Ensure your plant is in the right location. Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, as direct, intense sunlight can scorch their leaves and lead to browning. An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is often ideal. Observing your plant’s response to its environment will help you make adjustments to keep its foliage lush and green.