Why are the tips of my spider plant turning brown?

If you chose this plant because it's notoriously easy to care for, you may feel disgruntled to be asking: why are the tips of my spider plant turning brown?

Spider plants are known for being among the best low-maintenance indoor plants, which makes them perfect for beginners. But unfortunately, no houseplant is entirely immune to issues.

If you've spotted brown tips, here's what's causing them and how you can alter your spider plant care regime to fix the problem.

6 reasons why the tips of your spider plant are turning brown

There are several potential reasons why this has happened. The good news is this issue is by no means terminal. A few minor adjustments should see your spider plant back to full health in no time. 

1. The environment is too dry

One of the benefits of spider plants is that they're easy indoor plants. But if you've noticed the tips of your spider plant turning brown, it could be caused by your plant being too dry. 

'This is known as 'tip burn' and is often a result of dry environments (either not enough humidity or not watering the plant enough),' explains houseplant expert Holly Crossley.

You can take steps to boost humidity, such as repositioning your spider plant to be used as a bathroom plant or kitchen plant. Standing it on a tray of pebbles also works, as does grouping it together with other humidity loving plants. 

A regular misting is also a good idea. Try this plastic-free option Better Homes & Gardens Clear Glass Planter Mister at Walmart.

Holly Crossley

Holly is a former allotment keeper and professional gardener. She now spends her time tending to her many houseplants and writing about gardens and outdoor living for Homes & Gardens.

2. You've been overwatering it

Be sure to know when to water a spider plant, as excessive watering can cause problems too, including browning tips.

'Spider plants typically only need to be watered about once a week. To ensure you are adequately watering your spider plant make sure about 50-70% of the soil is dry between waterings,' says Alex Kantor, owner at Perfect Plants nursery.

Alex Kantor

Alex has worked in the horticultural industry for over 20 years. Alex is an expert on landscape trees, shrubs, and indoor plants. He is passionate about growing and helping others learn the trade. 

3. A chemical build up

If you've been watering your plant with tap water, this can cause a buildup of salts, minerals, and other chemicals, which results in brown tips on the leaves of your spider plant.

Holly Crossley advises: 'It's a good idea to flush out your spider plant from time to time with rainwater, or distilled water, ensuring it properly drains out the bottom of the pot.'

Generally speaking, plants prefer to be watered with rainwater rather than tap water. So keeping a rain barrel for rainwater harvesting is beneficial for use on indoor plants as well as for the backyard.

Or you can water plants with distilled water. Water from a kettle, which has previously been boiled and cooled down, can be used to water plants.

4. Too much fertilizer

'Fertilizing your spider plants can make them grow faster and stronger. But, as is often the case, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. Over-fertilizing plants can lead to brown tips,' says Holly Crossley.

'Feed your plant with a diluted, water-soluble solution during the growing season only (spring–summer). Depending on the type of fertilizer used, this can be done every two weeks to once every three months or so – follow the instructions on the label of your chosen product. Just remember: underfeeding these plants is better than overdoing it,' she explains.

5. Your spider plant has root rot

This is when your plant becomes pot bound – you'll see roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom – and is difficult to water as a result.

The process to fix this is simple, however. Holly's method is to gently prize the plant from the pot and replant it in a new, slightly larger container at the same depth, in fresh potting soil. 

'As these plants tend to be fast growers, you may need to do this annually,' says Holly. 

It's possible to propagate a spider plant by division. So take the opportunity when repotting them if you want to expand your house plant collection for free.

6. Sunlight has scorched the leaves

Part of what makes spider plants such popular houseplants is the fact that they can thrive in most light conditions. They work as low light indoor plants as well as sitting happily in a brightly lit room.

The one thing they can't tolerate however, is direct sunlight. Keeping your plant in direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, meaning they can start to go brown. So it's a good idea to move your plant away from south-facing windows. 

FAQs

Despite the issue of brown tips, the spider plant still sits at the low maintenance end of the indoor plant care spectrum. A few tweaks to your care regime are all that's needed to fix most issues relating to spider plants. And brown tips can be snipped off as they appear without damaging your plant.