8 Reasons Your Peace Lily Leaves Are Turning Brown (With Fixes)

It’s disappointing when you see your peace lily leaves turn brown. But there’s no need to panic though; most issues are fixable with a bit of know how.

But you need to figure out the reason for your peace lily becoming unhappy. Because brown leaves aren’t a good sign.

So in this guide I’ll take you through all the reasons why your peace lily might be struggling and how to help it thrive.

1. Inconsistent Watering

Watering is a balancing act. Peace lilies are particularly sensitive to irregular watering routines. So you’ve got to get it right to keep them happy.

Overwatering

Peace lilies don’t like their roots sitting in soggy soil. Overwatering can suffocate the roots, leading to root rot. Root rot can show up as brown, mushy tips on leaves.

Signs of Overwatering:

• Soil smells musty or sour.
• Leaves develop a mix of brown and yellow spots.
• Roots appear dark and mushy when inspected.

Fix:

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Always use a pot with drainage holes and make sure no water collects in the saucer.
• If root rot has set in, gently remove the plant from its pot, trim away affected roots and repot with fresh, well-draining soil.

Underwatering

If you’re too cautious with watering peace lilies may dry out. This can result in crispy brown tips and edges.

Signs of Underwatering:

• Leaves droop dramatically, then develop dry, brown edges.
• Soil pulls away from the edges of the pot indicating it’s bone dry.

Fix:

• Water thoroughly and be sure all the soil is moistened. Empty any excess water from the tray.
• Check your plant weekly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

2. Direct Sunlight Exposure

Peace lilies are shade-loving plants. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves causing brown patches or an overall dull appearance.

How Light Affects Peace Lilies:

• Too much light: Leaves develop brown spots and may curl.
• Too little light: Growth slows and leaves may yellow before browning.

Fix:

• Place your peace lily in bright, indirect light. North-facing windows or spots a few feet away from a sunny window work well.
• If natural light isn’t ideal use a grow light set to mimic indirect sunlight for 8–10 hours daily.

3. Low Humidity Levels

Peace lilies originate from humid tropical environments. When the air is too dry their leaf edges may brown and crisp.

Ideal Humidity Range:

Aim for a humidity level of 40–60%. Most homes, especially in winter, hover around 20–30% which is too dry.

Fix:

• Mist the leaves lightly with water every few days.
• Group your peace lily with other houseplants to create a microclimate.
• Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. And make sure the base of the pot doesn’t sit in water.
• Invest in a humidifier if dry air is a recurring issue.

4. Temperature Swings

Peace lilies thrive in consistent temperatures, ideally between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Drastic fluctuations can stress the plant and cause browning.

Common Temperature Triggers:

• Drafts from windows or doors.
• Proximity to heating vents or air conditioners.
• Sudden nighttime temperature drops.

Fix:

• Keep your plant in a stable environment away from direct drafts or extreme heat sources.
• If near a window then make sure the glass isn’t cold to the touch in winter.

5. Over Fertilization

Overzealous feeding can cause more harm than good. Too much fertilizer leads to salt buildup in the soil which burns the roots and causes brown leaf tips.

Signs of Over Fertilization:

• Crusty white residue on the soil’s surface.
• Rapid browning of tips even with proper watering.

Fix:

• Flush the soil with clean water to wash out excess salts. Repeat this monthly if you regularly fertilize.
• Reduce feeding to once every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 or similar).

6. Poor Water Quality

Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals that peace lilies don’t tolerate well. Over time these chemicals accumulate and damage the plant.

Symptoms:

• Brown, crispy leaf tips even with consistent care.
• Stunted growth and dull foliage.

Fix:

• Use distilled or rainwater whenever possible.
• If using tap water fill a container and let it sit uncovered for 24 hours before watering. This allows chemicals like chlorine to evaporate.

7. Pests

Though relatively pest-resistant peace lilies can occasionally fall victim to infestations. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids feed on the leaves, leaving behind brown spots or edges.

Identifying Pests:

Sticky residue (honeydew) or white, cottony masses on leaves are big signs. Also look for tiny bugs or webbing on the plant.

Fix:

• Isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading.
• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove visible pests.
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating weekly until pests are gone.

8. Aging Leaves

Not all browning is a sign of trouble. Older leaves naturally yellow and brown before falling off. This is part of the plant’s life cycle.

Fix:

• Trim dead or dying leaves with clean scissors to keep the plant tidy.
• Focus on maintaining healthy new growth rather than worrying about older leaves.

Bonus Tips

To make sure your peace lily stays lush and beautiful follow these extra tips:

Soil Matters

Use a well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat, perlite and regular potting soil works well.

Cleaning the Leaves

Dust can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and shiny.

Repotting

Peace lilies like to be slightly root-bound. But overcrowded roots can stress the plant. Repot every 1–2 years in a pot just 1–2 inches larger than the current one.

Troubleshooting Table

Final Thoughts

Browning leaves on a peace lily aren’t the end of the world. Once you understand the plant’s needs and tweaking your care routine you can restore it to its full glory.