Spider plants are generally one of the easiest plants to care for. But you can still encounter problems with them.
You might find that your once thriving spider plant starts to show brown tips. Those crispy edges can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve done everything right.
So let’s help you find the reason your getting those brown tips and the ways on which you can get your spider plant back to full health.
1. Too Much or Too Little Watering
Watering is probably the most common reason your spider plant has brown tips. While they’re usually quite forgiving they do have their preferences.
How Overwatering Hurts Your Plant
When you overwater the roots can’t get the oxygen they need which leads to root rot and stressing the plant. This can cause brown tips and even whole sections of leaves to turn yellow or brown.
Signs of Underwatering
But at the other end of the scale underwatering will leave your spider plant parched. Its leaves will start to crisp up especially at the tips.
How to Fix It:
- Water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
- Water less frequently in winter when the plant is dormant.
2. Fluoride or Chlorine in Tap Water
Spider plants are a bit sensitive to chemicals in tap water, especially fluoride and chlorine. These chemicals can build up in the soil over time and also cause the brown tips.
How to Fix It:
- Use distilled water or rainwater to water your spider plant.
- Let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it. This allows chlorine to evaporate.
3. Low Humidity
Spider plants generally like higher humidity. If your indoor air is dry, especially in winter when the heating is on, your spider plant will start to show brown tips.
How to Fix It:
- Increase humidity by misting the plant regularly.
- Place a humidifier nearby.
- Group plants together to create a mini-humid environment.
4. Salt Build-Up in the Soil
Salts can accumulate in the soil from fertilizers or even tap water. Over time this build up can lead to browning at the leaf tips.
How to Fix It:
- Flush the soil by running water through the pot for several minutes. Do this about once a month.
- Use a balanced fertilizer and dilute it to half strength.
5. Too Much Direct Sunlight
While spider plants like bright light too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. If your spider plant sits in a sunny window the tips of its leaves might burn and turn brown.
How to Fix It:
- Move your spider plant to a location with bright, indirect light.
- If natural light is limited consider using a grow light.
6. The Wrong Pot Size
The size of your pot can affect your spider plant’s health, as strange as it sounds. Spider plants like to be a bit root bound but if the pot is too small or too large it can cause stress.
How to Fix It:
- Repot your spider plant every 1-2 years into a pot that’s only slightly larger.
- Make sure the new pot has good drainage.
7. Temperature Issues
Spider plants prefer moderate temperatures. If they’re exposed to drafts, sudden temperature changes or just kept in a room that’s too hot or too cold their leaves may suffer.
Ideal Temperature Range:
- Day: 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C)
- Night: 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C)
How to Fix It:
- Keep your spider plant away from drafty windows, doors and heating vents.
- Avoid placing it near air conditioners or radiators.
8. Pests
Spider plants are relatively resistant to pests but they’re not immune. If you see brown tips, especially alongside other symptoms like yellowing or spots on the leaves, pests might well be the culprit.
Common Spider Plant Pests:
- Spider mites: Look for tiny webs on the undersides of leaves.
- Aphids: Small, green insects often found on new growth.
- Mealybugs: Cotton-like clusters on stems or leaves.
How to Fix It:
- Wipe the leaves with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for more severe infestations.
9. Fertilizer Burn
Too much fertilizer can actually harm your spider plant but they do like a little. Over-fertilizing can cause salts to build up in the soil leading to brown tips.
How to Fix It:
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Skip feeding in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
How to Maintain a Healthy Spider Plant
Now that you know the main reasons your spider plant might have brown tips let’s talk about how to keep it thriving in the long term.
Watering Routine
Spider plants prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. But be careful as they don’t like being completely dried out.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry but make sure you’re not letting the soil get bone dry, especially during their growing season.
- Summer: Water more frequently, usually once a week.
- Winter: Reduce watering to once every 10-14 days.
Light Requirements
Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can handle lower light conditions but they won’t grow as quickly. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Ideal Light Conditions:
- North or east-facing windows are perfect.
- If you’re using artificial lights make sure they’re not too close to the plant.
Soil and Potting Mix
Spider plants like well draining soil. A standard potting mix with some added perlite or sand works well.
Soil Mix Recipe:
- 2 parts standard potting soil
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
Humidity Levels
If you live in a dry area, especially during winter, consider ways to increase the humidity around your plant.
Ways to Increase Humidity:
- Place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
- Run a humidifier nearby.
- Mist the plant a few times a week.
Fertilizer Tips
Spider plants don’t need much fertilizer and too much can cause problems like brown tips. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
Troubleshooting Table: Quick Fixes for Brown Tips
| Problem | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatering | Yellow leaves, mushy roots | Let soil dry out, repot if necessary |
| Underwatering | Dry, crispy tips | Water more regularly |
| Chemical Sensitivity | Brown tips despite regular care | Use distilled or rainwater |
| Low Humidity | Brown tips, especially in winter | Increase humidity with a humidifier or misting |
| Salt Build-Up | Brown tips, slow growth | Flush soil with water monthly |
| Too Much Sun | Scorched, brown patches | Move to indirect light |
| Temperature Fluctuations | Drooping, brown tips | Keep in a stable temperature environment |
| Pests | Brown tips, visible bugs or webs | Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
Final Thoughts
Spider plants are resilient. But they need the right conditions to look their best.
From watering practices to the quality of light and soil every little detail can make a difference. So if you’ve noticed brown tips hopefully this guide has helped you to pinpoint the cause and bring your spider plant back to proper health.