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Brown tips are one of the most common Spider Plant complaints. Spider Plants are widely reported to be sensitive to fluoride and other salts in tap water, which can build up in the leaf tips over time. Low humidity, uneven watering and fertilizer buildup can all contribute too. A plant that is growing well and making babies tells you the light and general care are fine.
Things to try: switch to filtered, distilled or rain water if your tap water is hard or fluoridated. Letting tap water stand overnight lets chlorine escape but does not remove fluoride. Every so often, flush the soil by running plenty of water through the pot to wash out built-up salts. Water evenly, without letting the soil stay bone dry for long.
Existing brown tips will not turn green again. You can trim them with clean, sharp scissors, following the natural leaf shape and leaving a thin edge of brown so you do not cut into healthy tissue. New leaves should look better once the cause is addressed.
Things to try: switch to filtered, distilled or rain water if your tap water is hard or fluoridated. Letting tap water stand overnight lets chlorine escape but does not remove fluoride. Every so often, flush the soil by running plenty of water through the pot to wash out built-up salts. Water evenly, without letting the soil stay bone dry for long.
Existing brown tips will not turn green again. You can trim them with clean, sharp scissors, following the natural leaf shape and leaving a thin edge of brown so you do not cut into healthy tissue. New leaves should look better once the cause is addressed.
Plant Care Club
Mar 15, 2026